Here is another item I was somewhat concerned with. It is interesting to know this tank is actually two separate tanks housed in one unit: Gasoline and Oil. Another interesting fact is the tank assembly is made of copper, which means there will be no rust inside to deal with. But the concerns I had about the tank consisted of leaks and mounting screw hole (7) threads and leaks. I was able to run a thread chaser (10-24) into all seven mounting holes (three on top and four on bottom). Also confirmed all seven threaded holes did not leak into the tank assembly.
The inside of the tank was “dusty”. No visible corrosion or old gas seemed to be present. I filled up both chambers with mineral spirits to “wash” the inside and let the tank (with petcocks closed) on a clean piece of cardboard for two hours. Glad to say NO LEAKS!
I then cleaned up the two petcocks and confirmed they were in good working order and the flow of gas and oil was metered with the threaded petcock needles.
I then filled both chambers with acetone to rinse the tanks and again check for leaks using a thinner liquid. Nothing. I am thrilled! What this all means is now this tank can be stripped and I can paint it with a spray can of black paint………..NOT!!!! This tank will stay as you see it, 100% unrestored original!
Also interesting when I did my final flush and blow dry on the inside, this rag blew up from the gas chamber! If only this piece of cloth could talk. What was the original garment this came from? Why was it in the tank? We will never know so I guess I will have to make something up.
Over and out for now……..
Cannonball, Chase, 1911 Excelsior, 1923 Harley J tales 
Comments
9 responses to “Gas/Oil Tank”
O.K. Let’s regal ourselves with the possible stories this rag could write pr tell us..
First, though, open up that rag. See if it looks like a feed bag or grain bag? Looks
to me like there is printing on the bag.
Nothing was ever thrown away back then. (and who of you think recycling is new?)
The original use of such fabric might have been a feed or seed bag. Then, when
empty, the fabric was used for everything from dress, skirt, apron material…maybe
quilt squares…Go hog wild with your imagination! Since men had first dibs on the
sacks, many probably were handy as rags! This is the fun part. There is no answer!
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HA! I will have to take another look at it again and let my imagination run wild!
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Our Pleasure (The Hazens)….This story will go Viral….beyond the Biker
Brotherhood if we continue to kibbitz…historical and industrial insights from both
of our perspectives. Kudo Chris.
Kathie
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Chris, did you find any printing on back side of that rag that gives any clues?
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Nothing printed……
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Footnote for Chris. Graph 4. Knew you were kidding! Also, an exciting week for
Fred’s story. I told 4 or so friends, colleagues about the Blog and the story behind
the bike moving from Hazen country to Tribbey country. Some bikers. Some not.
All asked me to share your Blog site. The comment which continues to resonant
was made again: “This is a story to be shared with all.” Thank you, Chris, for
sharing my vision! I know the Hazens riding inside those Pearly Gates are smiling with joy.
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Kathie – I am having the time of my life with Fred! Thanks for the opportunity!!
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Simply awesome!
Tounge in cheek, do you remember how to lace and true a wheel?
Thanks for sharing, Chip
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Thanks. Regarding wheel lacing, I’m going to find out!
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