[Private_collector]

While awaiting the return of the chassis, I have a range of things to turn my attention to. The battery box was obviously the first, and this afternoon I started work on the fuel tanks. I have a number of tanks, ranging from totally buggered to not quite good enough to use as is. The passenger side tank falls into the latter category, but will only need minor cosmetic work, at least on the outside! Inside is full of flaky surface rust, but that will be addressed later. The driver side tank is sound but full of dents ranging from coin size to full blown heavy damage to one of the welded seam edges. I will post some photos of that little treasure in coming days, but what I wanted to write today is in relation to a funny incident that occured today.

I started pulling out the damage on the seam, and quickly realised I could do more harm than good, because I don't have the required equipment. Not wanting to cease completely, I investigated removal of the rusted-in drain plug. Whatever the bolt (or maybe something else) used to look like, was now just the portion left after somebody snapped it off at about 1/8in above the outside of the tank.

First I drilled the centre, then drilled larger, then larger, until I felt it would take a substantial size ezy-out. Using the ezy-out failed miserably and was looking likely that it too may snap, so I stopped. With the original bolt rusted tightly, I wondered if I could just tap a thread to its inside and add a smaller diameter bolt. Tapped the hole to 3/8in, made several passes with the tap, then inserted a 3/8in bolt. The bolt went in with much encouragement, getting harder to turn with each attempt..............until..............yep, it snapped too. Now I had a snapped bolt within another snapped bolt. Cursed myself for being so bloody stupid, then started the drilling all over again.

Finally removed both of the bolts. Cleaned up the now gaping hole, and tapped the hole to 1/2in. This one took, and I gingerly tried the correct size bolt without any problems.

The driver side tank will need to be given to a panel beater to pull out the damage on the edge, properly. Maybe next week for that. Passenger side tank will get a good sanding tomorrow or Sunday.

What do people use to de-rust the insides of fuel tanks?????