Topic: Pulling a dent from a gas tank, where should I put the studs?

[manjisann]

OK, so I've read some really awesome threads on here where people pulled the dents from their tanks by welding rods onto the dents and pulling them out. I know at least one of the guys used a tig, unfortunately that machine is not one I own, nore would I know how to use it. I do however have a mig welder that I sorta know how to use. I've determined that my tank is approx 22 gauge steel and set it for that type of welding. I've already tried several placements and as you can see from the pic have managed to tear (not blow a hole with the welder) some holes in it. Fortunately I also have an oxy setup and some brazing rods, so I should in theory be able to repair the holes. I have found that if I put a small bend in one end of the hanger and tack at the end of the bend that is what cause the holes. I have had the most success (which isn't much) by kinda using the hanger as a filler rod while the weld bead is still hot and letting it cool in there. So that's where I am at. I am using .025 gas shielded wire with argon mix.

The two questions are, where would you put the studs to pull this dent out, and how would you attach said hanger studs with the mig welder?

Thanks, this has been a bit of a bummer as I'm sure you can guess 

Brandon

[754]

Well you clearly should not be trying weld your frame (reference to your previous post).

 I do do believe most folks use a welder called a studspotter to do what your are trying to do.

[the technological J]

fix the hole and bondo... lots and lots of bondo... i guess if i were in ur shoes i would start with the lowest spot( or deepest dent) and pull it slow... disclaimer im a noob and i dont weld.. and have never done this

[manjisann]

Well you clearly should not be trying weld your frame (reference to your previous post).

Ouch. I didn't blow a hole in it, the were torn out when I was using the slide hammer to pull them. I be the hanger into a bit of an L and welding that on. I didn't think about how the forces would be pulling it to the side instead of straight up. I know a lot of people use a stud welder to do this, but I unfortunately do not have one. I have seen a couple posts where people used a tig, and I swear one was using a mig. I grant you that they obviously have more skill than I, but we all have to learn somewhere.

Brandon

[manjisann]

Did a google search and found someone suggesting using nails. That should make it easier to get the forces centered. I'll report back, hopefully with good news.

Brandon

[Sporkfly]

Start from the outside and work towards the middle of the dent. Slow and steady.

[manjisann]

Start from the outside and work towards the middle of the dent. Slow and steady.

Thank you. I tried it from going deepest crease and pulling out, but that obviously didn't work. I will try it this way. Off to go and carefully grind off the old buggered welds and try and fix my tank.

Thanks,

Brandon

[Mdub]

Get yourself a crow bar and stick it in there to pop most of that dent out.
If it isn't too work-hardened a lot of times they'll pop out 'oil can' style.
Be careful not to pry to hard on the fuel bung.
Looks like you could insert a nail with a big head through that hole from the inside and yank with some vice-grips.
Good luck,

Mike