seeking flame tube - '64 Bowen water heater

[biopig]

need some help finding a replacement flame tube for my 64 bowen hot water heater. PO said WH works but flame tube looks a little scary, Big rusted hole in tube with foil tape over it. Maybe I should just install a new atwood? Thanks for your help.

[VIKING]

I also have an original '64 bowen water heater in my Safari. I took it out as part of gutting the Safari to the frame. I was suprised to find that it has no sediment in it at all. The control knob was leaking gas out from around the shaft though, and it was not safe to use it like that. I will be getting a new one with automatic ignition this coming year.
I hate to throw away a perfectly good 45 year old water heater, but putting a new controller on a tank that old is folly.

Rich the Viking

[ts8501]

Installing a new water heater would be a very good idea. 1964 to 2010 is a long time for an old GAS water heater. Too many old and rusting parts, and many technology and safaty upgrades to take advantage of. IMHO.

[biopig]

Thanks for the advise. I just ordered a 6 gal suburban wh.