The gas tank under the cab of my truck is rusted out and needs some repair. I do have access to a welder so any ideas on how to strengthen the metal would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking about just getting some thin gauge metal and tacking it to the bottom to reinforce what is there. Anyone have a better idea?

 

Your concept to repair is only a top gap, temporary measure. The best thing to do in my opinion is to use it as a template to build a better one.... this time with drain holes to avoid the current situation. Shoot it with bedliner instead of paint.

 

True, but I'm not really looking to make this a show truck. Just a reliable driver. DC or someone needs to start making these. Iv'e looked a lot of different places and haven't been able to find it. Luckily, that's the worst of the rust on this truck. Somehow a bunch of pine straw got in between it and the frame rail and caused most of the damage. Whatever I do, it will be covered in bedliner before I put it back in. Thanks for the input.

 

Oh I wasn't implying that you repro one ...Rather, a template in terms of the mounting holes, contours, and such. I'd build a frame with some 1/2-inch square steel tubing and add flanges for the mounting holes..Think of a bird cage....... then fill in the voids with sheetmetal... a way to add strength is with flared holes instead of stamped or rolled beads.

NBC_Steve had the same situation and we found replacement at turbohunter's honey hole.

 

Ah, now I follow. Might not be a bad idea to try that. Thanks!