Douglas TS fuel tank

[Brett.Wade]

Hi

I have 2 x fuel tanks for a model TS, early 1920's, they have a few cracks/leaks on the welds which I would like to repair.
Does anyone know what the seems are welded with originally, it looks like lead????

I want to know what material this is before I hit it with the oxy.

cheers

[ian scott]

The tanks are soft soldered. Careful with the oxy acetylene. I'd be using a large soldering iron.

[eddie]

Yes, don't go anywhere near it with the oxy/acetylene torch! A large copper bit (soldering iron) is what you need, and make sure you use the correct soft solder - tinman's solder is much better than plumber's solder. Having said this - you will probably have less hassle making a new tank than trying to seal up the old one - just use the old tank as a donor for fittings. The original tanks were made from soft soldered tinplate around .028" thick.
  Regards,
               Eddie.

[carl denton]

hi mate
don't try and solder them up yourself , I have had a go at it my self and given up . I now send all my tanks to a very helpful bloke in Carnes if you send me a personal msg and I will give you his contact info .

yours carl   

[steveale]

several clamps and some thin plywood strips.  as you solder it's going to want to pull apart, use clamps and wood strips to maintain seams as you solder.