welding an aluminum fuel tank
 

hello all. i'm in the process of restoring an old pantera.

i removed the original aluminum "belly" tank and i've found several small areas of corrosion. not all the way through but close. they are smaller than a dime in size.

otherwise the tank is in great shape and i'd like to have the areas welded up instead of buying a whole new tank.

is this possible? is it a good idea? if so, does anyone know where i can have it done near cleveland ohio?

thanks, rob.

fixx
 

can it be done ? yes will it last probably not..aluminum is vary pores and it attracts all dirt.it being in a boat you probably have all types of minerals embedded in the aluminum which will make it very difficult to weld..your safest and best bet would be to have a new fuel tank made up..then have it coal tar coated and nothing will disturb the aluminum..

just make sure you fill it w argon. that will keep the inside of the welds from oxidizing - it will also keep the tank from exploding.

mc

lots of new tanks at the liquidators stores, like the marine connection etc...

I would look into purchasing a new one also. If you found areas that you thought were questionable...I bet there are other areas that are almost bad that seem to look decent right now. I'd hate to see you repair this tank..take the time to re-install everything...then have it leak a few months, or a year or so later. Then you'd be tearing everything apart AGAIN...and punching yourself in the sac for not buying a new tank to begin with. :drink:

where is the best place to buy a tank guys? anywhere in the midwest?

You can probably call up Pantera and have them get you in touch with the company that more then likely built the current tank. They will have all the plans and everything! They built the tanks for about all the manufacturers.

Jon

where you fix today...will fail somewhere else soon...once they get going...it's done...don't waste your time & $$

luthers welding in bristol ri they have made tanks for me nice work

What about doing an epoxy coating on outside and reinstall?