Reconstruction of a Smashed Tank Housing - Part 2

[TheTone]

Now for the fractured handle. First the fracture is brought into alignment, glued, and clamped. Wedges are used where needed.


After the glue has dried, a sheet metal brace is glued on.


In the process, two small areas in the upper tank are identified where a crack has penetrated into the tank. These are cleaned and glued. The tank is then pumped down under vacuum to bring the glue into the cracks and ensure that there are no other leaks.


Lastly, a 1/8" piece of aluminum is cut for a brace/protector for the handle and glued.


Finished product:

 

[Patrick62]

necessity is the mother of invention.
I would have got a new tank housing. But, I have also been known to persevere and FIX something just outta stubbornness.

 

[LogSawyer74]

What kind of glue or epoxy are you using? Do you have to find something fuel resistant?

 

[TheTone]

necessity is the mother of invention.
I would have got a new tank housing. But, I have also been known to persevere and FIX something just outta stubbornness.

Well, I wouldn't call myself stubborn (my wife would roll her eyes). I do these things because I enjoy the challenge of the engineering required and the satisfaction of seeing the finished product. I have always liked taking something badly broken and making it work again . . .the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I guess I should have been a trauma surgeon. But I'm sure i would have burned out early - way too stressful and grueling lifestyle.