In a message dated 22/01/2007 4:33:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I am  restoring an old beat up Westy (1984) and the propane tank is a
bit rusty  (on surface). Instead of stripping it down I might want to
replace it. I  heard somewhere by someone that these old stock tanks
are illegal now and  gas stations won't fill them (I'm in California).
Any info? Anybody ever  have problems with an attendant not wanting to
fill them up? Maybe just  bs?

One more time just to fill  up the archives.  These tanks are 1/4" thick.  If
there is no  perceptual degradation especially where the data tag is or was
and just surface  rusting as in most cases, remove the data tag if it's the
sort welded on in the  corners not the new stile where they are welded on with a
continuous weld, have  the tank sandblasted and refinished.  I use POR-15 !
Once the tank is  looking like new the majority of the fill places will ask no
questions.  I  presume "by law" the data tag should be there in most all
localities and a  current safety test sticker.  But in the 14 years of Westy
ownership and  filling of my propane tank in Canada, US and Mexico I have NEVER had
anyone  refuse to fill my tank because the data tag was missing or any other
reason  except that is was to hard to reach under the van.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains (_Collection
for  sale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
_Vanagon  Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007