Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Pressure washer. Blast the foam out.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Yeah, I've heard of the pressure washer theory. Might have to give it a shot.
Anyone have good luck with the plastic tanks?
I don't really know the pluses and minuses vs. aluminum.
I know some people have gone with the plastics, but is there anything to look out for?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Ok, most of the foam is cut,
I can slide (with a 2x4 as a pry bar) the tank fore and aft a bit, and I got it up about an inch or so on one side.
Think I'm gonna wait for help before trying to get it out any further.
Measures about 8" x 24" x 60"
Making (slow) progress.
Man there's some nasty stuff in there! only a couple of rot spots, nothing too bad, but I think there is about 30 years worth of rotting leaves where the engine rigging runs through!

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

Has anyone here ever dealt with SpeedyTanks.com in NJ?
I think they are called Atlantic Coast Welding.
They sent me a very prompt, reasonable sounding quote, in about 3 hours.
Just have to find out what the shipping would be.
Unless anyone from Jersey happens to be driving up to the Vineyard anytime soon. (Hint Hint)

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

I had a 20 gal aux. tank made by them for my 24 Topaz. I specified what i wanted in terms of shape, thickness, etc. Did have a quality issue as they shipped the tank with a stripped/cross-threaded fitting at the pick-up. However, they did repair quickly and paid shipping, etc. Overall seemed to be OK - not bad quality for the price and quick turn. They were the least expensive of the three places I contacted. Some of the welds on the repair could have looked a little better but really more cosmetic than functional -at least I hope so.

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0395.jpg
Ok, got the fuel tank out finally.
No chain hoist, no frame, just me, a hand saw and a crowbar!
Anyway, as I suspected, there was a hole about 1/3 of the way up on the tank.
The area looks pretty good, but there is some de-lamination going on between the stringers and the pan that holds the fuel tank.
Any suggestions?
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0393.jpg

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

more picshttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0387.jpghttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...k/IMG_0391.jpg

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

There is a big chunk of foam both fore and aft of the tank. i.e., under the leaning post and before the casting platform.
Is there any reason to leave that foam in there?
Or should I pull it out and get rid off the old wet, heavy foam, which would maybe allow me to through-bolt the new leaning post.
Also, would drilling a few holes in the pan that holds the fuel tank be ok?
I'm thinking that would allow water to drain away instead of sitting around the tank

Pics
 

Any fiberglass gurus out there?

Re: Fuel tank up date
 

I think it has been said many time before...get rid of the old wet foam.

Place the tank on 1/4 inch runners and place some limber holes in the coffin.