STEEL FUEL TANK BUILD

[@Ruststored]

From one old dude to another good job. I like your ingenuity.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey, thanks! OG's rule 🙂

[@oudekraal7460]

thanks for bringing back good memories, reminds me of my neighbours home workshop in mid 60 s working on 303 and 403 s by the dozen

[@timwilliams7034]

i was raised on a farm and learned to make use of what you got. Everybody wants to buy pretty stuff and put in on or hire somebody else to do it. Anybody can do that. Love your down to earth videos. Thanks and have a great day.

[@callmenortnortin467]

If you fasten a fill pipe to the top of your tank , say maybe 39 inches high and fill the tank to the top of the pipe the water will exert .434 Psi for each foot of height overall of the column of water. This way you can pressure test your tank to a few pounds per square inch . That is adequate for a leak tank and far easier to accomplish.Advantage being, you can test the tank over as many hours as you wish to observe it for leaks :) Just offering this as a suggestion. Terrific You tube page. Really enjoy your work without high $$ equipment!!

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

clever. will tuck that one away for future use.

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Heck Yeah!!Thats the quickest Ive ever seen a metal break built!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Just like those builds on TV... snap of a finger and the car is transformed! 😂

[@ssamotorsfinland]

Almost all motorcycle tanks are mildsteel and they work ok! Good job sir!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@mortimerschnerd3846]

Please incorporate a rollover safety valve in the breather.

[@domenicozagari2443]

No oxygen no rust.If you beat the holes for a bit of an angle the piece will be stiffer.

[@jimhesse6563]

Looking good,Like the back up lights

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@melvinjacobs5198]

I watch all your videos I learned a lot I like to where you do things Take your time God-bless you man

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man!

[@deankay4434]

I really enjoy the process of engineering on the fly. It's like you walking back & forth along side your truck! My maternal Grandmother grew up in our Great Depression and always said; "Use What You Got"! Thanks so much for more than just a tutorial of building a petrol tank at home, but taking us on a journey, walking down that road with you Duff. Even the pickup, vent flange you cut that was 1mm, I said out loud, put it inside just 5 seconds before you said; I am going to put it inside. I enjoy because it reminds me of a younger version of my grandfather, who built little wire, tin, washers and nuts, soldered them together and created Model "T", Train Engine, Airplane all with what he had. Scuffed them, cleaned, soldered and bent wire to create frames. I found out years later that he took 100+ into Manhattan KS. where he visited a children's hospital and handed them out after asking the kids what they liked. He did not do the Santa thing, but could have. I walk that road with you even though I am most likely older than you Duff. And yes, metric conversion can make your brain hurt. It is 3.87 liters to make a gallon. 25.4mm = 1 inch. I had another of many back surgeries in Dec, Jan, then again in October. The doc in Jan asked me what side I wanted my lumbar stimulator implanted as I thought of laying on a creeper under a vehicle. I told him; "Starboard side" and at 85, he started laughing. The manufacturer's Rep had no idea what I meant! I told him "Planes, Trains, Boats, Ships even Submarines" know Port=Left, Starboard= Right! Dr still laughs while the other was clueless. My wife asked me once "Does this make my butt look big?" I replied, your stern looks great, now turn so I could look at the Bow? She didn't know but I got out of the question! Life is short, lay there and rest the bones, work with what you have and remember, If you're not moving forward, then you are standing still or going backwards! 😅DK, Omaha to Africa, over & out!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Come in DK, come in DK! Thanks brother! A gentle breeze off the port quarter and we will be running along on broad reach quite nicely...😅

[@deankay4434]

@@ratrodsafrica I have to learn to walk again, I must use a cain now. To many lumbar fusions and surgeries. I wish I could run as I use to. But that's life.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@deankay4434 I wish you all the best brother 🙏

[@deankay4434]

@@ratrodsafrica Thanks, and best to you! You bring a smile to my heart! Don't tell anyone...

[@deankay4434]

@@ratrodsafrica Thanks for the kind words. I have been watching your videos today, but have some house work that has to get done as winter comes back. I don't hurt while sitting in my mechanics chair I padded up to get my knees straight. At 6' 3" tall, my back is bad enough and don't need to add more to the list of achy parts. But, pass the time watching. Oh, great job on the white board. So many don't understand electrical. Wish I lived in the country again, but I will be leaving here feet first. DK, Omaha.

[@ronnieellsworth9223]

I enjoy each of your videos. They are very educational. Ronnie.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like them! Thank you Ronnie

[@ishsiriram8286]

Definately, make the brake video Div. Will be awesome. You are a natural at this. Enjoy watching your videos.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro. When I get a gap

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Another excellent tutorial ! I have to say that I am glad your original tank didn't fit. Not only did you make and share an awesome video , but you were motivated to make an excellent sheet metal brake ! (the plasma jig was awesome too). You are one resourceful dude ! (I watch your videos on my big screen television) but do to some issues with my laptop I was unable to comment on the wiring video and the concrete pour) Laptop up and going again so I went back and liked both . I NEVER miss you videos !!!!!!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Randy. Really appreciate your support! Ja, very happy that I FINALLY built that brake.😆

[@tommymoore9955]

I really like your videos keep making them

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@TheTubeTube2]

That’s a great build, very interesting thank you!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Nice job on the petrol tank Div. Enjoy your program very much. Wish you the best 👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Terence!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

All the way though the video. Very nice job duff.

[@brianhaw9398]

Nice job on the custom fuel tank.👍🇨🇦

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Brian!

[@Timberns]

Exactly the guy I needed… I’m going to build a 75 US.Gallon tank for a boat using mild steel in the same style for the same reasons… Sure wish I had that sheet metal break… You did a good job on that too. It’s incredible how similar our designs are. Perfect for what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome engineering Awesome video

[@brucewrandol]

A fuel cell is lined with a rubber bladder. Some are foam rubber lined. The foam has to be porous enough for gas to flow through it plus not dissolve with alcohol that is in gasohol. They frequently are used in race cars and the bladder/foam rubber will keep it from catching on fire.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the info

[@bigdogcountrymusic7146]

Love your work and how you keep what you do so real not all made-up stuff, and I Love the Bed on that Blue Ford Truck. AWESOME.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you dude! Appreciate

[@DustyMacsGarage]

5 seconds in... Cool truck ✔ Working in garage ✔ In flip flops✔ gotta hit the like 😂

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! I LIVE in flip flops😂

[@mdcrl10]

Love the long format videos. I imagine they are more time consuming to make, showing more of your fabrication process, but I like to see how you improvise and problem solve. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Keep 'em coming :-)

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like them! Thanks!

[@eloyanzaldua7433]

Well after watching this, I will make my own tank for my 1950 Chevy Deluxe. This video was great, not to mention I'll be going tomorrow to purchase the car, lol it needs a gas tank. Thank you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

That will be awesome man. Happy if I can inspire! All the best with the project.

[@JandreViljoen-w3n]

Very nice work. Can maybe do vertical down continues weld, will help for distortion and less stop starts.

[@gandl2123]

Augusta, GA. Loved watching your build. Loved your craftsmanship...lazy here, probably buy. Nice tank, things I would have done a bit different and wanted your input. On the flanges I would not have drilled and tapped...I would have drilled and tacked nuts to underside of flange. Thoughts? On the tops of the baffles and welding the top of the baffle to the top of the tank by drilling holes and then filling with welds. I would have just left them as is. The tops of the baffles will always be "up" and the top of the tank metal will always be supported by the baffles. There are areas where the baffle(s) have holes and fuel is allowed to slosh back and forth...at the top too, no problem. Great work you do. Hello from the states. Home of the Masters Golf Tournament

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother! Spend some time in Georgia, late 90's. As long as there is enough material thickness, I have no issue with tapping. Easier than tacking on nuts. That flange is 1/4" thick if I remember correctly. More than enough for tapping. Welding the tops of the baffles is probably not necessary, just wanted a few tacks for added strength.

[@rickjackson3414]

Very nice ! It will hold up well !

[@brucewrandol]

Good job. Fun watching and listening.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@jimcarlisle2309]

If you could find a few rollers, you could make a rolling machine for metal. A few gears, a big handle, some way to adjust it for what your needs are.

[@ratrodsafrica]

I actually did build exactly that since this video! 👍

[@tomwilkinson2184]

Thanks for sharing this, Awesome job!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure Tom. And thanks!

[@tv-ll5bl]

I watched from start to finish.. Great content.. Like how simple and straight to the point of car diy and ratrod education.. Thanks👍 keeeep up the great stuff

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@bart9859]

That sounds like gas prices on the West coast of America, but here is in the Heartland of America it ranges from $3.79 to $3.94 a gallon. Good looking tank. Bart

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Bart. Looks like gas prices everywhere is going crazy!

[@anthonysinclair5721]

Damn , based on US gallon size and the US dollar our gas/petrol in Canada is about 6-7 dollars per gallon!!!! 😢

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@anthonysinclair5721 now I don't feel so bad anymore...😅

[@johnnymac1580]

I’m learning things I’ll never use but wish I had learned them years ago ⚡️

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂

[@jimcarlisle2309]

Downtown Charlie Brown, super Cool!

[@davidcraft4909]

Thank you for this video. the most important part for me was how the old tank was holding up after 2 years. The rest of this video was also very helpful as well, thanks for sharing your experience. Also I find it interesting that you are messing with an old ford in Africa. Here in the US a lot of people love those old trucks, chevys and fords.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure my man. Yes, I was also very curious to see what that tank looked like inside! There are quite a number of old trucks out here in South Africa. Keep an eye on my channel if you'd like to see more.

[@joshuajohnson-cf7hp]

Gvv

[@Imwright720]

The inspection door is plenty big to weld through for one side.

[@kevinkirk4285]

I watched the whole video. I, too am in need of a custom fuel tank for my build. A daunting task which I have been avoiding. Some good techniques you have, Sir! I am an aircraft maintenance contractor in the Middle East and during my time here, I had the pleasure of working with a couple of guys from South Africa, two of the best structural techs I have ever known. They did some beautiful repairs. Lots of guys come and go but these two guys really left an impression on me. Glad I found your channel. Just subscribed!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the sub! All the aircraft techies I know do superb work. I have no doubt that you can do it better than me!🙂

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I like it! I have a jeep I am building that I would like a custom tank to tuck up in between the frame rails and have clearance for the rear axle that I plan to shift back. I have been trying to figure out where to get a tank from. I too do not have the ability to weld aluminum or stainless. Not sure why steel never occurred to me, that is what the OEM is after all. Thanks for this one.

[@steveng216]

Great video! Tank looks boss!

[@jonathontaylor8861]

Nice, I'm a new subscriber and love longer videos, no doubt I'll watch them all eventually

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you for the sub Jonathan! Welcome to my forest workshop 😁

[@dobraydien7242]

Doing this right now for my 04 mustang. Good video

[@khancross]

This tank is nice however one important thing missed. When the tank is less in fuel and you turn a corner or if you go downhill, the fuel cannot be soaked from the pump and engine starts stottering. A tank need a reservoir inside which always carries a half liter fuel.

[@kyrompstomp]

REALLY ENJOYED. LOVE TO SEE YOUR BRAIN AT WORK THANKS FOR THE VIDEO MEL.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Div. Great job on the fuel tank. You have a great sense of inventiveness. If that is a word. Nice job. The gas here in Ontario, Canada just lowered to 1.52 a liter. It is crazy. Last week it was $1.60 a liter. Here in Canada, we use the metric system. We old guys still use the imperial measurements because that is how we were brought up. But everything here is sold in metric. It can be confusing for some people. I live maybe 3 hours away from the United States. I have KZbin friends both here and in the U.S.A. It is nice that you convert most of your measurements. When I talk on KZbin, I try to use standard measurements so the U.S guys know what I am talking about. Thanks for sharing your video Div.🍁👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you brother!

[@davidschomer2235]

Beautiful work on the tank you could seriously sell those

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you David.

[@ricklord7144]

After watching your Boiled Linseed oil recipe video, (Thank you for the link) I stumbled upon this little gem! For giggles I looked up the cost for external bed-mount fuel tanks, (may wanna do that for my 71 F250 Rat build) I was shocked at the prices! Holy crap! I'll fab my own before spending crazy dollars on one of theirs! Now that I now know how!!! Love your videos. I love the "Build what you need" mindset you live by! Inspiring to say the least!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother. Yes man, it just takes a little persistence. Build it!😀

[@sixtyfiveford]

Great video

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@Hotrodfink58]

I ove your videos. Your attitude sense of humor is awesome. A thought for your next gas tank...add a small flange to the four sides for added stiffness and a more substantial area to weld to instead an edge thru a hole. Just my opinion. Thanks

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@MrSpot41]

Nice build !

[@ishsiriram8286]

Awesome Div. You made that look easy. My 2cS. Isn't the Float unit adjustable? You may not have been governed by the 250mm depth. I wouldn't put the sponge in the breather line, if the fuel fumes break down the sponge it will end up in the tank. Rather use stainless steel wool or a fine mesh or sorts. Also make sure it will never end up in the tank(have a barrier of sorts. I really enjoyed the video. Even though there are videos of bending breaks around, I would really like to see your version. Thank you again for sharing.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback ISH! Yes, I have since discovered that adjustment on the float unit means I could have made the tank shallower. But no worries, I have enough ground clearance. Very good plan with the breather! I'm going to steal one of those stainless pot scourer things from my wife and stick that in there. Thanks for that! If you want I can do a video showing details of the bending brake?

[@anthonysinclair5721]

@@ratrodsafrica Steal the scouring thing now ask for forgiveness later right , just like the dish soap? lol 😆

[@clashon6163]

Always inspirational, keep up the great work!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@Imwright720]

Nice job young man. I doubt I could weld this thin. It pull have a lot of leaks.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@TheFrameoff]

Nice build , don't feel to bad fuel here in canada , B.C is 2.04 a litre

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Sir! Our fuel prices are going up again next month... might have to start building motor bikes!

[@TheFrameoff]

@@ratrodsafrica To bad , what a money grab

[@anthonysinclair5721]

Hello fellow BCer!😎

[@jaywatts333]

great vid guy. glad to see your views are picking up. praying for more for you. from huckabay texas, lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Much appreciated, thanks Jay!

[@Bigblueshop]

Great work keep up the videos 💪🏽

[@rickbarger7921]

That Ford truck you have I've never seen anything like it that thing is really cool I would love to have it with a right hand driven where I live I'm not talented enough to make that

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Rick! They were built right hand drive in the factory here in South Africa

[@tezsullivan6048]

Lekka Boet.👍👍

[@jodycopeland1]

Looks awesome

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@tonyfeltham9051]

Lovin your work Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Tony! Appreciate the comment👍

[@christopherarronglaum6191]

I like this. Thanks for making this video

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's my pleasure🙂

[@rickbarger7921]

In California just regular gas right now is right Around $6.70 for the cheap stuff the premium is like $7.10 diesel is even more

[@ratrodsafrica]

Price of fuel worldwide is going crazy! Yet the crude oil price is not that high. Something fishy going on....

[@wildsidechopshop7656]

Love your work 🤙🤙

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you.

[@timothymcfarland1307]

Lots of old tanks were Sauder together your tank is much stronger

[@ratrodsafrica]

If nothing else! 🤣 Thanks man

[@maniestrijdom7271]

Nice ! With our petrol price in RSA that is going to be alot of chash!😄👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

That's no lie!🙈

[@richardhatcher7206]

Awsome video bro in new Zealand we are 3.20 to 3.50$ per litre petrol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro! Yes, the stuff is getting crazy expensive everywhere!

[@sammorgan31]

I would take a steel tank over aluminum any day of the week. Aluminum has a bad habit of stress cracking from vibration. It can be mitigated by careful mounting. (Can't just weld tabs to it and bolt it down or it will crack.) But you still have to make sure that filler necks and such won't stress it. No need for aluminum unless you're building a dragster and the 3lb difference matters.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes man!

[@henrygibson1530]

Gas tank looks good it want be long before you get it out on the road 🙂

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Just a few more things...

[@jodycopeland1]

Would like to have one of your fuel tanks here in the states

[@jameslewry2950]

G'day Dif, here in Australia, over two dallers a litre for 91 unleaded petrol. Hooroo se ya later 👍.

[@ratrodsafrica]

About the same here!

[@johnnymac1580]

Not bad ⚡️

[@richardsdennis]

Tractors and cars have had steel gas tanks from day one. The "crap gas" we have today is the problem.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Spot on brother!

[@duccanard9079]

Out here in west Texas,we don't call it dust,we call it mobile real estate.I tell everyone that they aren't rat rods,just cheese adjacent.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Lots of mobile real estate in my world!

[@duccanard9079]

@@ratrodsafrica flys by here @80 mph.fine until the cacti flies.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@duccanard9079 🤣

[@rickbarger7921]

Nice job on building that fuel tank what about a Fuel gauge Just use a stick I've done that with probably 20 or 30 vehicles I've had stick a piece of wire down there or something I was surprised she didn't put some sort of filter over over or a sock over the intake on that Is fuel tank

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! I got an aftermarket fuel gauge for it. Have used sticks on other cars before 😅

[@950rpm]

Almost every factory fuel tank for motorcycles and cars and trucks have all been mild steel into the 90’s until they started switching to plastic…. I think a mild steel gas tank will be just fine…

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, you right! But I also think the modern fuels are not the same as the stuff we used back then.

[@bullthrush]

231 cubic inches per gallon for USA.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, now I know.

[@lailafrank9751]

96 ltrs is a decent sized tank

[@matymaty7477]

👍😊

[@erivon2234]

like always lekka mate! can you link the video/plans for that brake? I've been looking around for some and that one I really like! cheers!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks bro! No plans for the brake, it came out of my brains... Unfortunately no video either... Best I can do is to make an explainer video about it. Let me know if that can work for you?

[@DependableAutoTruck]

25.3 gallons

[@cekezcekezinc5590]

Excelente amigo 👌🏼👌🏼

[@ratrodsafrica]

Gracias senhor!

[@TCreatorO]

Does the fuel en africa have ethanol? Or is it pure? Here in the US not all states sell you ethanol free fuel as a choice, most sell 10% ethanol, or 85% ethanol, ethanol absorbs water, which I can imagine is what rusts gas tanks

[@ratrodsafrica]

No, as far as I know we don't have the ethanol yet

[@ram00924]

96 liters = 25.360517 US gallons

[@jimlarkin559]

25 gal. ??

[@ratrodsafrica]

In the end it came out around 22 US gallon

[@jodycopeland1]

You and I are cut from the same kind of cloth I use what ever I have on hand i satisfy myself

[@ratrodsafrica]

That's it my man. One only has to satisfy oneself! 😅

[@jimcarlisle2309]

You need a return.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Not required with my setup.

[@Jshan9]

Did you ever consider paying another rat rod or vehicle build channel for a promo to help grow your channel quickly it doesn’t cost as much as you would think like puddins fab, Casey’s customs, Rat Rod Bobs’s or another your content is excellent you just need exposure. It doesn’t hurt to ask another channel in there business email in there bio.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you for the feedback and kind words! Will look into it, got nothing to lose right? 😅

[@MarthaGomez-h3o]

Make a plastic fuel tank,light weight,no rust, stainless steel, aluminum

[@ratrodsafrica]

I can't weld plastic!

[@MarthaGomez-h3o]

@@ratrodsafrica no,but you can use a plastic barrel 😊

[@thatguy83ful]

Good video man!!