Advice on restoring a 100L tank that's been through the wars

[Alan B]

I bought a 100L tank a few years ago that looked great in the pictures. When I had it stripped there was a lot more "history" there than I'd thought. I knew that there was a patch on the bottom of the tank, but the rest of the tank showed a lot more damage than I'd expected. I'd be interested to hear what the gurus think of the tank and the different patches. Several are leaded and were invisible when the tank was painted. The picture of the vent tube and filler show what looks like brass brazing.

Some questions:
Is the patch on top factory?
There is a dent on the left side of the bottom rear of the tank.It's very symmetrical. Is this original, or damage that should be repaired?
What should I do about the patch on the bottom? Is there a repair that would make the bottom look original? Maybe I should just make sure it doesn't leak and leave it. Who knows what punched the hole that the patch repaired.

Attached are pictures. I have more. Any and all thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated.

Alan

[edmayo]

Was this claimed to an original or a repro? The brazing is how the factory did it, and as to the patches, if they don't leak I'd leave well enough alone. To get those ribs in the bottom you'd end up welding in another tank section anyway!

[LongRanger]

. . . The brazing is how the factory did it, and as to the patches, if they don't leak I'd leave well enough alone. To get those ribs in the bottom you'd end up welding in another tank section anyway! . . .

I'm kinda w/ Ed on this --- if it's not leaking? . . . then it's good-to-go

I know it's nice to have something shiny/clean/perfect/blah-blah-blah --- but frankly . . . I think a nice battle-scarred veteran bit is a whole lot more interesting than something that's so clean you'd swear it'd never been used . . .

. . . and you'll never worry about hurting it . . .

. . . or being accused of fitting a repro



I say: pressure check, paint-to-suit . . . then put back into service

[bxd]

I say: pressure check, paint-to-suit . . . then put back into service

I absolutely agree with Rick on this... there is only one like it; it shows history. Probably crashed valiantly into a tree in a rally, or bounced off a corner on some great track... more than simple patina.

[Alan B]

I'm with you guys. I'll take out the dents that have plastic filler, make sure it's tight, paint it, and put it in the gray ghost.

Alan