how to restore old metal gas tanks for wooden boat?

Question

i have a old wooden boat gibbs brand, i would like to restore the origenal gas tanks , clean them out old varnished gas in them,and seal them for useing them with this boat,also what do i use to clean & seal them ,brand names of chemicals ,

Answer 1

Walt....If your tank is below the deck, (and i think Gibbs is)....do yourself a favor and get a tank made of polyethylene (a kind of plastic). you'll never have the problems that people do with aluminum tanks (corrosion, rust, leaks)....and now with the new fuel additives...even older fiberglass tanks are having major problems.

I've seen those tank sealers like KBS Coatings makes but I'd still get a plastic tank ....they can even custom make them to almost any size now.

If you still wanna coat your tank....look at what KBS has to offer:

http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Tank-Sealer-C29.aspx?UserID=555537&SessionID=HzyBn5yRORj1OQ8yIpuy

If you do coat your old aluminum tanks.....DO NOT surround them with foam (foam them in place).

Good luck...

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Answer 2

Replace with plastic tanks, metal tanks are expensive, and a nightmare, plastic is SAFER, safety must be rule No. 1 on a boat, especially with Fuel, "cosmetics" is further down the list. Make sure that fuel tanks are well vented, some older boats have no "Blowers" to clear the gasoline fumes out of the bilge area, make sure there is a back fire flame arrestor on the motor if it is an "Inboard".

Answer 3

Replace the old gas with gasohol. It's 90% gas and 10% methanol. The alcohol is an excellent fuel system cleaner. It will quickly remove any gas varnish and moisture from your fuel system. Start with a fresh fuel filter. You will need to replace the fuel filter at least twice more before all the impurities are removed. Then install a fresh filter and your good for the season. A continued frequent use of gasohol will prevent the future buildup of varnish.

Answer 4

I don't think it's worth your time and effort to refurbish these old tanks. It's likely they have some rust in them as well as the gasoline varnish. Better to buy new ones which resemble the old ones (if you can find them), and finish (paint) them the same way as the old ones. There are simple ways to "antique" the finish on things like this.

Answer 5

Complete Boat Building Guide : http://BoatPlans.NaturallyGo.com/?qgD

Answer 6

Look for a local shop that renews old gas tanks--rad repair shops often do this service
http://home.comcast.net/~jrkengr2/html/fuel_tank_renewal.html