Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 11:15:56 -0700
Reply-To: "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Yet another rusty propane tanks question...
In-Reply-To: <c3e.18357954.33e2214a@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hey! It's not our demonstrable weenieness that keeps us off salted
roads, it's a combination of lack thereof, and a smattering of smarts.
--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano, CA.
KG6RCR
On 8/1/2007 10:47 AM JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
> ALL propane tanks are rusty looking. unless your one of those weenies who
> live in california or in the southwest and never driven your van in the salt.
> the tanks are HEAVY gauge metal... ive never seen one rusted thru..even on
> rusty, salt driven vanagons from new england. if the tank holds propane, then
> your fine. they all have the ID plate rusting off. the reason the propane
> tank dude wouldnt fill it is because of their lawyers, and because he wants
> you to spend $$$$ and have you buy a new one thru him.
> wire brush the tank, paint it with rustoleum, make it all purty, and go to
> another propane place and they will fill it.
>
> end of story.
>
> those tanks will never rust thru.
>
> chris
>
>
> you wrote:
>
>> 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!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
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