replacement tank-steel or aluminum???

[The X Man]

I need to replace the tank on a 70's 18. The current tank is aluminum, but is leaking (smells gasey and can't find any other source). What are the pro's and con's for steel versus aluminum??

[gcarter]

Uhhhh.....you don't want steel.

There's a couple of replacement tank companies here in Florida that offer tanks.

Also there're several threads showing how to replace tanks.
Just use the search button.

[Kirbyvv]

George, I checked out how to do it and think I can handle it, but I too wasn't sure of the tank materials you guys are using.
I'm thinking I need to replace my tank too. Anyone know how much larger you can go for the tank, without loosing the floor storage compartment for a '78 X-18?

[BigGrizzly]

NOT steel

[gcarter]

George, I checked out how to do it and think I can handle it, but I too wasn't sure of the tank materials you guys are using.
I'm thinking I need to replace my tank too. Anyone know how much larger you can go for the tank, without loosing the floor storage compartment for a '78 X-18?
You can probably go up one or two inches. That'll net you four or five gallons.
The problem is clearance over the fuel pickup and sender. You can take a look at your existing tank before you remove it and gauge how much vertical clearance you have to the floor and the inspection port.
I went up an inch on the Minx and had to cut away the vertical flange of the inspection port to clear the fuel hose.

[BlownCrewCab]

If you want to you can go stainless steel, Probably cost a bit more though.

[gcarter]

George, I checked out how to do it and think I can handle it, but I too wasn't sure of the tank materials you guys are using.
I'm thinking I need to replace my tank too. Anyone know how much larger you can go for the tank, without loosing the floor storage compartment for a '78 X-18?
On the '68 18 of Von Kamp that I changed the tank on, received a 42 gal tank. That required extending the rear bulkhead toward the stern about 15"-18". I have plans to modify the original 'glass storage insert.

[penbroke]

George, I checked out how to do it and think I can handle it, but I too wasn't sure of the tank materials you guys are using.
I'm thinking I need to replace my tank too. Anyone know how much larger you can go for the tank, without loosing the floor storage compartment for a '78 X-18?

I was able to put a 35 gal. aluminum tank in mine by moving the rear tank compartment bulkhead back to just in front of the storage locker. Give me a call if I can help...


Frank

[Kirbyvv]

Frank, I will probably need a consultant. I'll buy the beer this time.

[Lenny]

I have a new RDS aluminum tank (40G) to go into something... X-18 I guess.