Smashed fuel tank - Can it be fixed? (pics)

Bad day

Low '55 Oldsmobile + not having floor jack centered on rearend + 18" or so raised off the floor = gas tank impact on floor jack.

I have searched and not found anyone with one for sale that is as rust free as this one. I cannot find any new ones either. Anyone that knows a source, please let me know.

Here are pics of the carnage. Anyone think it can be fixed? It is kinked pretty hard near the seam. Not sure how I would get inside to push it back out. Any ideas are welcome at this point.

 

Use compressed air, Or pick up a new 65 mustang gas tank. I've used them several times

 

Anything made of metal can be fixed, I would think a stud weld gun for pulling dents and some hammer work would get that back to usable shape.

 

I like that idea.

 

You might try these guys If you decide to replace your tank. http://www.rockvalleyantiqueautoparts.com/products.htm

Doc

 

Make sure you duck when you put the heat of the stud gun to the GAS tank.....

 

I've read that there's a way to fix motorcycle tanks by filling them with water and freezing them. The water expands as it freezes and pushes on the dent from the inside. You then thaw the ice, add more water, refreeze, and repeat until the dent is popped out. Don't know if it will work on your tank, don't know if it really works on any tank. I'd be afraid of splitting the seam, but as I see it, if you've gotta buy a new one anyway, it might be worth a shot.

 

i bet the dent would pop out tho!

 

The dent/crease is now the strongest part of the tank. Trying to blow it out with air will only force the flatter parts of the tank to belly out.

Bob

 

I'd try filling it up with water and sealing it off. Then give'r a few toots of compressed air and see if she'll pop out. Maybe have someone tap on a few of the creases to help it along at the same time??? just a thought...


.

 

The guy that used to recore my radiators tried to weld on a customers gas tank once. It blew up. He had burns over 1/2 of his body. The only reason that the burns weren't any worse, was that he jumped in his radiator dunk tank to put the flames on his body out.

He ended up having to sell his shop to the hospital to pay his medical bills....His shop was next door to one of the hospital's parking lots.

By the way, Rock Valley Auto is a VERY good source for gas tanks. Their tanks are EXCELLENT quality and EXTREMELY durable.

 

I use this method all the time on gas tanks and header tubes, it works.

 

If you are worried about welding on the tank, try running a hose from the exhaust of another running car into the tank for about 2 minutes first. She will weld just fine and no fire!! No oxygen...........just carbon monoxide.

 

check a 55 chevy tank looks close to yours might be the same being both are gm

 

I have been cutting gas tanks open, beating out the dents and welding them back together for more than 20 years. butcher 66 has good info. Learn before you cut. Use POR15 gas tank sealer

 

I popped dents out of motorcycle tanks by air. Worked great.

 

My '66 Fairlane tank was like that after it arrived from the US. After I'd purged it of fumes I cut the top off with a plasma, knocked out the damage and filed up the repair. I TIG'd the top back on and resealed the tank after I had it redipped. Never leaked.