Beta stainless steel fuel tank plans

[Whitbut]

So then does anyone have or know of a plan for stainless steel fuel tanks for the betas? I'm a fabricator welder and can make a few up but it would be easier if there is already a plan of one? Any help or ideas welcome.

[peteracs]

Hi

I think the problem with the Beta tank is the number of curves in it and probably why I (for one) am not aware of anyone who has produced a copy. I know there was a tank design many moons ago supplied by one of the dealers at the time which was a very 'square' item that just looked wrong hanging under the rear of the car.

Are you looking at a flat sheet product or to reproduce something along the lines of the original?

Peter

[smithymc]

Peter is correct - its a quite a complex shape externally and the interior appears to be quite tricky too, with baffles, reserve and swirl areas.

I was after a pic of the interior to no avail, but I think you would need to get an idea of internal detail to help producing a drawing.

I think there would be quite a lot of interest in a decent replica tank. Would aluminium be another option?

Mark

[Hawk]

I think there would be quite a lot of interest in a decent replica tank. Would aluminium be another option?

Mark

Do you really?  I personally wouldn't look to buy a new tank unless there were significant issues with my existing and IMO very few people would pay out for a new tank unless they had no alternative

[HFStuart]

I have an aluminium tank in my shed. Supplied by Chris Bastow when my previous tank was too far gone to repair.

It was cheaper at the time than getting the existing one repaired. You can see the baffling through the gauge sender hole. I don't mind taking photos and some measurements. Given he's no longer in the trade Chris might even be persuaded to reveal his supplier or give drawings

It is quite boxy but it's profiled so it's not too obvious when fitted.

[Whitbut]

Thanks for all the ideas and replies. My father has an hpe vx and got one of the last stainless steel tanks that was made in a batch of around 50 I think. He said there isn't the swirl pots inside. I could take it off and measure it etc. I have a picture of the inside of a normal tank of the time I cut the top off it to have a look to see if the inside was rusted to hell, It wasn't! I think I have a problem with the pick up in mine so will probably try and take the 'filter' off and either leave it open or find another pick up filter for it. It  would be a boxey tank especially the first one!

[smithymc]

If you could lay your hands on that photo I would be very interested. It would help in knowing how to slosh the resin about in mine and where the pipes end so I can try to stop them being blocked by resin.

I don't think I am alone in having tank issues, it being one of the first warnings issued to me when I put the  car on here. I am all for originality within reason, but peace of mind counts for a lot too in enjoying the car.

Hawk - my frustration is from having a perfectly good car that I haven't driven for 2 months - I'd do anything for a good tank at present and a stainless/Ali one looks a plausible option as I still can't get my head around the resin idea, even with it sitting on the shelf and the tank off ready.

Mark

[HFStuart]

Mark,

The other option is to sent the tank to a radiator specialist and ask then to open it and clean / repair / reassemble it. I understand some offer this service but change from £300 seems unlikely

[Whitbut]

Turns out it's not a great picture but you can see bits of it.