The tank corrodes because the finish on the tanks wasn't that stout from
the factory. Further the tank is exposed to horrible conditions but rarely
gets washed or waxed.

It IS welded to the brackets, but the brackets are simply bolted to the
underbody. Four bolts, and the propane connection, and it's off.

I doubt you need a new tank. The walls of the tank are as thick as the
metal that makes up the brackets. That is a LOT of metal to rust through.
Remove the tank, have it blasted with aluminum oxide, and have it coated.
Total cost: $60. Replace the regulator if yours is crappy.  Good as new.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Matt Brickell [SMTP:bricknord@WEBTV.NET]
Sent:   Thursday, August 19, 1999 8:15 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        84 Westy Propane Tank Question

This is the first time I have posted so I hope this is going to the
right place.  I have been lurking here for a while awaiting my Westy to
arrive from a family member and now it is mine!  It is an 84 with 121k
miles and immaculate except...I noticed under the van, which is rust
free, that the propane tank is very rusty to the point where I wonder
about its integrity.  How the tank rusted this badly and the rest of the
van stayed so good I have no idea.  Anyway, it seems that the tank is
welded on to the brackets not bolted from what I can tell.  Does anyone
have any ideas on where I can get a new tank or even who in the world
would be able to do a job like this if I found a tank?  I appreciate the
advice and by the way I have learned a lot while lurking here for the
last couple of weeks.  I am in Kansas so the list is a help since
Vanagons are very rare out here.  Thanks again.

Matt Brickell
83 Jetta Turbodiesel
86 Jetta Diesel
84 Vanagon Westfalia
Olathe, KS