Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:10:22 -0700
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: rejuvenating the propane tank
In-Reply-To: <000a01c7f97a$ae5ceb80$0301a8c0@troykv7nw3q4te>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I know there's lots in the archives regarding this.
My understanding is that you use up the gas thats in the tank, remove
the tank, take off the valves, wire wheel it, (mask off the holes)
inspect it, prime it, paint it, then put on the old valves/regulator
or install new. Personally I would install new. Some people say coat
with POR-15, some say proper primer then rust paint ok, or in your
case, powder coat.
Make sure you do a thourough inspection. Epscially around metal "tag"
if the older style. The old style tags were spot welded to tank at the
corners of tag. Debris/water/salt etc. can collect behind "tag" and
rust the tank worse at that area than rest of tank. Look for spots on
tank that are thin, or have been leaking.
Neil.
On 9/17/07, Troy <colorworks@gci.net> wrote:
> 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
> >
>
--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco" (Bustorius)
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
Please send fav Vanagon/Westfalia links to me at:
musomuso1963@hotmail.com
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