Gas tank cleaning

R

Robert Putnam

Member
What's the best product for cleaning the inside of a Model T gas tank... something to remove old varnish and build up. Need to solder some visable pin holes and want to make sure old varnish isn't covering up others.
 
New gas tanks up to 1925 are available at reasonable prices from most suppliers. That might be something to look into.
 
Go to your local hardware/paint store and buy a Qt of Acetone and a Qt of Toluene. Mix them together and with the outlet of tank plugged,pour in the mixture. Slosh it around and do so everytime you pass by it for a couple days. It is an excellent gum solvent . Drain tank and air dry. You will be ready to do repairs,
 
The local radiator shop here cleans has tanks. You might look into that where you are from.
 
With the 26-27 open car tanks a bit more complicated to produce, I dont think youre gonna find a new one. If thats a cowl tank, did it rust out on the top right corner?
Theres a few restoration options for this tank. DONT try to solder up the holes; a well fitted patch soldered over the area will work much better. For inside cleaning, de-gum with your own choice of solvents, but for de-rusting, Id pour in a gallon of kero or diesel fuel and a pound of BBs. If its REALLY gnarly inside, you may need to cut it open. Bungy cord it to a riding mower rear wheel on blocks and let it rotate at idle for a few hours. The BBs will be easy to retrieve through the baffles and will knock all the rust loose. Rinse clean. After that, theres sealant available, OR, companies that do it for you. Time versus money, youll find its easier to replace than repair. Dont forget the mounting strap padding, and the padding on the top inside the cowl as well. ws
 
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