Where to get B31 fuel tank repaired?

[chrisb]

Hi, my B31 (1954) has a small leak from under the tank, somewhere above the fuel tap.  I think a previous owner has tried to 'fix it' with some kind of brown putty, but not very successfully.  I'd be grateful for advice on whether there are any good fuel tank repairers in my area?  I am at Stamford (Lincs), so I'm in the middle of the towns of Leicester, Kettering, Peterborough (& Cambridge), Grantham, Nottingham etc.  Milton Keynes and Northampton are not to far away either.  Has anyone used MTS Classics in Milton Keynes? 

I'm anticipating it could be a bit of a wallet-emptying experience and a guide to how much a repair should cost would be helpful too.  Some companies have recommended getting the tank "lined" and costs of £250+VAT have been quoted (yelp!), (though not sure how you'd get anything to stick permanently to rust patches inside the tank unless it is chemically dipped to remove all traces of rust etc).  Fixing it myself is probably beyond me and I can't risk bodging the tank.  The finish on the tank is ok (chromed) and I'd rather not have to get it repainted unless absolutely necessary.

[AWJDThumper]

I think the way you can get the tank repaired will depend on its condition and especially that of the inside of the tank. If the leak is due to rusting from the inside, and its more than a small area, then a major repair might be necessary including replacing some of the sheet metal. Sealants such as POR-15 are normally only suitable for curing pin hole leaks where the metal hasn't been seriously weakened by extensive rusting. To apply these type of sealant, you must first de-rust the inside of the tank using suitable products or electrolysis. If the tank has simply split in the area of the fuel tap, especially at a seam then, its possible to repair by welding or soldering. Therefore, it all depends on precisely what the reason for the leak is. Have you got any pictures of the inside or outside of the tank? 

[chrisb]

I've taken a couple of pics.  There was a small pin hole under some kind of brown sealant just in front of the outlet for the fuel tap.  When I shook the tank it made a nice rattling noise and lots of brown 'plastic' scabs fell out!  My guess is someone has tried to fix it with a sealant poured inside...

[AWJDThumper]

As long as rust hasn't made the tank wafer thin, it's easy enough to sort out pin holes by properly sealing the tank, with POR-15 probably being the best product to use. However, I would start by sorting out the obvious pin hole by soldering (using solder and flux from a plumbers merchant) - sometimes using an old fashioned copper soldering iron heated on a gas ring is easiest.

The harder part is re-sealing the tank which has been discussed a lot on the forum in the recent past (use the search facility). To do a proper job normally involves dissolving out the original sealant with paint stripper; then de-rusting if necessary; followed by applying the sealer which is easier step in the process.

[CHOOSEY2]

Hi,
I have had a few tanks repaired by Glen, www.gddesign.co.uk very helpful and good quality work

Regards
Clive