Gas tank removal

I would not try to fix that with goop. You could try the radiator shop to get a patch soldered over the holes. That would be a good repair, but it may not make sense economically if there's a replacement tank available.

 

Really not a big deal. Been running an F-head tank with a warmed up 231 V-6 for around 23 years with no issues.....

 

"The largest one is 0.5 x 0.25 inch.."

Solder a quarter over it.

 

My .02,,,replace the tank...if it has that much rust you have found there is more you havent found yet

 

x2 this would be the best thing to do. easier faster safer andmaybe even cheaper in the long run

 

my son mig welded the pin holes in my old tank we washed it out with dawn detergent and let it dry then did the torch test it welded fine but i bought another one because i didn't want any leaks later since i would be sitting on a 10 gal gas bomb

 

For those that may benefit....found a radiator shop as suggested. For $100 they bead blasted it to expose any other damage and remove rust, soldered everything up, put a new nipple on, and coated it with something called Super Kote (can't remember the manufacturer's name - kinda rubbery and textured). Pressure tested to 20 psi.
Just as a reminder for those of you in humid climate, my damage was due to leaves that accumulated on the backside of the tank where it fits snuggly against the wall of the body - plenty of rust on the body too as a result - must have gotten moisture behind the textured liner on the body tub - I suspect the tank rubbed it away. Years ago I placed 1/8 inch rubber sheet under the tank to eliminate metal on metal rub with the body floor - there's no rust from moisture under the rubber, so I think I'll do the same now on that rub point. Is that good or does anyone have a better idea?

 

So I guess you are happy with the result? Glad it turned ok.

When I put the tank in my '73, I used some bungie cord between the tank and the floor - but this was California, and dry. A piece of rubber or closed-cell foam would be a good candidate, I'd think. Don't know if it's better to leave space so the water can dry, or whether it's better to try and keep the water out. Likely depends on how successful you are at keeping the water out.

 

Back when we were on two wheels I had a motorcycle tank that needed repair. I'd read that you could fill a gas tank with water, then apply heat. It worked. Looking back on it now, it was a bit creepy when the water started to boil. Having the tank professionally cleaned and "torch tested" is probably a better idea.