1983 R100RS Rusty Tank Restoration

[Boxer_Bolshie]

DISCLAIMER: This thread is not meant to be a double post as I do mentioned my tank purchase in my R65 restoration page.  However, with the uncertainty that I will be successful in restoring my recent acquisition of a 1983 R100RS tank, I will chronicle this project and my attempts as a first for me here.

I found this tank on eBay for only $27 + $15 for shipping.  I figured it was worth the $42 to me to try and save this beauty, whether or not I can retrofit it to my R65... Or sell it... Or wait until I get a R100RS... without a tank.. ?

Anyway here is how I first saw the tank:

[Boxer_Bolshie]

BEGIN RESTORE


Shaken not stirred:

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[Lucky_Lou]

As Michael Palin once said.....that parrot is dead.
Will a K one fit they are stainless steel......
Lou

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Well ya can always stuff the parrot with some rocks and tape the holes shut

Ready for a tumble dry cycle

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Did the tumble in the dryer trick with some results

http://youtu.be/fhYjH4MP_dk

[Justin B.]

I put a gallon of Muriatic Acid in the tank on the Junkyard Dawg for about a 12 hour soak (occasionally flipping it over) and the interior was a nice uniform grey afterwards.  

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Thanks Justin!

[Bob_Roller]

There's another method, using electrolysis to remove rust .

Quick explanation, plug the hole(s) for the fuel tap .

Find, or make a bare metal spot on the under side of the tank, so  a battery charger clip can be secured to it  (negative).

Mix up a half to one cup of washing soda (calcium carbonate) in water to get it dissolved put it in the tank fill the tank with water to within an inch or so from the top .

Make an insulated holder for  a piece of wire with a piece of steel or iron to hang down inside the tank .

Place the positive lead from your battery charger to the wire at the top of the tank, turn the charger on .

I think 1 amp is sufficient .

The rust will be deposited on the piece of metal hanging in the tank .

I think they recommend a piece of metal with a large surface area .

Check it every day or so, remove and clean it if it gets covered with rust .

I've also used vinegar, it takes about 2-3 weeks for this method to work .

[wilcom]

Boxer......... am I looking at the pic correctly, the right side fuel petcock threads are completely rusted out?

If so , I'm impressed with your "project enthusiasm".  The Donner Party should have had you, they would have made it thru to San Frasncisco for sure!