Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (July 2007, week 5)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:32:41 +0000
Reply-To:     Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Vickery <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Yet another rusty propane tanks question...
Comments: To: 87westfalia@GMAIL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <6cdb63ac0707311057n505f6755se8567d0c7f5058be@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Jake, I think the first guy probably gave you the right answer. Your tank may not be shot, but if you are contemplating removing, sand blasting, repainting, recertifying it, then $300 is not a lot compared to the money and work invovled. And $300 gets you a new tank, not a 15 year old cleaner one. I did this once with a decent rusty tank, and I bought a new tank for the second van. So that is my preference. I'd say either leave it be (you said it is working fine-right) or buy a new tank.

If you can remove the existing tank, you can "install" the new one. Undo the brass fitting(s) with a wrench. Undo the 4 nuts bolts holding it to the floor. Put the new one in it's place. If the copper hoses have to be shortened to fit the position of the new regulator go to a propane place and for $10 to $20 bucks they will shorten and re-do the ends.

Have fun Dave

>From: Jake Bryant <87westfalia@GMAIL.COM> >Reply-To: Jake Bryant <87westfalia@GMAIL.COM> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >Subject: Yet another rusty propane tanks question... >Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:57:12 -0500 > >Hey everyone, > >I've searched the archives, but I need a bit more specific advice on what >to >do about the LP tank on my 87 westy. Let me preface this by saying that I >have relatively little experience with propane tanks - nothing more than >exchanging tanks for my barbeque. I purchased the vehicle at the beginning >of this year. The LP tank definitely looks questionable to the naked eye, >but from reading list entries, that doesn't seem too out of the ordinary. >It still has propane in it, and the stove lights easily. It looks as >though >someone tried to spray paint it at some point and sprayed over a pressure >gauge and any stickers/id plates/certification markings that may have been >on the tanks. > >So, I decided I would take it in to the local AmeriGas place. The >attendant >took one look at the tank and told me it was "junk". Apparently the type >of >rust he saw, which he described as "pitting", led him to believe it was >done. The entire exchange lasted about 20 seconds and he was less than >enthusiastic about having a look at it for me, so I'm not certain how much >stock I should put in his diagnosis, and am hoping to get a second opinion. >So, here are some questions: > >1) How can I tell if the rust on this tank is cosmetic surface rust or >something to be concerned about? > >2) Where are the certification markings and ID plates of importance >generally located. I see a couple stickers (peeling off and painted over) >and what looks like a plate on the top of the tank in the middle. > >3) What do I need to do to prepare the tank for removal? I'm assuming all >of the LP needs to be bled out, but does anyone have instructions for doing >this safely and for removing the tank from start to finish? > >4) Once it is removed, what is the best way to recondition it? I've heard >sandblasting (I don't have one, will try manual sanding) and >repainting/sealing with rustoleum. Any other suggestions? > >5) Once it has been cosmetically reconditioned, I am still planning on >having it tested by an LP shop. I just don't want it dismissed right away >due to the rusty exterior. What should I expect an LP professional to do >to >test a tank that "looks" okay? Pressure tests? > >6) Any other general suggestions/information? > >I am aware of the new tank available from GW, but I want to be sure that >this one is no good before I spend over $300 to buy one that I probably >will >be unable to install myself. > >Thanks for your help!

_________________________________________________________________ http://imagine-windowslive.com/hotmail/?locale=en-us&ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_mini_pcmag_0507


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.