Building custom fuel tank from steel - 1951 Chevy Rat Truck Budget Build

Want to build a custom fuel tank from mild steel? Follow along as I build a custom fuel tank for the 1951 Chevy Budget Rat Truck. I show how to pressure test the tank to check for leaks and complete installation of the wooden load bed boards.
#fueltank #fabrication #testingforleaks
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[@stashwaxroller1740]

Over the many years of fabricating and learning , I have found than most of the negative comments on welding beads come from individuals who don't own a welder , and have never tried to fabricate anything. Building any type of tank is an impressive feat of workmanship. Your design fits the project theme (as it always does). Very good work !

[@masterofnothingfabrication]

Well said.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks my brother! I think what you say is true

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@masterofnothingfabrication yep!!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Very well wrote!! Stashwax Roller

[@jim-cu9yp]

Its better to never compare yourself or your accomplishments to others. It is far better to learn from other people's work and complement them on there work. So that was a fantastic job from start to finish and I Learnt a lot. Thanks for your time to make this video I wasn't to late this time . cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks and pleasure man!

[@WilliamPhillips65-69]

Div........... I so enjoy your videos. Wish we were closer, but it is what it is. Keep up the great work.....

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy William! Thanks brother

[@giuliettaevo]

Giving old stuff a new life is just perfect 😎. Very good for shutting up all those modern environmentalists as well 😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

Let's not talk about those hypocrites!😂

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Boet!!! Hope all is well. Excited for another video!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

All good man!!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Hey Div, really like the petrol tank. A very Lekka idea. Remember, it's not leaking oil, it's losing horse power. ha-ha. Take care my friend, great program 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@peterroper7471]

I’m an old grey beard myself but I’m learning something every time I watch your channel, I have a’66 Chevy C10 step side I’m slowly building

[@matthewfocke5360]

A creative solution for a gas tank Duff! The truck is kicking!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@vintagerustmotors411]

Great on you for pushing through and just doing it👍. I always say, I am a better grinder than I am a welder. Cheers brother, let’s all learn something every day.

[@robertmelton325]

Making me feel old ,with the old tools..great

[@ratrodsafrica]

At least old also means wise! Most of the time...😅

[@TrixedOut]

I LOVE watching your videos! You are an artist! Plus, I get inspired and learn a lot from you! F those people who are negative!

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

Looking good my friend, I like it when you can recycle something and make it serve another purpose

[@ratrodsafrica]

Me too man!

[@robertraynor2740]

Beautiful work on the fuel tank

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@gizmodietsch3922]

Aloha, Yep, the good old Yankee Screwdriver. I used to have one!! Always fun watching your builds!

[@RedHotChilliMe]

Brilliant idea. Sinking the fuel tank . 🇬🇧🧐🥇

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@brucejr.5833]

Very nice fuel tank build. That's a rat rod tank right there! You do fantastic work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Bruce!

[@randallriggs2159]

Ingenious! That was a good job on that gas tank. You did really fine.Dont let people get you down.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Brilliant idea for the fuel tank. Absolutely awesome.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Big Al!

[@freeatleast]

I haven’t seen one of those hand drills in probably 30 years. Great video.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks John!

[@dragontattooee]

Very nice work Boet, the screwdriver made me smile, my dad was a carpenter and had to use one of them for many years. Your arms would be wrecked afterwards, and yeah had to do the slots the same way too

[@ratrodsafrica]

Sounds to me that your Dad raised you proper!😀

[@dragontattooee]

Yes he did,

[@davidroper9129]

Div . that tank's looking lekka man , real ol skool !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@StirlingLighthouse]

I really like this boat tank idea! If at first you don’t succeed, try then try again. Love the screwdrivers. I’ve used them too. l guess I’m old too. 👍 Cheers Div/Diff. 🍻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Haha, yes then you old as well! Thanks brother.

[@thequixotryworkshop2424]

Great idea to use that old tank Div! It will be funny if someone would try to steal it off the back… they will have a hard time figuring out what is going on there 😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

Haha! True!

[@steveredman6083]

I always enjoy watching you work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Steve

[@sharndupreez1]

Aah awesome! Glad I could scratch something out of heap of scrap to live on again. Super cool screwdrivers!

[@ratrodsafrica]

All your fault!😂

[@stevo.jurisic1980]

Great work as always Div! 👏 looks fantastic mate! 👌🏼 Cheers brother 🍻🇦🇺

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate!

[@markmcclenaghanirish23]

Just a note to tell you, I do enjoy your show! Keep up the good work and the great humor, No Elephants near you? Ha Ha.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Appreciate your note. Only elephants here are a few white ones 😂 If you know what I mean...

[@daninster]

Even speak a litle of My portuguese... You're the man. Thanks for another great vídeo

[@ratrodsafrica]

Obrigado!😀

[@glennmiller9031]

Good job on the tank Div. Cool design.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Glenn

[@wesleybateman5837]

Always good to watch a man work that knows which direction to travel Thanks Div.

[@ronaldfarmer1208]

Great job all from discarded stuff and one sheet of new metal, very good.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a lot!

[@eloyanzaldua7433]

As a fabricator, welder, detail specialist I never tried anything that u have done but now that I'm retired, I'll let my mind take over, no more rules to fallow. Take care, I lv the vids.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you. Yes man, allow the mind some freedom! 😀

[@rescueinoldraggedy7407]

Nice tank , i like reusing things like that , stay safe my friend

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, you too!

[@sergey.l]

Interestingly enough, this tank (also as a whole truck) is only old on the outside, but young underneath. How cool is that!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Just like me!😁

[@chrislewis4830]

when i build banjos or restore old instruments i make myself a very strong black coffee no sugar then paint it on the wood it gives it a real deep aged finish. and its a hell of a lot cheaper than stain. paint it on hot the more the coffee the deeper the tone. its also very good to blend old wood with new. and gives it a great patina. especially on flamed or paterned woods. wow i have'nt seen one of them screw drivers fo years there good

[@joaquinsablan5406]

Love your video and your Impressive way to build your Rat Rod Truck, I'm learning a lot from watching your fabricating skills and keeping everything so simple , I love your work ,my friend Great Job!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Joaquin. Very happy if I can pass on something man.

[@edrushbrook]

Enjoy your videos very much, Div. We used to try to walk the cup when welding a fillet. It makes a smooth bead. Also you can sometimes lay the filler wire in the fillet and avoid dipping it in and out. Like you say, it takes a lot of practice and patience.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Edward! I cant even walk the dogs properly, never mind the cup😂 Practice is the word!

[@gman2974]

Looking good, my friend!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@luzgonzalez2838]

I appreciated your channel and your videos.Thanks and God bless you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

You are so welcome, thank you!

[@johnnymac1580]

Not bad for an old grey bearded man 😂. I too still have my Yankee, but the new impact drivers are amazing. 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

I have impact drivers too, but they real crap for driving slotted brass screws. You always mess up the screw heads...

[@SchysCraftCo.]

It's looking really good so far duff. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, will do!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@ratrodsafrica your very welcome.

[@garymucher4082]

While I am not a rat rod fan (I like new looking shiny finishes on even old vehicles), I have to say I really liked your idea for the gas tank.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Gary. Maybe one day you will also get tired of the stress caused by shiny paint...😅

[@garymucher4082]

@@ratrodsafrica Not so sure that will ever happen. I have restored too many things already including vehicles and I get a real enjoyment out of making them look so nice, new and shiny again. Just my OCD I guess.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@garymucher4082 as long as it makes you happy! That's the only thing that matters 😁

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

I think you did a very nice job DIV. I want that screwdriver MAN. 😆 I like my screws in line with each other as well. Looks very nice.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Come fetch one of those screwdrivers!

[@chriscutajar3297]

Very nice fuel tank build. That's a rat rod tank right there! You do fantastic work. my DaD had the same screwdriver, and that's what we kids learnt to use... way before we had any battery drills... ahhaha

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Chris! Sounds like your Dad raised you proper!😀

[@chriscutajar3297]

@@ratrodsafrica well buddy, that's why i hooked on your Channel, asi feel like i'm watching my DAD, the old school way of doing things.... do properly the FIRST TIME, and not do AGAIN... Measure TWICE, CUT ONCE.... you know !!!! CHEERS DAD !!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@chriscutajar3297 In celebration of your Dad then!😁

[@aafcdriver]

haha thank you sir , I am 66 and own a tig i don't know how to use , now I'm gonna give it a try

[@ronaldschmuck3901]

Awesome job with the fuel tank , you have capacity along with rat rod style tank ,been fun watching you from Michigan USA, God bless.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Howzit to Michigan

[@trentwilliams4453]

Only way to learn and get better at doing something is keep on keeping on i think the tank came out great keep up the great work my friend

[@ratrodsafrica]

Right on!

[@endoxr4]

I’ve still got some Yankee screwdrivers they were my dads and they’re over 50 years old he had them before I was born I inherited them when I was 15. My elder brother has some nice old wood working tools especially a few saws from 1850’s it’s funny I’ve got tools older than most of my friends lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Great man! I've been collecting old tools for many years. And working with them. Know most of them better than I know people!😅

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Nice TIG weld, only 4 pinholes. Now you get to practice your rubber welding 😃 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Grinder them out and rewelded

[@pdrake2572]

Your work is well thought out..you do excellent work, I always enjoy it..Paul in Ohio, USA

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much Paul!

[@kevinberry3940]

I like the way you work 👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Kevin!

[@rustynutz7158]

Watch you from Detroit Michigan USA. THANKS.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Howzit Detroit!

[@rustynutz7158]

@@ratrodsafrica life is good. Working on and playing with my 48 Ford F1. I'm not building a rat rod.... More of just a Ratty style truck. Rat without the rod. Nice work you do. Very creative.

[@jamescnorris]

That is bad ass right there !!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks James!

[@JustinPaul1st]

Yankee ...Stanley of England...got myself a few at home too. ..from my Grandfather...also a yatch builder of Indian decent 👌👌👌

[@ratrodsafrica]

The old Stanley tools were great. Unlike the modern crap...

[@treborupp]

Nice Job. Looks Kool and functional.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Rob!

[@rdmeenach]

Man that looks just great. Good idea, good job!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it! Thanks Elmo.

[@charleschidester6767]

Tig welding is no joke, for me anyway. I have a nearly new machine. Only about 20 minutes using it. It's 3 years old... maybe I'll get some scrap and make a few things. Thanks for sharing. I think you are an artist first, a builder second 😉.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment! Yes, Tig welding requires way more skill than Mig. Practice is the thing!😅

[@robbollom7396]

great work Div..good inspiration for us novices

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Rob. When it comes to Tig welding, I'm still a novice myself!

[@fabbricaitalianaautomobili5859]

I am on the same mission to teach myself to TIG weld, Great idea thanks

[@ratrodsafrica]

We in the same boat man! Practice, practice, practice is what we have to do!

[@NzLand3r]

Hehe nice one. Watching from New Zealand😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for watching! Greetings to the Kiwis.

[@isgakederies4193]

Hi Diff lekka one, Love & Respect Always inspiring, no matter what you do. End result 💯%, its what satisfies you, it's your rat rod, as you always say, there's no rules and as I say "hand made in the Rat Rods for Africa forest shop,South Africa " Damn bludy brilliant rat rod man, it's all your skills you put it in to it. I can go on and on and on and on, genius lekka one Love & respect 💯%🙏

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brudda!

[@sufferedenuf]

Fantastic! I love the gas tank redo! Wish I could see the look on someone's face when they try to take it 😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂😂 Thanks!

[@mikejackman4416]

I like the way your brake comes apart great idea

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, a bit of a pain, but at least you can fold a box and get it out!

[@maryfaw5655]

Love your work

[@arnierock9558]

Much respect my friend love your channel and shop keep the faith and thanks for the videos

[@ratrodsafrica]

Much appreciated Arnie!

[@Styrbord]

I think your welds look good! With som learning you will be like the pros on TV. greetings from Sweden :)

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Hallo Sweden!

[@mdsci7894]

Thank you for your videos!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man

[@chriscornelius4549]

Awsome build man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Chris!

[@The.Real.Reaper]

That tank and bed came out really nice looking. Btw, my Dad had a screw driver like that. Lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! I think most Dads had a screw driver like that😅

[@djscrews]

I got lucky. I learned to TIG with a nice big expensive Lincoln welder. I still did a hell of a lot of electrode grinding! I don't own a TIG. I miss it, but I don't have much need for one, so I guess I'll just stick with my MIG. Those welds look just fine! As long as it holds and it doesn't leak, who cares what the haters think! With a little practice you could play a tune with that tank and blow gun!

[@donniehodge2548]

Good Job 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@jimhesse6563]

Looks great !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@mikep95133]

Every time I mention that I want a proper tig welder, my girlfriend has a fit. Multi-process units have their down side. Mine is scratch start. Tough to do in tight spots. I will get a tig welder !! I hope you get one too. So far we are both getting by !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Allow the old man to teach you a trick: Dont mention it, just do it! Asking forgiveness is much easier than asking permission. 😂

[@mikep95133]

@@ratrodsafrica LOL, We're not far apart in age, young man. I do know that lesson. That's why she complains and I keep spending my own money.

[@christownsend7602]

Got a kick out of your Yankee screwdriver. I have one of my own in my shop and will mention a lot of my friends would comment about my habit of lining up the screw heads when I built something. They thought I was being a little fussy about it. I am 73 and a retired millwright, spent lots of years trying to do things in a professional manner. I am working on learning Tig myself, I figure if it holds together and doesn't leak, then it's good enough. It will get prettier later as I get better. Keep up the good work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

I guess lining screw slots is an old school thing hey! These days screws are posi or square and screwed with impact drivers

[@christownsend7602]

@ratrodsafrica yup, some of the detail and style is being lost to easy and quick.

[@chuckdivel3600]

Great work as always you are very intelligent. Div. Love watching your show.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! My wife don't think I'm intelligent when it comes to my truck escapades! 😅

[@ronmcguire2951]

Hi, Div. your tank and deck came out real nice. I think your tig welding turned out just fine.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Ron! Could have been worse I guess!😅

[@tonyanfol4492]

hello Div (Diff) Tony from Australia just wanted to say you have a top show the only thing i would to make it 2 percent better is to number your film clips. But i must say you are the only one that explains every thing the way you explained the roof chop a how to measure the size of the fuel tank keep up the good work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate! Would you suggest a number in the thumb nail or rather in the description? Or both? I guess its a bit late to do it with this build, but will do with the next one. I can say that all the videos for this build is in chronological order in a playlist called "Budget Rat Truck Build"

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome fab job !!! By the way !!! Very good tig welding no worries brother !!! Hope yall are having an awesome day 😀😊😎

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Robert!👍

[@krugerhenning2263]

Very cool idea Oom Div. My sons and I love what you do and how you do it. I can stick weld and have done lots of project with that but would like to learn tig welding. May be when I retire in 15years. 😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

No man! 15 years is too far away! 😅 Thanks Kruger, say howzit to the sons.

[@shanewright6958]

The tank turned out sweet. Great job 👍👍🇨🇱

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@abelgomesmartins8568]

Great work! The fight goes on. Of Brazil

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Abel. If there is no fight, it aint worth it!😅

[@richcaseaxon]

Great job, looks good to me from Texas. Enjoy the content, thanks! Cheers.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Rich! Greetings to Texas

[@mattblack6268]

I love your work Div, very lekka mate.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@daviddamico4288]

Nice work on the gas tank , I do have one of those screw drivers that my dad had,very cool

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@hankpugh4980]

I sure admire your skills.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@johnwesner3935]

Hey Div, I'm a carpenter by trade and when I first started the Yankee was the "cordless" tool of choice. Lots of screws with my Yankee!:) The best part was the battery never went dead! The last welding class I took was my second year of high school. 1967, and that was only stick welding. Started flux core mig about ten years ago but haven't tried tig. I'd like to learn it but it's hard to justify the purchase.:( Great video, as usual!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Someone else that knows a Yankee!👍

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Right on with the Tig welding Div!!! All those welds and only 4 little pin holes. My first time seeing a Yankee screwdriver, that thing must have been a cadilliac back in its hay day, its still a pretty well freaking designed tool seeing you using it!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, seriously impressed with myself!😅 Think I would have had more pinholes with the MIG!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@ratrodsafrica I was thinking back to the last tank you made for your Ford, that you mig welded.You may be right 😂

[@darwinfoster7420]

I like the gas tank idea and also the way boards and strips are mounted

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Darwin. Glad you like it!

[@robertmelton325]

Good job. Better than I would have done

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@davidclare955]

Your doing a lot better job than me well done

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@joeharrington595]

Diff nice job on the tank.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@DependableAutoTruck]

great video keep them coming

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, will try my best!

[@glenmiller3783]

I commend you on choosing to tig weld the tank far less pinholes than mig welding. Tig welding takes the best eye sight and a very steady hand, all things that are tough to find for us old guys 😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes I hear you! The hand is still okish... but the eye sight not so much😅

[@ricardolandsman9465]

Great stuff Div love watching a fellow SA on this platform. 👍. Just like to say love the yankys you have. I only have one and gaurd it with my life. That being said looking forward to your next project already. Drop us a couple of hints on what it's gonna be man 😜👌

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet! We gotta show the world that we can also build stuff😀 As for the next project, maybe I will give a few options and ask for votes?

[@brucewrandol]

My dad had one of those Yankee Screwdrivers. We called them by the same name in the states.

[@ratrodsafrica]

A Yankee with a Yankee!😂

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

Hey, brother your welding is good, don't worry your good

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@aceadman]

Thanks for clarity on the name spelling, Div. I’ll get it right from now on. 😊. Another terrific 30 minutes in your shop. I love look of the tank, but in truth, the placement scares me a bit. 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Why does it scare you? The original tank was smack behind the seat!

[@aceadman]

@@ratrodsafrica seems like it might be vulnerable to things you put in the bed. I doubt you’ll use this truck as a “work” rig, so it won’t be a problem. But hitting the brakes hard could cause something to slide right into it. And you said the can was thin metal. But I usually worry too much… 😊.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@aceadman yes, you worry too much😆One day I will make a wooden box that can fit over it. Just for you! 🙂

[@aceadman]

@@ratrodsafrica lol. I love the look of the tank as is. But I’m sure your box would be beautiful too! And I’d love to see it, or anything else you build. I’m really enjoying your work👍

[@robertamor3203]

well diff you have amazed me again your fabricating and tig welding was very impressive carry on it will get pretty in time

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man!

[@brandonburdette7895]

I really like those old Yankee screw driver's i don't think I have those but I got a bunch of the old hand drills

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, they don't make tools like that anymore!

[@frankiestein4013]

Looks great

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!