rusty 30lb tanks?

[V30crewcab]

my 77 has two rusty 30lb propane tanks on it. they are both full. what are my options? is there a way to swap them out? would like to stay with 30lb.

[CBWELL]

Paint them and use them. When they need to be refilled you will probably have to have the valves updated and the tanks certified.

[A W Warn]

I would use the propane, then get new 30lb tanks.
When a valve went bad on mine, I found new cost only $60 each.
A new valve and certification was 75% of that.

[cowdiddly]

easy to paint but the prep is the killer. I just redid my entire LP system. But of course it helps to have a propane buddy that just happened to have over a 100 OBD valves and got them cheap. When I started the old Fischer regulator was leaking and I figured parts were non existant so I replaced it with a Marshall I had stashed back. Had to modify the bracket a tad. AND, get this. It was hooked up with a flexible stove line like you put on a gas heater in the house and was even complete with a section of rubber hose and 3 pipe clamps connecting it to the copper. NO WAY. Some people are just plain nuts.

[V30crewcab]

Its going to be awhile before I could use the propane. only thing in it that works on propane currently is the stove. can't get the fridge to light, and I have to replace the heater.

can't make myself paint over rust, and not sure its safe to wirewheel a propane tank. just hate looking at the rust!
I have to fix alot of stuff before its usuable. it was rear-ended and someone jerry rigged it.

[Dan and Liz]

Naval jelly?

[Lumatic]

Ditto on the naval jelly. Or rattle can rust stabilizer.

Or bite the bullet and get a couple new Worthington aluminum tanks. You won't regret it

[thiel]

Evaporust? That stuff is amazing.

[SeeMore]

I agree with A_W_Warn after having faced the same question. The big box retailers, among others, carry tanks at a very reasonable cost.

Although it may cost less to re-certify your tanks, that minimum step only includes replacement of the valves and a pressure test. It does not include the cost or time/labor to recondition the exterior surface.

Another consideration is the re-certification only extends the 'valid' period for a few years (typically 5 yrs; dependent on re-certification level performed) and a new tank is certified for 12 years.

[J. Morgan]

I painted the tanks and bought the OPD valves from Amazon. After that I used them for over four years without having them certified. I guess they looked pretty good. A few places wont fill them because they’re red though.

[eubank]

It depends on the depth of the rust. If the metal is pitted to any visible depth, even in small areas, then you should really replace the cylinders. (The same obtains if there is any other damage to the cylinders, including especially bends in the supporting collar underneath or the upper collar that result in any cracks to the weld that hold them to the cylinder.) But if the rust is superficial only, then remove any flakiness and repaint with a cream color.

Of course, you need OPD valves; you can tell them by their triangle-shaped handles (see images below). And any necessary recertification.

Lynn