170AMODELA

THE FOLLOWING IS SOME INPUT FROM BEN NEIMAN ON

THE FIXES FOR A GAS TANK.

Dick, what a wonderful site chock full of vital info. I am forwarding a tank fix I just completed and some pics. Keep up the good work, Ben Neiman

Driving and Owning A's 50 years.

Hi Ben,

I also have a tank that leaks around the steering wheel bracket. I have a new style bracket mounted off the dash rail. I have tried putting epoxy around the leaking bracket with little success.

I am interested in learning more about your method to solve the problem. I would like to try it myself. How did you grind the old bracket off? I would be concerned about starting a fire by grinding and creating

sparks. Did you drain the tank and fill it with water? I would appreciate some detail in your method. Sounds like something I would like to try.

Thanks,

Don Paalman

Don ,

I hope you have the success I have had in my recent repair efforts. leak. I drained tank, cleaned bottom with 2 gal acetone overnight, then install 1/4 in ball valve with nipples both ends so I could fit hose to drain water after filling, I also used a washing soda mix to clean entire internals of tank flushing with water 2-3 times. I used an air operated cutoff tool to remove most of upper half of old Clamp after tying down steering column, close working quarters but can be done, then 3 in. electric 90 degree grinder to remove rest of clamp and all the from Lowe’s for under $9, you will need at least 2 of kits sold by auto parts stores for $12 ea. Rip off. You will need a small stiff brush 1/4 in wide to spread epoxy, then overlay fiberglass cloth prox 4X5 in and then brush on 2-3 layers of epoxy mixing as needed, full cure 24 hours and then paint as needed. All owners said I must remove tank, but I am not physically able, the leak was aggravated by steering mount at bottom.

Luck Ben

Pics of my Cars and Sweet Shirley