Anyone ever built a gas tank?

It's 11"W x 6"D x 8"H. Pretty much rectangular. Replacement part no longer available. Freight across the border would probably add $50.

I could buy some special, gas resistant polyester resin ($70) and form a new one out of fibreglass. I have a welder but no bottle for Stainless Steel - $120.

Anyone ever built one? Do you need to use Stainless Steel? Any other ideas?

Tracy, love the fiberglass idea. Story I got from my industrial resins supplier is that gas WILL cut fiberglass, especially stale gas. (a consideration for a garden tractor). Should I believe him? And will it break down in my lifetime? I would like the glass to be reinforced - a body filler might work better. I'm thinking about this idea - have you ever tried it?

I'm leaning towards s/s. I need the welding practice! The original has "dished" ends and is seam-welded. would you just "butt" the corners together at right angles, tack and weld? Or is there some other folding trick that makes it easier to weld?

Just butt and weld, but try to half your corners so there is a shelf to lay weld in. Or leave about 1/16 of an inch overlap for the weld to lay on also. Good luck with the ss, I have used regular flat stock and had the tank still lasting.

What ever you do, just do it right:^)

Good luck
Dave

Go buy a 4x4 piece of mild steel flat stock(.125 thou or .0625thou 1/8 or 1/16should be thick enough). Fabricate your tank out of this, not only will it be easier to weld, but I bet my case tractor that it will not rust through in yours or my lifetime. You can even go as far as welding in a steel pipe nipple(from any hydraulics company) to form the fill hole and then weld in a steel fitting for your petcock. Then when done prime and paint the outside of the tank.

you can even cut the pieces out individually and weld them that way instead of cutting and bending.(may be easier to drill the fill hole that way)
When you finish your tank will resemble a hydraulic resivoir.

Will be awsome,

Dave