Repair black tank on ‘67 caravel

[lilpeewee]

hello,
we removed our black tank to repair the floor, and realized there is a small crack in the tank about 2” long. rather than replace the tank, we want to use plast-mend to fix it. my question is what type of plastic is the original 1967 tank made of? the plasti mend wont work on polyetheline. does anyone know?

[dbj216]

I don't know what a 67 black tank looks like. Here is a photo of the crummy black tank from my former 66 Trade Wind. I believe is was made from ABS plastic and vacuum formed as it appeared the top of the tank was welded to the formed bottom. I replaced this tank in a big renovation project.

I know of no adhesive that will stick to polyethylene. I do know the material can be "welded", or braze might be a better word, as it is a thermoplastic material. Your tank crack may be a candidate for welding. Adhesives will adhere to ABS, heck we glue together ABS pipes all the time.

Check out Inca Plastics, a long time maker of RV tanks. They have a website. They market a polyethylene repair kit. I've never tried one, but I consider Inca Plastic very knowledgeable.

David

[kevinkatz]

Originally Posted by dbj216

I don't know what a 67 black tank looks like. Here is a photo of the crummy black tank from my former 66 Trade Wind. I believe is was made from ABS plastic and vacuum formed as it appeared the top of the tank was welded to the formed bottom. I replaced this tank in a big renovation project.



I know of no adhesive that will stick to polyethylene. I do know the material can be "welded", or braze might be a better word, as it is a thermoplastic material. Your tank crack may be a candidate for welding. Adhesives will adhere to ABS, heck we glue together ABS pipes all the time.



Check out Inca Plastics, a long time maker of RV tanks. They have a website. They market a polyethylene repair kit. I've never tried one, but I consider Inca Plastic very knowledgeable.



David

Vintage trailer supply has a black tank for a caravel that is larger than the original. The original comes out and is replaced through the closet. The larger one has to go in through the goucho and cutting the bottom of the closet wall under the goucho.
I have repaired that tank with fiberglass but frankly if you are going to all the work to get it out I would put a new one in.

[VetteGuy]

Would you happen have a picture of you waste valve I seen do not be able to locate mine

[dbj216]

The only picture I have I posted above. I had no interest in this 50 year old plastic blade valve. I pitched it with the broken tank. Tank blade valves are not terribly expensive. I recommend a total replacement.

David

[Dingo Girl]

I replaced my black tank in my 67 Caravel. Purchased from VTS.
If you don't have to keep the old one don't. It will be a problem down the road. You don't want the tank to leak on your floor.

[dbj216]

I wish my beagle puppy wouldn't leak on the floor. David