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Aluminati · 10-19-2007, 06:51 AM

I have two LP tanks from my 68 overlander.
Are these painted aluminum...can they be stripped and buffed like the skin of the AS.

Thanks

3Ms75Argosy · 10-19-2007, 06:57 AM

Yup - although I don't think they're painted - just oxidized. Just polish them up, and get them converted to OPD's if they haven't already been. Good find!
Marc

eubank · 10-19-2007, 07:26 AM

Yes, as Marc said, they look to be just oxidized. They probably need recertification and OPD valves. Check the date on the collar of the bottles; that'll indicate when the last certification was performed.

Original certification is good for 12 years; subsequent visual recertifications are good for 5 years each. Provided the tanks are in good condition -- no bent collars or base, no deep corrosion -- the recertification should be easy. They'll stamp the collar of the tank anew, an "E" (think of "Eye," for visual recertification) followed by month and year.

Replacing the OPDs is a matter of removing the old and putting in the (proper) new. It's not very hard, but they do have to secure the tank so that it doesn't move around.

I usually go to a place down in the city (!) to do this and, as a matter of courtesy, have them fill the bottle, too -- even though the propane is a bunch more expensive there.

Lynn

Melody Ranch · 10-19-2007, 07:42 AM

Your tanks look to be aluminum.

lewster · 10-19-2007, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Your tanks look to be aluminum.

NICE POLISH JOB!!!!!

Next time you're going to post that shot, please let us know in advance so I can put my sunglasses on before I open the thread

!!

Aluminati · 10-19-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Your tanks look to be aluminum.

Your tanks look SICK!!!....(this is a good thing)

**azflycaster** · 10-19-2007, 10:58 AM

Here is a good before and after picture of new aluminum tanks. But as Lew pointed out to me at the Balloon Rally, you need to keep them looking goog also.

Lew, after I washed the trailer they looked 100% better. What was the name of that polish you werew showing me?

InsideOut · 10-19-2007, 11:05 AM

Shari

Foiled Again · 10-19-2007, 11:11 AM

Makes me want to run out and buy aluminum tanks. Of course my 2006 has a propane tank COVER .... AND doesn't have the kind of aluminum that COULD shine up that way...

Paula

Aluminati · 10-19-2007, 11:39 AM

If I had to replace these tanks... buy new...what would new polished LP tanks go for these days?

**azflycaster** · 10-19-2007, 11:41 AM

I have not seen polished tanks offered for sale. I bought mine at VTS at a little over $300 for two delivered. I think the price has gone up since last year

InsideOut · 10-19-2007, 11:50 AM

You shouldn't have to replace them...just get new OPD valves and recertified. The price of polishing is elbow grease!

Shari

Boondocker · 10-19-2007, 11:52 AM

Those are to cool, wish I had a set like that. Not in the buget though.

**azflycaster** · 10-19-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

You shouldn't have to replace them...just get new OPD valves and recertified. The price of polishing is elbow grease!

Shari

And alot of throw away rags....

Aluminati · 10-19-2007, 12:36 PM

Where can I get the valves changed. I have a LP company close to me...would that be O.K..or...is this something that I can do myself?

**azflycaster** · 10-19-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aluminati

Where can I get the valves changed. I have a LP company close to me...would that be O.K..or...is this something that I can do myself?

I would have it done, only costs a few bucks and they have the tools. Make sure you get the correct valve. The one for an aluminum tank is different then a steel tank (I think).

Smokin Camel · 10-21-2007, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aluminati

Where can I get the valves changed. I have a LP company close to me...would that be O.K..or...is this something that I can do myself?

When I had mine done I went to a local cooperative. They had the special wrench (I tried to get the valve out with a buddy & we bent a 1 inch iron pipe like it was a pretzel). They only charged me for the refill, as I already had the valves.

Contact some of the larger coops that also do heating work, you will find someone that will change the valves & cert the tank for you. A few phone calls should do it.

In my area it was a former CENEX that had just left the franchise.

azfiredog300 · 02-10-2008, 09:47 PM

Hey Richard, I am starting my polish job tomorrow, any tricks I can use? Did you sand them or compound?

soldiermedic · 02-10-2008, 09:55 PM

I have dual 40# tanks on my Ambassador, but I am looking for 30# tanks. If anyone would like to upgrade from 30# to 40# tanks PM me.

By the way Melody, Shari, Richard...that is fantastic work!

Steve

**azflycaster** · 02-10-2008, 10:05 PM

Mine were new and needed a little sanding especially where it had some weld splatter. I used very fine #400 & #600 wet paper. I then used a liquid polish from Lowe's that is used to shine up PU truck tool boxes called Truck Box polish. I also bought a bunch of work towels at Costco to polish with. You are going to use a bunch of towels. All of oxidation will come off black.

One thing that helped me was I built a stand out of scrap wood and some carpet and clamped it to a work bench. I think this made it a lot easier.

Gracie in the picture was no help at all, but she is cute...