30lb Worthington tanks

[ChuckZ]

We just picked up two not so new 30 pound Worthington aluminum tanks. In really great shape but showing their age when it comes to dirt and grime. I need some suggestions on how to clean them up and get them ready for polish. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Lumatic]

The same for Airstream coaches would apply to tanks. There are several techniques. How clean and polished do you want? Can be up to a mirror finish. Try a search under polishing. BTW/ the search engine sucks.

[switz]

If the tanks are over a certain age, they require an inspection (you usually have to pay for this) at a qualified propane tank service center. Take one by the local propane store to have the service date verified before time and spending money polishing the tanks.

[featherbedder]

There are several good aluminum spray on rinse that remove grime. They all will have a little acid but do not use on AS. for aluminum wheels ok.

[RxGuy]

Originally Posted by switz

If the tanks are over a certain age, they require an inspection (you usually have to pay for this) at a qualified propane tank service center. Take one by the local propane store to have the service date verified before time and spending money polishing the tanks.

Probably also need to be updated with an OPD. I am not 100% sure but I think they are mandatory now.

[ChuckZ]

One of the two tanks has already been recertified two years ago. The other one will need to be recertified with a new OPD valve before I spend any time on it. Ferrell gas here in town can take care of it.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

I shined my old oxidized aluminum 40# Worthington bottle on a pottery wheel. Took about four minutes with 100 grit wet, 'til it matched the patina on my '68.

Unbelievably fast, clean, and effortless. Could have easily gone to mirror shine with finer papers, but, like Numismatists and Tiffany collectors, prefer unpolished.

Local Amerigas replaced valve with OPD, re-certified, and ~40# filled for a total of $75

[ChuckZ]

How nice!