can any one help me locate or give advice on how to knock out a large dent in bottom of E' reg Space Cruiser petrol tank as now gauge is reading incorrect and i run out of petrol. most embarrassing

- (#10650) Paul, 3 Sep 03 18:26

Not a good idea to go knocking at a petrol tank Paul. I think you would be best living with it by working out roughly how many miles you can get to the tank or what the gauge reading now means in reality. Alternatively replace it.

- (#10651) Ian Dunse, 4 Sep 03 6:51

Thanks for the quick reply Ian
Any Idea how much? and where I could get one from?
Thanks Paul

- (#10652) Paul, 5 Sep 03 10:35

You could enquire at local garages whether it would be possible to get the tank internally steam cleaned (for safety)- after emptying - and whether a compressor airline would pop the dent (orifices sealed)

- (#10653) chris turner, 5 Sep 03 17:27

I did think about the air compressor trick but wasn't too sure if that would be safe or not!!!
I had visions of being blown to other side of garage. hahaha

- (#10654) Paul, 6 Sep 03 11:58

I think that if you are sure you can remove all petrol and importantly any residual vapours (hence internal steam clean after flushing etc.) -
In theory an air line should'nt produce sparks etc. but bearing in mind what you are doing and the risks I would be 'over the top' on safety.
Some body shops may have a device that can suck the dent out from the outside.
Does the tank have an internal float that can be bent a bit to compensate if needed? - ...if you can gain access from above once tank removed (and cleaned)maybe you could use a non metalic stick etc. to push it out from the inside - risks with everything but at least if you contract it out the calculated risk is elsewhere
Worth trying scrappies for a used tank - links from this site or 'auto trader' for import breakers ads.
Other solution would be to carry a spare gallon - once you work out how far the bent tank will take you its just a case of filling up X miles before it runs dry.
You been off-roading your old spacecruiser?

- (#10655) chris turner, 7 Sep 03 5:17

hahaha.. No nothing like that, space cruiser was stolen and when it was found and brought back, I notice afterwards that the tank had hugh dent in it which I know wasn't there before as I had just replaced both upper ball joints and while it was jacked up I gave the underneath a quick check for any future welding.

- (#10656) Paul, 9 Sep 03 8:05