An Introduction: Chris Collins and Morris Tilly Project

[Mike K]

The tilly project(s) are looking excellent. When it comes time to solder the gal. iron petrol tank, I think they use a flux called 'killed spirits' its a mix of diluted hydrochloric acid and pure zinc. Some people make their own, buy the acid from a hardware store and a lump of zinc. There was a tank sealant called RED KOTE or similar , you mixed it with acetone , it might be available still. Mike

[jack neville]

I remember Dad using 'spirits of salts' which he used to brush on with an old 'Clag' paste brush. I just use Bakers soldering solution. I have never done any soldering much apart from small wiring jobs so I'm relying on my 6 year old apprenticeship. I've got the old mans soldering irons and a quantity of older. Seen the price of that stuff these days!!!

[Mike K]

This may be of use

http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/metal...al-Joints.html

A suggestion . Gal. iron flux can be straight diluted Hyd. acid , because the gal. already has a rich zinc content.

[colin jones]

Seriously a good job Jack, Now that is really old school fabrication.

[jack neville]

Thanks Colin. It is good fun finding a solution when one has to improvise. Another example of
'Why can't I live closer to Colin Jones'!

[jack neville]

I popped the ends off the body of the tank and firstly riveted and soldered the bottom drain plug flange. Next the fuel line filter and pickup. This has a nut on the inside to tighten up the brass fitting and then soldered on the outside. The baffles were then soldered in and then the fuel filler inlet flange and fuel gauge flange were riveted on and soldered. Lastly the ends were pressed back on and crimped tight and all the seams soldered. Not the neatest of soldering but I am very happy with the end product. Pity it will be slung underneath never to be seen.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Jack,

Excellent work on scratchbuilding a fuel tank! Well done.
I also admire the work you did on the sheet metal of the Tilly and Dodge Ambulance.

Alex