Custom / DIY aluminium fuel tank

[parkertr]

Hey everyone,

I have a 13 Stacer Seasprite which I would like to build, or get built, a custom fuel tank.

I have seen one which fit nicely behind the front seat and basically became an extension of the seat. ie, it was about 100mm deep and went down in the 'V' shape of the boat.

Did I explain that OK???

Anyway, I was wondering about the regulations of DYI fuel tanks, bending / welding aluminium, where to buy appropriate aluminium etc.

I am quite handy at DYI jobs, I just haven't worked much with metal and can't find much on regulations. Plus I want it to be as cheap as possible.

Thanks!

[parkertr]

And also who / where in the Brisbane area would be the best place to get it welded or made etc.

[Feral]

Got a mate in the rally game that makes great tanks, fully baffled and certified, Keith Fackrell at KCF rallysport at Redcliffe. Not the cheapest, but certainly the best quality.

Post edited by: Feral, at: 2007/07/05 18:29

[parkertr]

Thanks Feral,

I'll look more into it and maybe give them a call. I like the hands-on DIY approach if possible.

[bootyinblue]

Feral,

Do you have a number or email for Keith? I asked this same question a while ago as I have 2 x 25L tanks that barely squeeze in behind the rear lounge and are a pain to move in and out. I was wanting to put a tank in there permanently and fit it with a deck filler.

You think its a feasable idea?

[Feral]

Have a yarn with Keith,

His web site is

http://www.ecn.net.au/~kcf/KCF%20Main.htm

His phone No is 3284 1546

As I say he does very good work.

If you go down to his workshop, ask to have a look at his latest pride and joy, he is building a BDA Escort from the ground up, one of only two in Australia. Even down to the period signwriting, tyres and paint job.

Post edited by: Feral, at: 2007/07/05 18:33

[rayke1938]

I would not really recommend a DIY ally tank in the complex shape that you require. It will require developing a complex template and access to a decent guilatine and a bending machine.

Years ago I used to make my own tanks when I had access to the PMG workshops at Bulimba. We used to use tern plate and it lasted very well in the saltwater envoriament.But we only used to make square or rectangular tanks due to the problems with folding the joins using their cinciatti machine.

If you are going to make anything over 40l capacity you should be thinking of internal baffles.

If the tank is to be permantley installed You will need filler access, a breather and a fuel pick up.

Also be aware that the ally tank is subject to internal corrosion and can develop pin hole leaks so make certain you only use marine grade not old road signs.

I wouls strongly advise just going to the pros and paying the big bucks for a decent job. The pros have CAD programmes that will be spot on.

Also you will probably have to purchase a full sheet of ally and have heaps left over but the pro will only charge you for what he uses.

Have you checked with your hull manufacturer they may have specially fitted tanks as an accessory?

Ray

[kriso]

if it was made out of a sheet of 316 3.5mm stainless it would look shite hot!

just need someone with a tig welder!

[parkertr]

It's a 1980 model tinny so I'm not sure about the shape difference.

Thanks for the tips - is there only the one suggestion of a place to go?

Thanks again for your replies.

[Master Sardines]

http://www.marinefit.cjb.net/

thats a fella i know

[bootyinblue]

I will measure up the tank I need to fit and then get a price and see if its within the budget. Basically I just want an rectangular box that slopes from to back.

Making it out of 316 stainless sounds flash and more like it should be a drop tank hanging under the bum.... who was it that had that boat with all the flames in the seating again? Now that would look pretty flash, but not do too much good for ride comfort!

[mackmauler]

roughest riding area of the boat, you would want a quality job both in the tank and the surrounding bracing to hold it, i know of tanks splitting because of those issues. could be a real disaster

[faulked]

i picked up a 100 litre stainless bow tank on ebay for 50bucks and mounted it in the bow of my 4.1quintrex its a bitch to get off the trailer when full but smooths the ride nicely and talk about range yeha.i also have a old landrover square tank in the stern of my nautiglass run about which is stainless again and holds 50 litres both these tanks are \"home made\" and are both very old and abused neither leaks a drop stainles whilst heavier is easier to work and weld from a handy man perspective if you just want cheap diy with the aid of ebay and bias boating wharehouse for fittings good luck withthe beastie:)