The only thing missing from having Betty 100% converted to run on vegetable oil is a real tank. Against the criticism of many, I wanted to build my own custom tank, out of fiberglass. I’ve always wanted to learn how to “make stuff” out of fiberglass, and I figured this would be a good way to teach myself how. The smart-asses telling me I shouldn’t do it just made me want to do it more.
I wanted the tank to use the odd-shaped area behind the wheel in the trunk. As I started building my form, I realized I better put some thought into how I’m going to remove the tank, because I’m sure there will be a time when removal will be required. That little detail made the tank size shrink quite a bit. I had to sacrifice area for wiggle room. This is a wedge I made that should give me enough clearance when finished to let me remove it. I used a 10-second two-part glue that worked great.
Here is the same piece in the trunk.
This is the form that provides a surface to build the tank walls not touching sheet metal. I’m using the sheet metal surfaces themselves for my form where I can. This stupid box took me about 6 hours to build. What a pain! I’ll have to destroy the box when I remove it from the fiberglass.
Same box, upside down.
First layer of fabric. I screwed up and tried to use a big sheet to start with. I think it is better to use a bunch of patches, building as you go.
So far, my fiberglassing skills have turned out to be on par with my welding skills. Not too good!
time and patience. take cold showers after working in ‘glass’, it closes your pores, and the ‘glass’ won’t imbed itself too bad, and make ya itch for a few weeks.
Today is going better. I’m working smaller areas and have my timing down better. It still looks like a disaster.