QuestionQUESTION: Greetings Rick,
I'm in the process of tuning up a 72 Super Bug, and the next step is replacing the rusted-out gas tank. Not sure if you've got experience with this, but if you do I'd be appreciative of any hints or steps to make the process go smoother... I've never done this before!
Thanks in advance.
ANSWER: Hi Cooper,
In addition to replacing tanks, I have restored several tanks which I recommend you try. Unless you get an actually brand new tank, any used tank will be suspect. Let me know which way you are interested in, and we'll go from there.
Rick
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QUESTION: I'm thinking I should get a brand new tank, being that the current one is rusted and leaking through on the bottom -- would it even be restorable? For now, the plan is for a brand new one.
Thank you again,
Cooper
AnswerCooper,
Almost anything is restorable, given the expertise and/or enough money. In the case of your existing tank, the whole tank should be acid washed, the bad spot cut-out, a new piece welded in, or a fiber glass patch would be acceptable. Finally a coating of gas tank sealer should be applied. If you have to pay someone else to do all this, this may not be the most economical solution, in which case a new or good used tank might be the best option.
As far as removal, it is not too difficult. Some issues: Try to drain the tank first; plan on replacing all the rubber hoses (classic VW fires are not uncommon because of cracked fuel lines); the filler hose might be a bit stuck to the tank; the tank might be stuck to the seal; while you have the lines disconnected, shoot carb cleaner into them and then blow them out with compressed air.
If you get a good, but used tank, I would advise doing the acid wash and tank sealer to avoid future rust issues.
Rick
