alu_gas_tank_finishing

Hi, first try at any forum ever and I will try to be as brief as possible, but kind of desperate on wear to go from here, so please be gentle!!!

After several month's of prep. (garage tooling etc...) and a
way whole lot $$$ final got to try putting something together
ressembling a gas tank.

Question: I would like to leave it as much as possible "as is",
or at least have the weld's show, but wonder what would be the minimum I
should do to the rest of the tank,or the whole tank in general.
Also, what would be the next step involve in finishing
(also have fender to finishing).

Alu 3003, .80 top and side, and part of bottom,
tunnel and different mounts 3003, .125 (1/8 inch).
gas cap, aircraft style (yamaha replacement I think).

Can Anyone give advise or point me to usefull ref please on finishingThank's you all.

ssb (marco periard)

[Gonejunking]

Hi Marco
Welcome to Metalmeet!
I'm not sure what you are asking?

Are you going to leave the tank bare? As in no paint? Fender too?

If that is what your going to do, then I would at least have it coated with a clear alodine so it won't corrode.

whatever your doin for a finish you should get a small right angle die grinder and some scotch-brite (3M) pads this will help you get it cleaned up very well for paint or polish, i know the scotch-brite works because i use it on my own alum tanks and a question did u weld it and if u did is that a henrob 2000 i have one and after some practice its a great torch to have around

[rookie]

Welcome Marco, Would have to echo the clearcoat post. Nice looking tank, GREAT looking beads.

Phil

Thank' you all, really appreciate advise and hope to be able to
do the same some day.

For the tank/fender Yes, I what to leave "as is" as much as possible,
at least for this coming summer.

Have angle-grinder and will try cleaning up and clear coating.

For welding, no, not Henrob, TIG.
Tried meco-midget, but bought used torch (abused actually)
and never got it work propelly.
Tried with flux and rod from tinman, but cause the torch was such in a bad shape, haven't pursue further for konw.
Also, think thickness would have been an issue (.120 etc...).
And since I want to convert/recycle my hanglider to ultralight and all sort of stuff down the line, I decided to invest in tig right away
(old water_cool ltec heliarc 360), Working real well.



Anyway's will keep you posted, and send pic. as project evolves.

Thank's again.

SSB, Marco