1966 Caravel black tank

[VetteGuy]

So I saw old posting about preparing and removing a black tank so I tried it myself. I was able to pull the black tank out of the closet instead of disassembling the entire sofa or closet space.

But I did have to cut off the screws from the waste valve because they were Rusty. I cut the vent pipe and the tank pretty much came right out. I posted a few pictures to show you that it can be done. But my problem is I don't know if this tank can be repaired because all the tanks that they have on the market are out of stock.

I would like to know if anybody ever repair this type of tank and is this fiberglass or a PVC tank. What did you use to repair it with and did you change the flange for the valve at the bottom of the tank...

And all help is welcomed.

Thanks .. Al

[KenDavis]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

So I saw old posting about preparing and removing a black tank so I tried it myself. I was able to pull the black tank out of the closet instead of disassembling the entire sofa or closet space.

But I did have to cut off the screws from the waste valve because they were Rusty. I cut the vent pipe and the tank pretty much came right out. I posted a few pictures to show you that it can be done. But my problem is I don't know if this tank can be repaired because all the tanks that they have on the market are out of stock.

I would like to know if anybody ever repair this type of tank and is this fiberglass or a PVC tank. What did you use to repair it with and did you change the flange for the valve at the bottom of the tank...

And all help is welcomed.

Thanks .. Al

I replaced the one in my 67 Caravelle. I bought a new one from vintage trailer supply. The new one was a little bigger so I had to remove the wall to install the new tank. I might still have the drawings I sent for them to put the fittings in the new tank. Call if you like Ken Davis 8175401513

[VetteGuy]

That would be a blessing
I'll text you later. Thanks

[KenDavis]

This is my home phone number

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

That would be a blessing
I'll text you later. Thanks

[prairieschooner]

Not sure about yours but mine was fiberglass in my 1958 18' Traveler. I made some repairs to mine when I replaced the toilet with a new one. Looks like it was on page 5 post #81. Not much detail since the repair was simple. 12:1 scarf and simple laminate layers for the repair. I'm not a fan of newer polyethylene tanks but that is just me.

Since you original tank fits well why not repair it? fairly easy to do but if you are near a marina or boat shop surely you could find a guy.
After the repair use water with food dye to check for leaks prior to the install.
Vintage Trailer Supply has a repair kit using an epoxy;
https://vintagetrailersupply.com/car...d-049de676d089


follow my signature for my restoration

[VetteGuy]

Thanks for the info. Vintage Trailer Supply is currently out of everything just about and they don't know when they're going to get everything in but I thought about repairing this with fiberglass however I'm almost certain this is abs based on the way they cracked I'm broke apart there's no strings in it

[68 TWind]

You might try "welding" the plastic. Harbor Freight has the tool and filler rods (https://www.harborfreight.com/search...0welding%20kit). I have used it with pretty good results on a few things. It would be worth a try. I would try that and then fiberglass over that. If you do add a layer of glass, use epoxy resin rather than polyester (such as West System Epoxy). It will adhere much better. Also the surface must be really clean and roughed up for a good bond. Good luck.

[VetteGuy]

Thanks Bruce.

Im going to try that. Or I saw a posting on YT where a guy made one out of plywood and lined with FiberGlass and a gel coat.

Anyone have any thoughts on that?

[docflyboy]

Paul Mayeaux at A & P Vintage Trailer Works changed mine out while mine was apart. He might have my old one which was in good shape, except I had to take a grinder to the ring to get it apart as well. The one he replaced it with looks exactly the same. If he's got my old one, tell him Jerry said it's OK to pass it your way.

[Peter417]

Has anyone had any luck finding one of these new tanks?

[VetteGuy]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Has anyone had any luck finding one of these new tanks?

Ok here we go. Let see. Where do I start.

So I made mine.

Plywood overlaid with fiberglass 4x

And seal the joints with epoxy and 3m fuseit.

1/2in on the top since that's where the weights going to be. And 1/2 inch on the sides to support the top and the small one by to support for the toilet. I have a video explaining some things I've done but here's some pictures for now.
I poured 10 gallons of water into the tank with a gallon or so left .but I'd never feel that much.

$175. .. you may be saying you should have just bought the tank from vintage Trailer Supply.

1. They were out of stock
2. This is made out of wood and fiberglass.
3. I don't have to guess where the holes going to go and sending the wrong measurements and get screwed didn't have to start all over.

4. If something falls on it in the closet and punctures the polyethylene tank guess what you're in trouble. I've had this happen to my freshwater tank a small finishing nail on a piece of wood fell on it and puncture a small hole.
And its heavy duty. Some of the tanks now made by Airstream are made out of fiberglass

[Lance M]

Nice work, Al!
Very cool. I've seen a few black tanks made from plywood. They seem to do just fine.

I do believe the original tank is ABS plastic and can be repaired fairly easily. I repaired a black tank on a 1966 Safari with 3M semi-rigid plastic repair kit. Worked well, but it wasn't a huge crack like you had here.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/MMCcF6R6uymdkBbo6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cp5awZuWhzr6zo5A7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LTSp9dPHuzLG8Zmy5

I've also seen a few people make new tanks from sheet plastic with a plastic welder. It's cool to see the solutions people come up with.

[VetteGuy]

Thanks Lance. Time to figure out how to put it all back together..lol

[Peter417]

Thanks Al. That looks like a valid option. I don't think I am to concerned with dropping something on the tank from the closet. I can make a protective cover easy enough. I have done a fair bit of fiberglass work. The weight and capacity have me looking at vintage trailer supply still though. I spoke with them and they said next month they expect a shipment.

If your toilet side bathroom wall was 1 inch closer to the toilet, do you think you would still be able to get that stock tank in or out through the closet? My caravel has a sliding bathroom door and it takes up a bit of bathroom space on that side resulting in a slightly smaller closet. I am fully prepared to remove the closet but removing the sliding door and wall will add a lot to the project.

[VetteGuy]

I have been trying to get this from vintage trailer supply since November. I'm glad they're finally getting it in.

You have to post a picture of your closet for me to tell you yay or nay. But if it is a stock closet on the toilet side and the stock tank you should be able to slide it right out.

But if you're going to go with the tank from vintage trailer supply you would have to take out the Gaucho and the closet wall on the couch side. I use a multi-tool from Harbor Freight to cut the screws on the floor they were quite Rusty and some spots would not turn. This was the easier way. Put the blade right under the sofa and it cuts it without even doing damage to the floor or sofa frame.

Notice in the picture with the Gaucho removed. The Transformer must be disconnected for easy slide in of the new tank. Be sure to tape up each wire and label them so it'll be easy to put back together

[Peter417]

Does this help?

[amigaman]

Where does the bare wire attached to the screw onthe cover of your fuse box go? I have a similar wire coming out of my boc but it was cut off and pnly about 6 inches remains so i have no idea where it went.

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

I have been trying to get this from vintage trailer supply since November. I'm glad they're finally getting it in.

You have to post a picture of your closet for me to tell you yay or nay. But if it is a stock closet on the toilet side and the stock tank you should be able to slide it right out.

But if you're going to go with the tank from vintage trailer supply you would have to take out the Gaucho and the closet wall on the couch side. I use a multi-tool from Harbor Freight to cut the screws on the floor they were quite Rusty and some spots would not turn. This was the easier way. Put the blade right under the sofa and it cuts it without even doing damage to the floor or sofa frame.

Notice in the picture with the Gaucho removed. The Transformer must be disconnected for easy slide in of the new tank. Be sure to tape up each wire and label them so it'll be easy to put back together

[VetteGuy]

Originally Posted by Peter417

Does this help?

Yes its about the same... mine is 11in on the door open but.. definitely enough for getting it out.

[VetteGuy]

Originally Posted by amigaman

Where does the bare wire attached to the screw onthe cover of your fuse box go? I have a similar wire coming out of my boc but it was cut off and pnly about 6 inches remains so i have no idea where it went.

Bare is wire mounted on your transformer box conduit. If you're talking about the silver wire... that's is your ground..definitely put that wire back on the box..mine was on the inlet side of the 120v screwed box conduit..

In short...just mount to the transformer..