Separating the gas tank halves

[Bryan 93]

Kind of surprised search history didn't come up with something on this. I dropped the gas tank out of my 1g AWD yesterday. Has anyone tried separating the gas tank halves to be able to better clean it out and possibly restore in the inside? I'd like to wire wheel the outside a bit and re-paint it as well. All of this would be much easier if the tank was in two pieces. It looks like after you drop the tank only 2 bolts are holding the 2 halves together. I am guessing that once you remove those two bolts the halves are going to be stuck together and it would be a pain in the ass for them to separate? And even once they do separate getting them to seal back up afterward is a total pain in the ass? Curious if anyone has tried it before.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[bryanwheat]

The bolts that you are talking about are the mounting bolts which also hold the shield. The tank is likely brazed together. You aren't going to be able to easily get it apart. The easiest approach will be using acid to remove the rust and than coating it with tank sealer.

 

[2slow4now]

What bryan said.
I've used this before and it worked well. http://www.eastwood.com/gas-tank-sealer-kits.html#

On cleaning the outside just do one side at a time. Hopefully your 1g tank will be in better shape than my 2g fwd was. After cleaning the outside and then taking some of the rust off the top I realized the rust went all the way through. Holes everywhere. I did find a new tank on rock auto to replace it for a decent price. Keep that in mind especially if this is your daily driver.

 

[Bryan 93]

Thanks guys, I wish I could buy a remanufactured or new tank, but unfortunately they don't seem to be available for a 1g AWD. All the fuel cells I have seen are just too small, 7 gallons isn't going to cut it.

 

[bryanwheat]

You can also find a radiator shop. They usually offer tank cleaning services also.