Good discussion on welding fuel tanks. I've only done it a couple times when the tank could be removed and filled about 95% with water. Also have set fire to everything around a diesel fuel tank welding on logging equipment (more than once), thank goodness for required fire extinguishers but you still have to run back to the tank to put it out...
Very Durable Metal Finish from Local Source
Recently finished welding and reinforcing an old "new" diamond plate steel bumper for my antique 1 ton Chevy six pack pickup.
I asked some questions about what to prime and paint it with and am quite surprised with the results.
PRIMER: NAPA #7220 "self etching primer" this stuff dries very hard and after a bit could not be scratched with my fingernail. It's made by Martin Senour. I'd asked what was the best primer question of a friend who's career is welding (both repair and building new) heavy logging and construction equipment and also the manager of local Napa. Got the same answer from both, use the self etching primer. I did as advised.
PAINT: Acrylic enamel by Dupli-Color, color, silver also from NAPA.
Acrylic enamels are the toughest paint on the shelf at NAPA.
Used a 2 by 4 flat against the silver paint and gently tapped with a 12 lb. hammer to drive the bumper onto the frame to place the attachment bolts.
Some of my gentle taps may be have been less gentle than others. No marks on the 48 hour old paint.
From now on when I build something from mild steel, I'm going to prime and paint it because it takes a long time for the rust color to get even all over.
lesson for me, ask questions. Things have changed, paint is now tough.
Edited to add: Value of this very good stuff is that it is from NAPA. These stores are almost everywhere. NAPA's system is set up so that if the product requested is not on the shelf, often it will be there the next morning.
I still cannot believe how tough the primer is for a non-baked finish.
Threaded Mode
