63 expansion tank

[Larry Boden]

All of my litature discribing 63 radiator expansion tanks states pressed in fittings. Now the question is Why would my bottom outlet fitting be welded (seems like as nice factory appearing weld)? The upper has been repaired with a considerable amount of file marks around the repair. This leads me to believe that the upper may also have been welded. Looking in the tank I can see the bottom fitting sticking right through so it clearly was not crimpped over as I assume it would have been. More stuff for the mystery. The tank is dated correctly and hasn't been touch for at least 26 years so I know no welding has been done recently. Any thoughts on the matter. Regards Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 expansion tank

Larry----

First off, I don't think that the original "pressed-in" expansion tank tubes were "crimped-over" inside the tank. I realize that it seems logical but, I believe, if that manufacturing methodology had been used, they probably would never have gone to the welded connections. The main problem with the "pressed-in" type was their proclivity to seperate from the tank.

Although I am just guessing here, perhaps your tank sufferred from seperation of the tubes at some point in its life and the tubes were welded back on. The fact that the welds look good might just mean that the guy that welded them knew what he was doing and was a craftsman.

[Arne]

Re: 63 expansion tank

Larry, as Joe stated, my tank for my '63 was an original and was some time in its life repaired with very heavy (aka ugly)welding joints. I can just hear someone saying..."there.....just try and come apart now ^$#&$#^#&^" The choice to replace with a correct reproduction unit was easier due to the heavy stains and marks as well as the zealous weld job. I have of course kept the original in case I require a correct date coded Cigar Ash Tray or Spitoon. Arne NCRS 16751

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 expansion tank

I had my original '63 tank welded in the late sixties and it was a very nice job that would look "factory" had they originally been manufactured that way. I suspect yours was field repaired by a good welder.

Duke

[WayneC]

Re: 63 expansion tank

I agree... when my '63 tank started leaking at the tube joint, not too long after 1963, I epoxied the tube in place.... apparently Larry's was nicely welded.

[Larry Boden]

Re: 63 expansion tank

Thanks guys for the respose. It's pretty clear I'm looking at a repaired tank. Now the decision to stand pat or throw in my hand for another. larry