Metal tank woes...

[MattDragontamer]

Yep, so I bought this tank on ebay a while back... $80 sounds like a good deal eh?
Well, its turning out to be not so much a great deal...
After a week of cleaning the varnish cake out of the tank, i finally got around to blasting the exterior.
Used a heat gun and a scrapper to get the decal off...

Here is the clean up results... So the plan is to give it a few coats of primer and then Por15 the inside.
If you have a better idea, let me know...

[fabiodriven]

Not something I've personally ever done, but I'd probably use some JB Weld as Bondo on that one first.

[pipeline triker]

You need to solder up the larger holes or the liner will show threw the painted finish and have week spots. I use solder because it files easy but braze works fine to.

[blue27]

I had one repaired on a Z50 and the shop used lead, but solder sounds like a good way also. It will have to be something you can smoothout then skin coat with filler before paint. And will have to coat the inside also.

[fabiodriven]

Yup, soldering definitely sounds like a good way to go to me.

[jb2wheels]

Looking at 1st gen 70 tanks on ebay, etc, $80 for that still sounds like a good deal.

Seems like a strange spot to rust out, though? How's the bottom?

Regardless, it will turn out great!

[lokisbuddy]

I would perswonally braze them but there's more than one way to skin a cat.

[MattDragontamer]

So I will be trying the JB Weld method first. Reasons be that it is easy to work with, sandable and minimal risk. Here is the results after the basic spread. I used a bondo spreader to smooth it out.

I am pretty sure i won't be able to powdercoat the tank because of this. If someone knows otherwise let me know.

[fabiodriven]

I don't know how the JB Weld will do in the oven, but it wouldn't surprise me to learn that it will be ok. That stuff has amazed me so many times. People always give me looks when I mention JB Weld to them, like it's cutting corners or something. I've used it more times than I can remember and I cannot recall a time it has let me down.

[blue27]

I heard this works, I do not know about JB weld http://www.alvinproducts.com/Products/Products.asp?id=1

[jays375]

Caswell Tank sealer works great on problems like that.Should be okay with the POR on the inside.Definately seal it.What you can't see may cause a problem in the future.Personally would get the Caswell since I have used it and it performs well.

[John jr]

So I will be trying the JB Weld method first. Reasons be that it is easy to work with, sandable and minimal risk. Here is the results after the basic spread. I used a bondo spreader to smooth it out.

I am pretty sure i won't be able to powdercoat the tank because of this. If someone knows otherwise let me know.

I used J B Weld on the last 73 tank I did, Before I sealed my tank with Red Kote. I had about 30 holes in it. And my powder coater used J B weld to touch up the last frame he did for me before he powder coated it. Only problem I see is you'll have to put your tank sealer in after powder coat, because of the heat. Could be a little messy.

[nstyle73]

Personally I have soldered a tank before. Brazing can distort the metal. Just my experience, that worked out well in my opinion.

[El Camexican]

I wonder if it could be hot dip galvanized? I'm guessing it would fill pits up and MAYBE the smaller holes. My fear would be it distorting and then it would need a lot of sanding and a special primer before painting. Testing would be needed first on a less valued tank.

[Dirtcrasher]

WOW!! I've never seen one like it, that's Swiss Cheesed!! Usually I just throw away metal tanks; Prior owners hack the heck out of them!

Yes, solder or braise it but keep the heat low....