So I pulled the interior out of my 86 Westy and am officially staring the
restoration now that we have spring like weather in Ohio. Along with the
interior coming out I've dropped the propane tank. It seems very solid but
has external rust. Anyone sandblast these and paint, or do you recommend
just a wire wheel/brush and POR-15 (or equivalent) and before all you worry
warts jump in the tank IS empty!

Link of 3 photos:
http://carboncow.net/php/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=propane_tank_s
tuff

Even knowing it's rather rusty all valves turned and parts came off easy. I
need someone to tell me what the three items are, what the additional
"stuff" are on each valve and any other comments in the following photos:

1.      Gas Manifold: I'm rather curious to what the square part in the
middle does? There is some type of vent below the larger cylinder that has a
plastic cap. Obviously this manifold splits the lines between fridge and
stove, but I'm unsure what the gizmo in the middle does.
2.      Gas Exit: This handle is beat up a bit but seams to turn easily now.
What is the protrusion to the right?
3.      Fill Assembly: The rusted label below claims this is an upgraded
safety fill valve. I'm curious to how this operates and what the "button"
under the left dust cap does. Is this in fact a safe and standardized fill
valve or do I need another?

Regrettably after removing all the interior items I found sever predictable
behind the fridge rust from the leak at the hook ups and fiberglass
insulation. The entire cross member on that side was rusted through and
needed removed. Additionally it has caused rust down below that is getting
under the lower seam and there is some swelling at the seam where the floor
meets the port wall. I'm curious if anyone has a good write up about
repairing this vs. cleaning and por-15. I'll need a new piece of sheet metal
under the hookups but the lower seams may not be that bad.

Shawn
Ohio
http://vanagon.carboncow.net <http://vanagon.carboncow.net/>