31 gas tank baffle repair

[fundytides]

Some of the baffles are loose and rusted in my 31 Roadster gas tank. Looking for advice on the best way to open the tank. It looks to me like the top is crimped on. What's the best way to remove and reinstall the top without running the risk of creating leaks? I assume the damaged baffles will be easy to make up and spot weld into place. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process.

[Bob C]

Here is a picture I think Brent posted.

Bob

[2manycars]

The top is not crimped on,it is seam welded. I repaired one by cutting openings in the front, where it fits against the firewall and will never be seen. After welding up the baffles, I welded the openings closed and sealed the tank. The repair is not visible after the tank is re installed behind the firewall.

[fundytides]

Bob/Bill. Thanks for the picture and information. I had seen the picture and had considered cutting openings in the front as Bill suggested. Are the baffles welded to the front of the tank or will I just be able to cut and remove a large section of the front so that I can repair the baffles, clean the tank and weld the cut-out section back in place?

[2manycars]

As I remember, the baffles are spot welded to the front of the tank. I cut 3 openings, to avoid ruining the spot welds. Here are some photos I found of the job, from 10 years ago. As you can see, the repair does not show when the tank is installed.

[fundytides]

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Great pictures Bill! You sure have a nice looking truck. Hope my Roadster looks that good when I'm done. Is there anything you would do differently if you were doing a tank again. What did you use to get rid of the rust? It looks like you can't really get at all of the inside surface of the tank from the three holes. Thanks for the help

[loubob]

I sent my tank to Moyer's Tanks Inc. in Greensburg,Pa. in early January of this year.

Their # is 1-800-328-9550. Ask for Jim Prinkey. He will gladly explain the entire process to you. Great guy and he did a great job with my tank!

He sent me 32 pics during the process and described each one.

Bob H.

[2manycars]

Originally Posted by fundytides

Great pictures Bill! You sure have a nice looking truck. Hope my Roadster looks that good when I'm done. Is there anything you would do differently if you were doing a tank again. What did you use to get rid of the rust? It looks like you can't really get at all of the inside surface of the tank from the three holes. Thanks for the help

I restored that truck for a customer. I sandblasted the inside of the tank and baffles, then welded in repair patches to the baffles, then welded on patches slightly larger than the holes that I had cut to do the repair. It worked fine for me, and I would do it again like that. Your mileage may vary.

[fundytides]

Bob, Thanks for the contact name but I am in Canada and shipping would be prohibitive. Bill, sounds like a plan. I have a friend who owns a welding company so I think I will cut the sections out like you did, have it vapor blasted by a guy that has done other work for me and then have everything repaired and welded as you did. I'll probably coat it with tank sealer when all is done.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by fundytides

Bob, Thanks for the contact name but I am in Canada and shipping would be prohibitive. Bill, sounds like a plan. I have a friend who owns a welding company so I think I will cut the sections out like you did, have it vapor blasted by a guy that has done other work for me and then have everything repaired and welded as you did. I'll probably coat it with tank sealer when all is done.

Just cut it thru the factory welds, make the repairs, and then reweld back together. Almost undetectable when done that way. Plus, if you need to media blast the inside, it is much easier to do from the top vs. the side.

[fundytides]

Brent, Thanks for the advice. I'm going to see my welder tomorrow to get it opened up.