best way to clean out petrol tank?

[1956 fregate]

Bad news! today i swilled out my tank with petrol only to discover its full of holes in several places
Any Ideas where i go from here? i don't think the tank sealer/liner will fill these holes?

[suffolkpete]

The only option, unless you can find a good second-hand tank, unlikely given the rarity of your car, is to go to a specialist repairer. Radiator repairers often repair petrol tanks, whatever you do, don't attempt to weld it yourself.

[1956 fregate]

The only option, unless you can find a good second-hand tank, unlikely given the rarity of your car, is to go to a specialist repairer. Radiator repairers often repair petrol tanks, whatever you do, don't attempt to weld it yourself.

Yes i thought as much!, I was thinking of going to the radiator company that i had my radiator re-cored at, in the hope that they might be able to help?

No way am i going to attempt at welding this myself!

[TerryG]

This is probably frowned upon but I have been lazy and soldered a patch on to a tank before. I filled it with water, made up a patch to cover the holes and using plumbers solder and a blow torch, covered the holes. that was something like 10 years ago and it is still good. (I did use tank sealer on it afterwards)

[rich.]

ive welded/brazed several petrol tanks.. a bit of common sense & its not difficult, although your tank looks as it would be a better tea strainer..

[Luxobarge]

Agree, so have I, but the tanks I've welded have been otherwise sound. The problem with this one is that if it's gone rusty enough to put holes in it, the remaining metal will be thin and weak, and so welding it using conventional welders is going to be very difficult if it's to be petrol-proof at the end of it - you can't afford to blow any holes! Therefore, a brazing or soldering method (i.e. one that doesn't actually melt the steel) is the way I'd be looking at this. Or a replacement tank of course, you could always look at getting a custom tank fabricated if you're not too worried about originality.

All the best with it - do keep us updated, I'm sure lots of us will be keen to see how this all works out.

Cheers!

[Pavel]

Not sure if you've managed to successfully clean your tank yet, but if not may I suggest using small blue metal [the stuff they spread on some roads after tarring it]. Unlike gravel, pea or otherwise, blue metal has sharp edges and works a treat removing rust. Afterwards swill out with doses of paraffin as any residue will readily mix with petrol.

Pavel

[rich.]

having looked at your pics id say that one is past it, ive had a look on french sites & all i can find are the same age & condition. either have one fabricated or visit your local motor factors with your tank & see if they have something similar a shape/size.. ive done this several times & its got me out of trouble a few times..good luck!