Gas tank sealers

[txmerlin]

I have read many of the posts on the forum concerning this topic, and re-read BRENT in 10-uh-C's excellent thread on replacement tanks (I do hope someone comes up with one). My question is this. Most of the discussions deal with the Hirsch or RedKote or some "shop" applied product. There is another product called POR-15 Gas Tank Sealer that I have not seen discussed on this board. Has anyone had any experience using this product?

Ken

 

[fritznbud]

Hey Ken, Welcome! I had to comment on your Huckster, very nice, glad to see another. And i've never used POR 15, but my gas tank has a few patches around the steering column and i have had good luck with J.B. weld pushed into the pinhole after an acetone cleaning. I have no plans to remove my tank so as long as JB works, and i dont touch my steering wheel except for turning while in motion. A hard habit to break, pulling yourself in and pushing your way out of the car.

 

[txmerlin]

That will be something else that I have to address. I am a big guy and after reading that the steering wheel was attached to the gas tank, and pulling yourself in with it could cause failure at the attachment points, I was thinking "Oh Great". If I do pull the tank, I will look into the '31 steering column mounting that I have seen mentioned here.

Ken

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

IMO, ...POR15 is a better product than the Hirsch brand. Sadly, POR will not guarantee against break-down at a later date with modern (and yet to be formulated) gasoline. On the other hand, not using anything is just as disastrous IMHO.

.

 

[Larry Seemann]

I agree with Brent. I've done several tanks with POR-15 and haven't had any problems yet - but you never know what evil lurks in future gas formulations. By the way - you don't have to remove the tank to install the late '31 column support. It's a good idea to do it now. BTW, the reason tanks leak at the column mount is not because of you getting in and out, but because the frame flexes going over rough roads and the column is mounted to the frame AND the gas tank. When the frame flexes the column "leverages" the tank mount. It's amazing they have held up so long considering the physics of the arrangement.

 

[txmerlin]

Brent, I am glad to hear that you have used the POR-15 and had no problems yet. This is really the kind of response that I am looking for. I know that the gas will be reformulated as some time in the future and what-ever they put in it then may make the sealer fail. Hopefully when that does happen, we will have a better solution than having to rely on sealers to keep our 80 year old vehicles running.

 

[Colorado Greg]

I used the two part epoxy from Caswell http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm

I've only had it in the tank for a year, but it appears to be working very good!

 

[Mikeinnj]

I have been using Hirsh Alcohol Tank Sealer for fifteen years and never had a leak or re-rust. Cleaning the tank prior to coating, and allowing the sealer to dry (I let it dry for three weeks minimum) are the most important part of the process. It is sold alone or with the necessary cleaners to do the job.
http://www.hirschauto.com/prodinfo.asp?number=GTS&variation=QUART

 

[fritznbud]

I agree with Brent. I've done several tanks with POR-15 and haven't had any problems yet - but you never know what evil lurks in future gas formulations. By the way - you don't have to remove the tank to install the late '31 column support. It's a good idea to do it now. BTW, the reason tanks leak at the column mount is not because of you getting in and out, but because the frame flexes going over rough roads and the column is mounted to the frame AND the gas tank. When the frame flexes the column "leverages" the tank mount. It's amazing they have held up so long considering the physics of the arrangement.

Thanks Larry, I didn't think that one past the steering wheel now i'll watch out for bumps in the road. It really is amazing that after 80 years of serious wear and tear, these jewels still run on through the test of time.