Building a custom fuel tank

[stickymess]

Anyone here ever built a fuel tank from fiberglass and if so what should I look out for in terms of potential problems.I have done a fair amount of fiberglass work in the past so not a complete novice.Thanx

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

I love the name with the project suggestion.. goes hand in hand ... Would you use epoxy or Poly Resin? I was curious about the effects of fuel on fiberglass but it appears fiberglass fuel tanks are and have been in use for awhile. Decent site here... might get some ideas here too... http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpate.html <br /><br />Keep a project log with pics so if it goes well ... we might decide to tackle that too

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

From what I've heard of fiberglass tanks, you need to be wary of fuels containing ethanol. Ethanol can damage some plastics and resins.

 

[stickymess]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

I have yet to decide on poly or epoxy but I was definately thinking of some kind of flow-coat lining on the inside to combat the fuel chemicals. any ideas?

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

Go and have a look at your nearest airport.<br />Talk to an airframe tech as Piper used F/glass tip tanks on a variety of models from the 60's onwards.<br />I have flown Cherokee PA28-235 and PA32-260 models with tip tanks.<br />My mate has owned a PA28-235 for near 20 years and his tanks are still fine and he uses 91 unleaded from the gas pump with all it's current aromatic blends and no leaks.<br />His plane is NOT running on AVGAS and has about 5500 hrs on the airframe.<br />Good luck,<br />Pete

 

[bigboy]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

I know guys who made them under the floor off their boat. You can just tank the fuel under the floor. The stringers are the sides off the fuel tanks and than you just have to make the other sides. When this is finished you have to make in it a little room with holes in it. Otherwise when the fuel flows to the front you have no fuel. So that holds the fuel there. Than you have to paint it with TOP-COAT this is specially for fuel and other stuff. All raceboats here use this method. No failures ever had.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

I just had a 75 gallon fiberglass tank made to match the original steel one. Cost me $500, cheaper than aluminum and no corrosion.

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Building a custom fuel tank

Originally posted by stickymess:<br /> I have yet to decide on poly or epoxy but I was definately thinking of some kind of flow-coat lining on the inside to combat the fuel chemicals. any ideas?

http://www.prp-porshop.com/por-15-tank-sealer.htm <br /><br />I know a lot of people with old scooters, threewheelers, etc etc had problems with the inside of their tanks rusting... they used a liquid lining similar to whats at the above link... might talk to the motorcycle crowd to see what they use and you might find good prices.