Column Support Tank Repair

Russ/40

Russ/40

Well-known member
I know this has been beat to death, but I just can't let it go. I would like to repair the slightest weep at my tank at the column support. Is there a silver solder alloy that would be compatible with the solder Ford used? The tank is safe for flammable issues, as there has been no fuel in it for 40 years. I tested it with mineral spirits and found the slightest weep that will surely be an issue with gasoline.
 
I would use the new plumbers solder found at my local Ace hardware and use an old fashioned soldering iron. No worries of igniting gas, (Or mineral spirits) vapors, as the iron would be hot enough to melt the solder but well below the flashpoint of gasoline. Test the irons heat with an inexpensive heat reader from Harbor Freight.
 
Russ/40 said:
I know this has been beat to death, but I just can't let it go. I would like to repair the slightest weep at my tank at the column support. Is there a silver solder alloy that would be compatible with the solder Ford used? The tank is safe for flammable issues, as there has been no fuel in it for 40 years. I tested it with mineral spirits and found the slightest weep that will surely be an issue with gasoline.
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No, I'm sorry but the melting point of the silver is higher then the lead and may add leaks when the lead flows waiting for the silver to melt. Even it it could be used the softer lead would be under the harder silver ans would still be prone to cracking.
 
Even if a solder was found, it won't last. Once you have a tank opened up where you can inspect the inside, you will find the tank sheetmetal is actually fractured at the 4 rivet holes. It will always weep from there unless you weld up the holes and re-drill for rivets. There is a fair amount of force that this tank bracket absorbs when driving/steering. Don't believe me? Remove the lower portion of the bracket and the anti-rattle and go for a drive. ;)
 
OK, if I could just get this answer, I promise to never again bring it up.

What alloy did Ford use for solder?
 
I also cleaned VERY well and used JB weld and then installed the '31 bracket to take all the load off the tank.. No leaks, no weeps.

Steve
 
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