The fuel tank in our 4104 sprang a leak. It has considerable rust on the bottom and a couple of holes. Took it this morning to the same people that has always taken care of our radiator problems. Always do good work at a reasonable price. They say it is really rusty on the inside also and suggested the cost to fix it right would probably warrant the cost of a new one. When I told them it came out of a 1955 converted bus and new was not an option as far as I knew. He said it would take about $1200.00 to fix right. Sandblast inside an out, coating inside and out, lots of labor time. I know it could probably be fixed to hold fuel for less, but I don't feel like changing fuel filters along interstate 75 all the way to Florida and back. Any options on a new tank of some kind that will work? Thanks You for any help. Ron 4104-----------Singin' Farmer
If the steel sheet that the bottom and walls are made from are so rusted out that they're eaten through, then he's right. I guess you might get a good welder/fabricator to make up replacement panels, cut out the deteriorated parts so that the new parts can be welded on, and then paint/coat/rustproof, but that would be expensive.
Is it only the bottom that's in bad shape, or does the rust (leaking area) go up the sides? Usually, it's just the bottom where the water sinks.
But if it's really swiss-cheese up the sides, and all across the bottom, you're basically looking at a new tank. And that will be expensive.
Shoot with it out of the bus any good fab shop should be able to make you a new replacement tank.
;D BK ;D
I have this one that I could make you a good deal on if it would work for you. Its never been used as far as I know. If interested lmk and I will get you some measurements. It is a dot approved tank fwiw. Located in IN.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi756.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx203%2F2xdemo%2Ftank.jpg&hash=d640ed4cafedfb1590d290672e9f35e2144599de)
Patiently, go on the search for a fabricator to make you a new one, or find someone with a new one available.
Call around, try Luke at US Coach 888-262-2434. He'll have a good idea as to a reasonable cost, if he can't ship you one.
In this economy, if all else fails, you should be able to commission one for a reasonable price.
DO NOT PANIC, that leads to too much money spent.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Ron if you can make down OK, and with little fuel when you get here, I know a very good fab man and very reasonable and fast!
Let me know, you have my number!
Ace
Thanks for all the help guys. I called Luke before I posted and he has no tanks and had no idea where a good one for a 4104 could be located. Thanks for the offer Ace, but I hate to put it back in without it being road worthy. got a friend with a welding shop that is a good fabricator, Ill contact him and get a price on a new tank. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Thanks ! Ron 4104---- Singin' farmer
As BW said, dont panic or get excited, its will double or triple the cost. I have an old 8N Ford, the tank was swiss cheese and filled with sludge. I found a good used one on fleabay for $65, looks good as new with a shot of paint.
Someone has a tank somehwere, and if not, most likely your fabication buddy will have you good as new and for many dollars cheaper.
Ron take pictures and measurements and send them to me. My fabrication guy builds tanks all the time for the custom hot rods and race cars he builds.
I need to stop in and see him this week anyway and I can give hime the pics an dimensions and ask him to give you a call or email with a price.
Knowing Mark he'll quote it in steel & aluminum both.
;D BK ;D
email address is in profile.