PhoenixZorn
1/2 ton status
So, I filled my tank today on the new 70 k5, and realized after a few hours of sitting, that the tank was leaking. So, I ordered a gas tank from the local NAPA and they brought it over as soon as they could. In the meantime, I started taking apart the gas tank on the Blazer, making sure to rip the crap out of the dry rotted hoses that I now need to replace, and then finding that the tank isn't only the wrong size, but in no way will fit between the frame rails of my truck. It's entirely my fault of course, I ordered a tank from a 73 thinking I could make it fit. So now my truck sits in my shop with no gas tank, and the one I bought is boxed up and ready to ship back to NAPA. I ordered a new and proper tank from LMC Truck, then called my neighbor to come pick me up.
After a beer or two, my neighbor divulged to me that there are gas tank repair kits, which is basically advanced Bondo, and that it would cost me about $10.00 to fix my leaky tank. Well, that would have been nice to know 5 hours ago, I wouldn't have even needed to drop the tank. So now, I have to call LMC, cancel my tank order and change it to straps only, find a piece of hose to fit the part I ripped out because of dry rot, Topel rig the old straps to work for a few days, and hopefully finish everything by 11am tomorrow so I can drive it an hour away from home to my cousin's wedding and show it off... yeah, I know it's her day, but **** that... it'll be my day too.
The worse thing is, I asked a couple of my mechanics if there was anything I could do to fix the tank (even called another shop to see if they could fix it) and everyone said no... Amazing that a lowly farmer knows that there is a putty/catalyst combo that he's used many times to patch tanks, yet 5+ mechanics don't know their ear from their asshole. It's not like they are making money off of me by telling me no, I do my own work and pay cost for parts.... Anyway, I should have that done tomorrow, and the body mounts done by the end of next week so the damn thing stops squeaking all the time.
On top of everything else, I found after closer inspection than I did before I bought the truck, that one of the U-Bolts broke at one time on the rear axle and was welded to the axle for support. I also need to replace the shocks through the whole truck, and more than likely do a thermostat, waterpump, serp belt, heater core change due to heat issues in the cab... the engine is staying cool I think, but it sure does blow some heat into the front seats. All the heater and defrost functions are off as well as the heater fan, but it still bows hot air in from the motor. My wife has also already complained about the smell of blowby, which makes her and my kid very sick, also which I've found is a result of running fairly rich when I'm just running 2 barrels, let alone 4 barrels.
Sorry it's so long, I had to vent before I go to bed, and my wife is sleeping...
After a beer or two, my neighbor divulged to me that there are gas tank repair kits, which is basically advanced Bondo, and that it would cost me about $10.00 to fix my leaky tank. Well, that would have been nice to know 5 hours ago, I wouldn't have even needed to drop the tank. So now, I have to call LMC, cancel my tank order and change it to straps only, find a piece of hose to fit the part I ripped out because of dry rot, Topel rig the old straps to work for a few days, and hopefully finish everything by 11am tomorrow so I can drive it an hour away from home to my cousin's wedding and show it off... yeah, I know it's her day, but **** that... it'll be my day too.
The worse thing is, I asked a couple of my mechanics if there was anything I could do to fix the tank (even called another shop to see if they could fix it) and everyone said no... Amazing that a lowly farmer knows that there is a putty/catalyst combo that he's used many times to patch tanks, yet 5+ mechanics don't know their ear from their asshole. It's not like they are making money off of me by telling me no, I do my own work and pay cost for parts.... Anyway, I should have that done tomorrow, and the body mounts done by the end of next week so the damn thing stops squeaking all the time.
On top of everything else, I found after closer inspection than I did before I bought the truck, that one of the U-Bolts broke at one time on the rear axle and was welded to the axle for support. I also need to replace the shocks through the whole truck, and more than likely do a thermostat, waterpump, serp belt, heater core change due to heat issues in the cab... the engine is staying cool I think, but it sure does blow some heat into the front seats. All the heater and defrost functions are off as well as the heater fan, but it still bows hot air in from the motor. My wife has also already complained about the smell of blowby, which makes her and my kid very sick, also which I've found is a result of running fairly rich when I'm just running 2 barrels, let alone 4 barrels.
Sorry it's so long, I had to vent before I go to bed, and my wife is sleeping...
--when I stood 200 ft away,he laughed and said he also used a hose from a tailpipe to "fumigate" the tank so it couldn't explode while soldering it in yers past,until he learned the fire extinguisher trick..I wouldn't reccomend either method--a radiator shop will "hot tank" it first to get ALL the gas and vapors out..most of the tanks I had soldered developed more pinhole leaks shortly thereafter.. 
...just lucky I guess.. 
)and apply a generous coating of solder to it--and while its still liquid,apply it to the leaky spot and press firmly(helps if you use flux for soldering steel on the tank first)--it will stick and seal up the leaks!..worked on my 63 VW beetle tank the whole 2 years I had it!.. 
