Overflow tank repair

pineyMember

So, my overflow tank had the bottom rusted through. I think I´m going to replace my tanks with a couple of stainless steel dittos. But, while deciding on that, and waiting for a possible delivery, I decided to try and fix the old one. (I always get inspired when I see all the awesome bodywork done by the pros on this forum! I would love to be able to do that stuff myself.)

Got myself a TIG welder some years ago, that I never really started using. I got it in a state of hubris, thinking I could weld a 2.5" SS exhaust in a couple of days, haha, or something.

Anyway, this tank seemed like a nice little beginner´s project. I have used a lot of googling and YouTube videos to get going. But, like with any skill, it´s about trying and getting over the fear of the unknown, and doing it over and over.

First I sawed off the bottom part:

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6/26/151:18 PM

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pineyMember

And here´s the rusty bottom, with the little nipple(?) sawed off as well:

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6/26/151:20 PM

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pineyMember

From some sheet metal I cut out a piece to match the opening:

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6/26/151:21 PM

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pineyMember

Cleaned things up and put on a little weight, to keep things from moving while trying to lay down some tack welds

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6/26/151:23 PM

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pineyMember

I´ll spare you the details of my pathetic welding attempts, but after a lot of burnt through holes and fixing that, and going over it again, etc, the result actually "looks" ok

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6/26/151:26 PM

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pineyMember

First question - does it leak? Yes, of course!
Not much, but it sure is seeping through in some places. I might try to some "chemical metal" to fix that. Next to do is drilling a hole and welding the "nipple" (or whatever it´s called).

To be continued...

6/26/151:30 PM

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johnnywoodsMember

Looks good. I like anyone who repairs stuff rather than buying new. I love the challenge of repairing stuff that shouldn't be repaired.

Dont even think about chemical metal! That's for people who dont own a welder - you own a TIG welder!

To find any leaks attach the repaired tank to your compressor and put 10-15 PSI in it. Then paint washing up liquid over the weld. The bubbles will show the leaks. Mark them with a pen and then clean the washing up liquid off with hot water to make sure it does not contaminate your weld. Weld over the holes and test again.

For TIG welding everything must be super clean. When you weld the small pipe back on drill the hole after you have welded it. That way you have less chance of blowing a hole in the base metal.

Johnny

6/26/153:03 PM

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jfb05177Member

thank, for sharing. I wish I was as talented!
I would like some work done to mine, but I think the postage to you might be the problem

6/26/154:18 PM

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pineyMember

Thank you guys!

And a big thanks to Johnny for the great tips.
You´re the man!

Ok, I´ll forget about the chemical metal - for now

Cheers
Martin

6/28/151:32 PM

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panteradougMember

I had the main pressure tank hole through due to rust when I took it to get chromed. They leaded it, then chromed it.

That was 29 years ago. It still shows no further indication of corrosion, holds pressure and is still going strong.

Just my experience. Yours may vary. Mine was a simpler and easier fix then welding it considering the issue of possibly more thin metal in the tank and continuing to hole through while attempting to weld it?

6/28/157:28 PM

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pineyMember

quote:
Mine was a simpler and easier fix then welding it

You´re most likely correct

But I enjoy a good challenge!

Cheers
Martin

7/2/151:12 PM

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pineyMember

Follow-up:

Fixed the leaks.
When getting ready to weld the pipe, I couldn´t find the darn thing. I blame the kids for my carelessness. So I had to buy a new similar one, here worked on to fit the tank´s radius.