opinions please: what to make a gas tank out of

Ok What do you all think would be my best option Aluminum, Mild Steel, or Stainless?

I would like opinions with reasoning behind it. I dont feel comfortable welding it up myself so I will have to farm that out. The way I figure it I will end up with 151" of weld. I can do all of the cutting and bending myself. I am trying to keep this as inexpensive as possible. I know as far as materials go Mild steel will be the cheepest but do I realy want a tank made out of mild steel?

 

oh just use mild steel practice your mig welding do it yourself and seal it when your done with some of that tank prep 2 part stuff

 

fwiw I'd use stainless. Over the years I've replaced a lot of gas filters etc on old cars due to rust. I know it'll be new, just my preference.

 

Stainless for sure. Once it's done, it's done.

 

stainless would be nice , is harder to work with but no rust

aluminum takes special talent to weld

mild steel would be fine too. seal it as sugested..before you do check it for leaks ,don't rely on the sealer to fill some small pin holes. to check it just don't fill it with water...water is thicker than gasoline and sometimes a small hole will not leak water but will gas. you will need to put a very small pressure in it

good luck with whatever you choose

 

Stainless, since you're paying to have it made, the labor charge will justify using the good stuff.

Whatever material you use, if it's going under the car, consider a heavier gauge bottom.

Good luck!

 

stainless

 

Stainless, for sure. I did a how-to when I built my tank for my F-1 pickup. Don't know if it's still kicking around in the HAMB. I made nice radiused corners, and rolled beads in it, so it looked pretty good. SS is easy to TIG, never rusts, and looks good forever!
Do you miss the Leadsled being in your area? I was at a picnic at your place a few years back during one. Had a nice time...thanks again!

 

I'm looking at using 18 gage (.063) stainless or mild steel.
Basic plan is to bend all four corners with a radius so there'll only be one long seam.
Then some end caps with a reinforcing rib rolled in.

One thing I would recommend is to be sure and put in 2-3 baffles - depending on tank size - you don't want a hundred pounds or so of gasoline banging back and forth.

 

I know what dont work and that styrafoam....
Oh ya stainless for sure.
Dave