FUEL TANK PARTS ASSEMBLED...
I 'welded' up DECOLINER's fuel tank parts today. This was the first time I've attempted to weld aluminium and I'm extremely pleased with how things turned out. I used a combination of Durafix and Alubuild 300 rods to assemble the tank, which have a melting point of approx. 730 and 300 degrees respectively. I used nothing more than a butane gas torch as a heat source. I followed the simple and basic instructions supplied with these rods which I purchased from UK eBay sellers. I also watched a couple of Youtube vids to familiarize myself with the procedure prior to jumping right in.
Have to say there was nothing complicated about the process. Neither rods required the use of flux but the Durafix requires the objects being joined to be vigorously cleaned using the stainless steel wire brush provided with the kit of 4 x rods I purchased.
I assembled the tank by first attaching the disc-shaped ends to the cylindrical tank body using the Durafix rods. Followed by fixing the filler neck in place using the Alubuild 300 rods. I couldn't be happier how sharp the tank looks after a little clean-up using files and abrasive paper. Pics show the outcome.
Now I know some folks out there will object to this process being termed 'welding' and I suppose they're right - this process is more akin to brazing, or even soldering in the case of the Alubuild 300 rods which are flux cored. But at the end of the day DECOLINER's tank was assembled easily, neatly, and I never came anywhere close to melting anything. Think you need a pulsed MIG or maybe even a TIG set-up to 'weld' aluminium parts together? Think again...
Fancy building your own gas tank - or anything else made of aluminium? Go for it using these economical products. If I can do it, anyone can.