Cracked Gas Tank...now what?

[rennch]

Well, I got my car back from the body shop, and in the process of getting the front end (almost) back to spec, they opened up a crack in the gas tank that had been previously sealed. I have four options at this point:

1. Get a replacement (early) gas tank.
2. Get a later model (bigger tank, but with baffles...good for starvation issues when racing) 21+ gallon tank.
3. Fuel Cell. (Pricey)
4. Somehow fix my existing tank. It looks like it had been sealed with something before, and that seal broke when they stretched it.

What's the going rate for tanks these days?

Thanks for the opinions.

mto

[Neilk]

Call DART and ask them about a used tank. They are in the Denver area.

[echrisconnor]

The problems never seem to end. Where is it leaking? I've seen tank sealer for temporary replacements, not sure how well they work though. If it's a seam, you could proably pull the tank and have it welded (not a good learning to weld project).

Are you still considering the roller for swapping all your parts into?

c

[doozer]

I have an 84 tank in my shop i could part with..

[rennch]

Yes Chris...the hits keep on coming! I'm looking to buy a roller from a Pelicanite. Just need the funds right now to finalize it. It's a 71 shell in good shape. I called DART, and they are checking on a tank for me. Doozer...how much do you want for your 84 tank? You can PM me or send the info to porscheparts at whirledmedia dot com

[jpnovak]

Why not flush and weld it?

[rennch]

Jamie....not out of the realm of possiblity. What's the procedure? I'm not really a welder (yet), and I'd hate to blow myself up my first time out of the gates. Besides, if I can get one for $100, I'd just as soon do that.

[doozer]

You can weld it ( have someone who welds WELL weld it ) you just have to strip the undercoat off , drain it clean it with something like marine clean, some people treat it with dryice blast, then weld, PRESSURE TEST, prime, undercoat reinstall.

I have done it on a 914 - it is fun if you like that sort of thing

[rennch]

That was my thought too Noah. Looks like the going rate is $75-$150. Doozer has one in Texas that looks to be a good deal, and I have two places checking on them locally for me.

[doozer]

emptyo - you are first in line on the 84 tank

[rennch]

Todd, my zip is 80304 if you need it to calculate shipping.

Thanks!

[doozer]

I will try to weigh it tonight

Anyone know what these things weigh?????

[rennch]

Wow Todd...that IS a bastardo of a car you have there.

[doozer]

Mui Bastardo! - But it is fun!!

Thanks!

[Evans, Marv]

Just an FYI on welding a gas tank. Many years ago, a guy I knew attempted to weld a gas tank to repair it. He emptied it, filled it with water, washed & sloshed it out with some kind of detergent & filled it again a couple of times with water. He let it dry out and when he tried to repair it, the residual fumes still in the tank ignited & blew a flame from the fill pipe burning his arm. After that I never would trust applying that much heat to a fuel tank. If you decide to weld on it, be careful.

[rennch]

Yea Marv...I hear that. I really wanted a later model one anyway. I'll probably just get a new/used one, flush it, possibly sandblast it, paint it, and call it a day. I'll happily sell it cheaply or donate it to someone else who really wants to weld it.

Mike (who wants to keep his arm hairs intact) in Boulder.

[doozer]

That is what the Marine Clean and dry ice blasting is for - gets all the fumes.

Also pull out any foam blocks

[KobaltBlau]

when did the baffles get added? '74?

[rennch]

Whenever they went to the big tank, I think. Or...it might have been for the CIS. I"m not quite sure.

[rdane]

FWIW I have a nice one I just pulled from my '79 I'll sell cheap..