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

[@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

[@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

[@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!😂

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@gizmodietsch3922]

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

[@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! 😀

[@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!

[@robertmelton325]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

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

[@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!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

All good man!!

[@brucejr.5833]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Bruce!

[@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!😁

[@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!😅

[@matthewfocke5360]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@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!

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Me too 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

[@randallriggs2159]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@wesleybateman5837]

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

[@freeatleast]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks John!

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Grinder them out and rewelded

[@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.

[@sharndupreez1]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

All your fault!😂

[@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,

[@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.

[@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!😅

[@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😅

[@daninster]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Obrigado!😀

[@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!😅

[@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.

[@RedHotChilliMe]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@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!👍

[@ronaldfarmer1208]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a lot!

[@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...

[@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!

[@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...

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Brilliant idea for the fuel tank. Absolutely awesome.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Big Al!

[@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...

[@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 😁

[@davidroper9129]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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!😂

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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"

[@The.Real.Reaper]

T.I.G. is way more skill and practice compared to M.I.G.. In MIG you just need the right temp, wire speed settings, along with the right travel speed to make a quality weld. TIG is more into seeing your welding arc and adding welding rod and pulling the puddle along as needed. For me I needed a magnifying lens in my helmet to really see the puddle. Once I was able to see the puddle through my helmet it became easier in time. Now I am very good at it and really enjoy it. Plus I love the thinner TIG gloves for better feel and control. Never touching the tungsten tip to the puddle is the key, but near impossible. Everytime, it has to be cleaned. That part sucks, but even the best welders still do it that too. Having several spares helps. Don't give up, once you master TIG and can get it looking like a line of dimes, you'll want that look for any welds showing on your vehicles. It is also easier to tell if a TIG weld is good, penetrated well or not. MIG is hard without xraying the welds, which is not practical or possible for most of us. Looking forward to more on this build.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback and the tips! Yeah, WAY more skill! Only one way to get that, PRACTICE. And I will keep on doing just that. The magnifying lens sounds like a great idea, gonna see if i can get me one of those.

[@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

[@robertraynor2740]

Beautiful work on the fuel tank

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@luzgonzalez2838]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

You are so welcome, thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@travisthefixer3788]

Did a awesome job if anyone out here has ever tried to weld on old gastanks knows its not easy at all sometimes next to impossible

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! What you say about old tanks is true.

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@robertdelaney5994]

Just a suggestion regarding fuel pick-up make a plate that bolts between the fuel gauge and the tank it could give you a way to come out more flush with the top of the tank . l like your false bottom tank . l also love the built so far it is innovative.

[@ratrodsafrica]

That's a great suggestion! Like I said in the video, I dont like what's going on at the moment with that fuel pick-up. Think your plan is the answer. Thanks Robert

[@zweihammerheavyind.2911]

I sharpen tungsten by chucking them in my drill and spin it while using my belt sander. It’s worked for me for thirty years. I also sharpen several at a time to keep welding longer between sessions. Looking good, Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thats a neat idea man! Will give it a try, thanks

[@rescueinoldraggedy7407]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, you too!

[@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!

[@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😅

[@steveredman6083]

I always enjoy watching you work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Steve

[@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!

[@bashfullbuzzard]

great job thank you for your encouragement on telling and old man like me for trying to weld . I bought a copper chain bracelet's to help with uncle author lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey, us old dudes have to stick together!😀

[@davidclare955]

Your doing a lot better job than me well done

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@markrobertson9015]

Very nice great idea with the tank four holes from welding that's perfect.nothing wrong with that. I have an idea for your dip stick attach a tube to the back of the cab next to the side of the bed and slide it in your fuel line looks fine it's got a mechanical look to it.the gap on the hood would look nice with some drilled metal covering it. Just thinking out loud everything looks cool I have been looking for an old truck project the prices are a bit high it will happen when I'm not looking. Have a great time see you.be cool.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback! Keep thinking about your project, it will come!

[@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.

[@jgsworkshop9795]

1st, love the way truck is going. 2nd, have seen or used the old screwdriver since the 80s, 👍 3rd, try a pcs of steel braided line to hold and look better ????

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, that will look much better

[@mudbunny6388]

Haven't seen a Yankee since the last time I dug to the bottom of my carpenter tool box. Bought a lot of Makita batteries but not a one for the Craftsman Yankee.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 How many Yankees for the price of all those batteries... Convenience comes at a price!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@glennmiller9031]

Good job on the tank Div. Cool design.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Glenn

[@stevo.jurisic1980]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate!

[@jonathontaylor8861]

Well I think personally the Tig looks fine, as you say it's essentially a mig welder with a Tig head and no soft start function, if it doesn't leak or fracture off it's fine.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! Only 4 pinholes across all the welds, I'm happy! And the tank is supported from below, so no real loads on the welds. Think I will be good.😅

[@daviddamico4288]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@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!😁

[@timhanson2080]

Cool tank design 👌. And learning to tig weld isn't the easiest thing to do. I think you did a really good job. But I'm no tig welder. Thanks Div. 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@donaldhalls2189]

You only 9999hours left 😅🤣great job, I was using 3mm plate and mig, and had more leaks, wishing you and your loved ones all the best, have a Lekka one

[@ratrodsafrica]

Haha! Thanks Donald, same there

[@arnierock9558]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Much appreciated Arnie!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Im about half way through and enjoying so far Div!! Im trying to learn tig welding as well. We learning together Boet!! I got some stuff to handle but I will be back later on to see how ya ended up!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet. We just gotta keep practising!

[@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! 😅

[@abelgomesmartins8568]

Great work! The fight goes on. Of Brazil

[@ratrodsafrica]

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

[@maryfaw5655]

Love your work

[@jamescnorris]

That is bad ass right there !!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks James!

[@shanewright6958]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@robbollom7396]

great work Div..good inspiration for us novices

[@ratrodsafrica]

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

[@alfbittner6489]

An interesting take on fuel tank fabricating and installing. When you cut open the donor fuel tank I thought, why not use that. I could see that you wanted to use the outboard tank for aesthetics, and you got to use the tig feature on your welder, with a not bad result. Us old blokes have to think about our backs, easy fuel filling good idea.

[@rdmeenach]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it! Thanks Elmo.

[@robertstevison1448]

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

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Robert!👍

[@billscruggs5170]

Good job as usual. I never had the extra money to be able to buy a TIG.

[@rebeccapatterson427]

Hi, Div. Maybe if you weld/tig the dipstick to the underneath of the gas cap you wont have to look for it in the cab. Thanks for the Video.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, its an awesome idea! Someone else said the same. Thanks, gonna do it!

[@seccrecc67]

I think you should put a round bar around the base of the gas can. Making it look like a loose can sitting in the bed. i.e. Disguise that it is coming through the floor boards.

[@ratrodsafrica]

THAT is a fantastic idea Rex! Thanks man

[@hankpugh4980]

I sure admire your skills.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@robertmelton325]

Good job. Better than I would have done

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!