Expansion Tank Restoration

[Rich Shafer]

I have a 1967 Corvette Coupe that I have owned since 1989. I am wanting to restore the expansion tank that has been painted with aluminum paint. As you probably guessed, it is the original tank and I don't want to do anything that will ruin it. Is there anyplace that specializes in these or something I can do in my own garage with a buffing wheel and proper equipment?

Thank you in advance for any informtion that you can offer.

Rich

[ken robb]

Re: Expansion Tank Restoration

I restored mine several years ago. I used very, very fine steel wool and then simichrome polish that is in a small tube. May take a bit of elbow power, but not ral hard to do. I would use a very good paint remover that doesnot affect alum if the paint is on heavy. Good luck Ken

[Martin Pfaendler]

Re: Expansion Tank Restoration

There was a company called Z-O6 Productions Inc. 3550 Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach FL 32119, 904 761 8737, specializing in aluminum part restoration, who did mine with success back in 1995.

Martin

[Jack H.]

Re: Expansion Tank Restoration

Much depends on what's wrong (all you tell us is the tank's been painted and this is a SNAP). See advice given by others. Typical issues are removing large dents and addressing portions of tank badly eaten by corrosion over the years.

Dents 'can' be dealt with at home using the 'ice man commeth' technique. This consists of filling the expansion tank with tap water and freezing it to cause the water to turn to ice, expand and push minor dents out from the inside. Needs experimentation (little, little more, until you get the formula down) so you don't ruin the part altogether by bursting critical seams.

For units with corrosion damage, it's a matter of judgement call and I'd consider a pro. Country Corvettes in Kansas probably has the most experience in this area. 'Grafting' on new parts is tricky because we're talking aluminum and that generally dictates heli-arc welding (not for the timid).

[Brian McIntyre]

Re: Expansion Tank Restoration

Can you expand (no pun intended) in the "ice man commeth" technique? I have a few small dents in my 65D that I would like to attend to, but would hate to develop my technique at the cost of ruining it.

Thanks!!

[Jack H.]

Re: Expansion Tank Restoration

Concept is self explanatory: (1) fill with water, (2) freeze -- the rest is a trial/error artform. If you want risk free algorithm, you won't find it because those who do this service treat it as a trade secret for $$$. You're right, you could 'lose' the part in the process of learning.