Replacement metal gas tanks

[Jbo_c]

Is there a source for new or a new alternative? Or is buying a pull-off the only real option? Just picked up a 122 that had a plastic tank zip tied in place and the OLD repair on my 126 tank just started to leak.

If old or repair is the only option, is there a truly effective long term sealing option? (Preferably DIY.)

Thanks.

Jbo

[J-Mech]

Used is the only option unless you find an NOS one. Don't worry, there are plenty of good tanks out there.

If one has a leak, evacuate the vapors and solder the holes.

[rwairforce]

" evacuate the vapors and solder the holes"

Super suggestion, especially the evacuate part. The first one I ever fixed, I dumped the tank, cleaned it, filled it and dumped it with water about 3 times and when I hit it with the torch I about evacuated myself.
A real nice very surprising evacuation with flame assist occurred.
How do you properly evacuate a fuel tank before soldering?

Thanks. after the scare the fix went well.

[J-Mech]

I wash the tank out with Dawn (and water), then use a small shop vac set to blow, put the hose in the tank. I also sit them in the sun while drying the water out of the tank, while using the vac. If I don't think it's clear, I do it again. Don't suck the vapor with the shop vac. I repeat, set it to BLOW into the tank.

[rwairforce]

Thanks Jonathan! I like getting the "how to" from an experienced guy. Somehow it seems to makes sense and may save a good deal of burning arm hair, eyebrows, etc.

[cooperino]

The safest way once washed is to use a hose connected to the tailpipe of a running car. The carbon monoxide won't allow any left over vapor to ignite. An friend of mine "guy owned a shop up the street from mine" Blew up his building and killed himself fixing a tank out of a car. Be very careful even if you think you have all the fuel out of a tank.

Edit.. Just thinking of this gives me chills.. Really hits home.

If you have never done this type of repair do yourself a favor. Bring it to a radiator shop. Most radiator shops will fix it for you. They have dunk tanks and can make it safe to weld. Then either let them fix it or take it and try yourself..

[twoton]

This is how I repaired one of my metal tanks;

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...593#post455593

[sawdustdad]

I used Red Kote on my 72's tank. It had a bunch of pinhole leaks. It worked great, and has been leak free for 5 years now.

Some dry ice in the tank is one way to prevent combustion..

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by sawdustdad

I used Red Kote on my 72's tank. It had a bunch of pinhole leaks. It worked great, and has been leak free for 5 years now.

Some dry ice in the tank is one way to prevent combustion..

Yup! solid carbon dioxide, That will do it also