In a message dated 31/07/2007 2:31:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Hey  everyone,

I've searched the archives, but I need a bit more specific  advice on what to
do about the LP tank on my 87 westy.  Let me preface  this by saying that I
have relatively little experience with propane tanks  - nothing more than
exchanging tanks for my barbeque.  I purchased the  vehicle at the beginning
of this year.  The LP tank definitely looks  questionable to the naked eye,
but from reading list entries, that doesn't  seem too out of the ordinary.
It still has propane in it, and the stove  lights easily.  It looks as though
someone tried to spray paint it at  some point and sprayed over a pressure
gauge and any stickers/id  plates/certification markings that may have been
on the tanks.

So, I  decided I would take it in to the local AmeriGas place.  The  attendant
took one look at the tank and told me it was "junk".   Apparently the type of
rust he saw, which he described as "pitting", led  him to believe it was
done.  The entire exchange lasted about 20  seconds and he was less than
enthusiastic about having a look at it for me,  so I'm not certain how much
stock I should put in his diagnosis, and am  hoping to get a second opinion.
So, here are some questions:

1) How  can I tell if the rust on this tank is cosmetic surface rust or
something  to be concerned about?

2) Where are the certification markings and ID  plates of importance
generally located.  I see a couple stickers  (peeling off and painted over)
and what looks like a plate on the top of  the tank in the middle.

3) What do I need to do to prepare the tank for  removal?  I'm assuming all
of the LP needs to be bled out, but does  anyone have instructions for doing
this safely and for removing the tank  from start to finish?

4) Once it is removed, what is the best way to  recondition it?  I've heard
sandblasting (I don't have one, will try  manual sanding) and
repainting/sealing with rustoleum.  Any other  suggestions?

5) Once it has been cosmetically reconditioned, I am still  planning on
having it tested by an LP shop.  I just don't want it  dismissed right away
due to the rusty exterior.  What should I expect  an LP professional to do to
test a tank that "looks" okay?  Pressure  tests?

6) Any other general suggestions/information?

I am aware  of the new tank available from GW, but I want to be sure that
this one is  no good before I spend over $300 to buy one that I probably will
be unable  to install myself.

Thanks for your help!

Jake, your making a  mountain out of a molehill.  If the tank is holding
propane and not leaking  then it's good to go.  Leaks are obvious as Propane
freezes up as it hits  the atmosphere so you will see a white frost at the point of
the leak.  To  remove the tank from the vehicle it does not need to be
emptied.  Just  close the service valve, remove the skid plate, disconnect the two
copper lines  from the regulator, put a floor jack under the tank, remove the
four nuts  holding the tank to the frame and lower the tank on the floor jack.
Now  take the tank outside and remove the regulator then open the service
valve and  let the tank empty itself overnight.  Then remove all the valves and
plug  the holes with threaded bungs available from any good hardware store.
Remove the data tag if it the sort that welded on in the four corners.  If
it's the sort welded on with a continuous weld, leave it be.  Now find  yourself
someone in you area that does sandblasting and have the tank  sandblasted.
Get a _POR-15_ (http://www.por15.com/)  kit in black  or silver, your choice and
follow the instructions for coating the tank with  POR-15.  The tank will
never, ever rust again and be better than a new one  which will rust again unless
you follow the above instructions before installing  it.  Install new valves,
standard fill valve, spit valve and service  valve and regulator to be on the
safe side then put it back on your Westy, fill  the tank and you will never
ever have to worry about that tank  again.   If you cannot find the valves and
regulator at a RV Propane  service facility near you I have them, see my
_Vanagon Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  website  under
the "Westfalia Camper Parts" listing.  BTW, I just POR-15ed two tanks
yesterday.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_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