How can I remove old gas tank sealer?

[1931stdcoupe]

I need to remove old gas tank sealer to do some repairs on my tank. I have no idea what type or brand the sealer is. Any ideas?
Thanks, Joe in NH

[Phil Brown]

You might try some MEK or acetone to see if it dissolves or softens the coating. The only other way might be to cut the top off of the tank and a good blasting and scraping. What kind of repairs does it need ?

[1931stdcoupe]

The steering column support had come loose from the tank and needs to be re-soldered.
I dont intend to use that support, I will use the later support that mounts to the dash rail.
I'm just afraid that when I hit the tank to re-solder, it will make a mess in the bottom of the tank with the tank sealer....

[Brentwood Bob]

No simple fix.

[Pete]

The fix involves removing the tank, taking it to a stripper and having it pickled.

[Dr Foot]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If the tank does't leak, leave the existing brace in place and just add the dash mount bracket.

[rotorwrench]

Acetone seems to be the best solvent for the most common type of sealer. It will take more than a few gallons to do the whole tank.

Removing corrosion is a time consuming job and best done by cutting around the original seam to separate the top from the bottom. This required carefully welding to rejoin the halves.

[Gene F]

I hate to say this, but isn't there a supplier that makes gas tanks to order? Since you have one, they could copy what you have. What about fitting a poly tank in there? What kind of car?

I have a streetrod that has a poly tank. I bought the car with it installed. They are not cheap plastic as I previously thought.

[1931stdcoupe]

Thank you to all that replied.
Does anybody out ther have a really nice 30--early 31 tank they will sell?
Joe in NH

[updraught]

Originally Posted by Pete

The fix involves removing the tank, taking it to a stripper and having it pickled.

Our tank pickler here said the sealer needs to be burnt out, and ... good luck with that.

[spdway1]

I have bought a few tanks from Bert's in CO. and had them shipped here to Mass. Steve is of great help!

[spdway1]

Originally Posted by Gene F

I hate to say this, but isn't there a supplier that makes gas tanks to order? Since you have one, they could copy what you have. What about fitting a poly tank in there? What kind of car?

I have a streetrod that has a poly tank. I bought the car with it installed. They are not cheap plastic as I previously thought.

Does the poly tank burn/melt when you re-weld the original tank back together? I would be interested to see this...post the link.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 1931stdcoupe

I need to remove old gas tank sealer to do some repairs on my tank. I have no idea what type or brand the sealer is. Any ideas?
Thanks, Joe in NH

We use a 15% mixture of Sodium Hydroxide heated to around 190°-200° to soften/dissolve it. It will still need to be scraped out in certain areas due to the thickness of the sealer, ...and then we use media to remove the remaining traces of the sealer.

[Oldbluoval]

Brent.. you’re above procedure is obviously after a tank has been cut open?
Seems like above posts about “burn out” of a tank would ruin several solder joints on the tank?