'71 White Wagon

[mannys66]

When I worked at the lawnmower shop and we had to clean out a metal tank, we'd remove it, drain it, put some gas in it, then add a handful of nuts, bolts, etc, seal it up and shake it up really well. That would break loose the buildup so it would come out. 2 or 3 rounds of this usually did the trick, but sometimes it would reveal holes where the tank was eaten through.

Good luck with yours!

Good tip Charlie.
I use a metal chain instead of bolts as it has less sharp edges to puncture thin metal.

I would think that if my gas tank has thin spots anywhere I rather they puncture when I'm cleaning the tank outside the car than when the tank is back in the car, realize that a gas tank in a bus goes behind the engine and the motor has to come out to be cleaned up or replaced, not in the open trunk area like any other Volkswagen. Doing things twice is for rookies or wanna bes like our friend Glenn A.

[Raj]

I would think that if my gas tank has thin spots anywhere I rather they puncture when I'm cleaning the tank outside the car than when the tank is back in the car, realize that a gas tank in a bus goes behind the engine and the motor has to come out to be cleaned up or replaced, not in the open trunk area like any other Volkswagen. Doing things twice is for rookies or wanna bes like our friend Glenn A.

The next step I do is coat the entire inside with a por 15 gas tank sealer style product. It a) seals the rust in to stop any shit form getting loose in the fresh gas, and b) adds a nice solid layer to build up the thin metal. I have even sealed shut a pin hole leak. Just an idea if the tank you are running is kinda rare or difficult to replace. But hear what your saying Manny about the location of the tank vs a T1. I would tend to be more cautious then too.

[Tom]

This should be helpful.

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/FuelTa ... l#cleaning

[Tom]

I still think you should call it "WonderBus" .

[AoT]

I still think you should call it "WonderBus" .

It has a nice ring to it and I really enjoyed referring to the bug as the "wonder" since there was a lot of wondering what I was doing when I got it and and the adventure is starting over again.

[mannys66]

I like either one.

[Glenn A]

Wow lots of hear say on this thread and all sorts of new ideas. My most recent experience happens to be with a 1 year only type one tank. I put in a large hand full of sheetrock screws and a hand full of half inch by half inch bolts. According to the Eastwood fuel tank sealer instructions shake the tank till you can't feel you arms, then shake it some more. I will do the same thing to my bus tank. If it was to produce a leak I would replace the tank. You want to build a driver. Do it right once. Don't be the guy on the side of the road!

[AoT]

Do it right once. Don't be the guy on the side of the road!

Nope, I don't want to be the guy on the side of the road!

Read thru the Bentley book last night about taking the fuel tank out and i think thats what i need to do. The only issue is getting the engine out of the way. I took out the bug tank 2 years ago and gave it a treatment which I'm glad I did to cross off any issues with that. Going to check the calendar and pick a date when some of you "bus boys" could lend a hand and any VW'er that could offer a helping hand. Would also give me a chance to see what else might be lurky under the bus. Any volunteers for a tech session late next month, send me a PM?

Thanks for the input.

[Raj]

Aud, I'm down for most Sundays mornings.

[Kermit]

I'm down to watch anytime — Saturdays work better for me (my garage is closed on Sundays), but I'm not the source of skills here. I'm just the source of beer or snacks.

[Glenn]

I'm down to watch .

Trust me... we'll put you to work.

Don't wear cloths that you don't want to get dirty. That's how you learn and build confidence.

[Kermit]

So...no tuxedo?

[AoT]

Asked BusBBQ over for a look at the brakes. The rear brake cylnders and shoes need to be replaced. Hoses look ok. Front pads and rotors are good. Looks like they were redone in 2007. Emergency brake cables need to be replaced. Have to order up the parts for next weekend. Thanks for the help Bill.

Spent this great afternoon cleaningout the bus. Tookout all the damaged ceiling and looks much better. Need to start getting the seats redone. Love the inspiration a beautiful spring day brings.

[Raj]

Love the inspiration a beautiful spring day brings.

X2! See you next weekend!

[AoT]

Here are some pic of the bus cleanup/cleanout.

It was a storage locker over the winter, but spring is happening and time to move


Getting ready for camping.


Took off all the paneled headliners and it makes a huge difference, no more low hanging, smelly wood. Took measurements of all the removed pieces for when I redo the ceiling.


Not even a wash, just a good sweep with the broom.


This vent portal was left open to the elements so I covered it with duct tape to keep the rain out. Will get the adhesive off when the weather is warmer.


Picked up the cover from my bus pick two weeks ago so I clean off all the caulking and gave it a spray of primer and paint,


New cover in place after a smear of new caulk, need to get some type of flange to keep any run off from getting inside


Worth the effort!

[dubstar]

looks good...did you sort out what extra camping interior pieces you won't be using yet?

[AoT]

Started getting the fuel tank prepped. This is the one I picked a few weeks ago.
It is solid and I dont' see any pin holes.


Had some trouble getting the stem out of the tank. Even called BusBBQ to see if there was another unseen thread. The stem did not budge. Did a little tapping and used a utility knife to get under the seam. Finally broke the seal and was met with this gummy mess.



The screen did not come out with the stem so I pushed a screwdriver in and met some resistance. Kept poking and finally broke thru and heard it drop. This is what appeared when I turned it over, a mummified finger!! Don't think I would get much gas flow through this.


This pile of rust also came loose and dry!


Started the marine clean process. the first drop was like coffee and gave it three treatments. Will do one more tonight and then get going on the metal ready. The tank sealer needs a few days to dry.


Ordered the parts for the tech session.

[Raj]

sweet..... you'll def find some nastiness in there. Good move getting this all squared away for Sunday install. She needs to get filly dry before you add fresh gas. good work like usual!

[gotboost79]

lookin good! With this weather, you should be cruisin in no time!

[AoT]

Working on getting all the pieces ready to put the tank and engine back in. Lots of degreasing and washing and got some of the tins zapped with some spray paint for a pick me up!

Slideshow of the progress.




















I primed the interior fuel panel and the rear deck, but too anxious to get it painted and the paint crinkled on the fuel door from the cold so start gain tomorrow!

[Glenn]

Another productive day. My 8mm Allen bit drive gave it's life so the axles could be removed but after all is done, the axles are off.

[AoT]

Thanks Glenn for your time today aside from getting the axles off we also got the engine put back together. Things are taking shape. We also made a temp hitch to keep the tranny up so i can move the bus around.

After GR headed out i put the fuel tank back with the sender and got it installed. More info and pics later after i warm up and have some lunch at 4:30!

Good work today. Thanks GR i owe you some parts.

[Tom]

Just a thought , I have read posts on thesamba that a lot of people put insulation on that gas tank cover to cut down on cabin noise.

[AoT]

Just a thought , I have read posts on thesamba that a lot of people put insulation on that gas tank cover to cut down on cabin noise.

I have one of the movers quilt i couls lay over. Thanks for the post before the engine was in.

Hope your fun in the sun was good.

[AoT]

Pics of the fuel tank in place and the strap I had to recreate as the original got twisted.


Of course the first hole I drilled ws just at the seam line of the tank so I dropped it down. Got a round head screw on the inside to avoid any rubbing.


Engine put back together and looks pretty good. Hope it works just as well.


Tins always look better with a fresh coat of satin black.


GR and I made a hoist for the tranny while the bus is is repair. Axles out and off to be rebuilt!


One step closer!