Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:32:50 -0800
Reply-To: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject: Re: rejuvenating the propane tank
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=response
Thanks Mike. The owner of the coating shop was quite adamant about not
touching the propane tank, unless it was completely disassembled and
thoroughly washed. Can't say that I blame the guy. Why should he risk
blowing up his shop for a $70 job? I would still like to hear from others as
to alternative methods of rejuvenating the tank. I would think navel jelly
should handle the rust okay. If the valve was left in place, then a wire
brush should be okay to use on it as well. Maybe just sandpaper? Just
curious as to the best type of paint to use. Are there new decals that can
be had from say Go Westy or does one just mask them off?
Troy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott" <camping.elliott@gmail.com>
To: "Troy" <colorworks@gci.net>
Cc: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: rejuvenating the propane tank
> Heavy? Not at all. Just removed Mellow Yellow's to install new manual
> filler and bleeder valves, and a new main service valve. It can be held up
> against the underside of the van with one hand.
>
> My ignorant hunch if you remove all the valves and set it in the sun for a
> day, valve side down (propane gas is heavier than air, isn't it?) then
> your concentration of propane in the tank would be so low that you could
> bake it in your powdercoating oven quite safely. But that's a guess based
> on a lack of knowledge. You might also find opinions that tell you quite
> the opposite.
>
> 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
> KG6RCR
>
> On 9/17/2007 2:35 PM Troy wrote:
>
>> Hi folks:
>>
>> Doing some work on my van that involves disconnecting the propane lines
>> and thought I would go ahead and repaint the propane tank. My first
>> choice would be powder coating, but 400° heat and propane do not get
>> along very well. I'm even concerned about using a wire brush on this
>> thing. As one person put it, I would end up waking up in the hospital
>> before I knew what happened if there was an explosion, if I woke up at
>> all! How do people rejuvenate these tanks safely? I'm thinking perhaps
>> just navel jelly, and maybe an epoxy paint? Suggestions? BTW, how heavy
>> is this thing? Do I need a jack to drop it? Troy
>
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