Dolomite fuel tank.

[sprintchris]

Removed the tank from my car recently and the base was rotten to no surprise, but the rest of the tank was in excellent condition.
A friend recommended a local company that specialises in all aspects of welding and metal fabrication, the tank was dropped off a few weeks ago and the chap said subject to checking the insides for corrosion he could cut the rusty area out on the base, fabricate a new section and tig weld it in.
I picked it up yesterday and I can only say what a smart job he has made of it and fluid tested it too, and the bonus, it’s rot free inside, so I’m assuming it’s perfectly acceptable to repair a tank.
If anyone’s interested in getting theirs repaired I can pass details on, he’s in West Sussex.
I did pot the question about fabricating a new tank from aluminium to the same shape/dimensions which he can do and estimates £350.

[xvivalve]

That's a very nice job!

Not only that, but at £350 for an authentic copy in aluminium is just over half what Alicool are apparently quoting for something that will bear no resemblance to the original!

[sprintchris]

That's a very nice job!

Not only that, but at £350 for an authentic copy in aluminium is just over half what Alicool are apparently quoting for something that will bear no resemblance to the original!

I’m not sure whether he would put all the formations in the top, but he was certainly implying that the shape would be a very close match, but would need to see the car and where it sits. Seemed very confident in fabricating one. He showed me a tank he’s just made for a hill climb car, very small rectangular but superb quality. I wonder if anyone can make one from plastic like most modern cars?

[mahony]

I'm sure a plastic tank could be fabricated , it's just finding someone to do it at a reasonable price

[TrustNo1]

I'm sure a plastic tank could be fabricated , it's just finding someone to do it at a reasonable price

The biggest issue with getting a tank made out of any material is as we know the very unusual shape which pushing the price up a lot I asked several fabricators many years ago and none of them were interested in making some.

[tamtrucks]

i had the same problem,,,got one alloy fuel tank made up,but still fettling,fuel pick in wrong place
what about a inboard boat fuel tank,or else fails 50 litre compressor tank?

[sprint95m]

I am of the opinion that the way forward is to look for a ready made tank from another vehicle.

To this end I have a Fiesta mark 6 tank. This I got via ebay for £5 plus £10 delivery.
It is not a perfect solution though, the spare needs to be located vertically, meaning
some boot space is lost. The tank is about 45 litre capacity I think.

Another tank I considered was from a (proper) Mini but these are only available in steel
and have a small capacity. Aside from that they are much dearer too.



Ian.

[OCF405R]

I'm sure a plastic tank could be fabricated , it's just finding someone to do it at a reasonable price

I used fibre glass matting on mine .in 1986 .. still working after 30 years ...