Kevin:
Calling the expansion tank a "puke tank" is a misnomer, as the puke tank is a tank that was used to recover engine
oil/condensation and is traditionally mounted on the firewall.
The expansion tanks are fairly easily modified. First, try to start out with a clean example that is relatively free from dents and distortion. Their are several used examples available, and ebay is an excellent source. Don't compromise on quality and condition here. Get a GOOD one. Try for a '61 to 63 T-Bird if you can find one.
First, have the tank thoroughly boiled out by a radiator shop. After this is done, you will have to use a propane torch to heat the front and rear brackets that are soldered to the sides of the tank and the joint on the bottom where the tube fits into the tank itself. Done correctly, you should be able to separate the two assemblies. Often, years of use have already caused the brackets to part from the tank, so you may be able to do skip that particular step.
Clean as much of the old solder as you can from the tank, front/rear brackets, and tube and orifice. Flip the bracket 180 degrees and check for proper fit. Resolder using a good quality solder and flux. Take your time, and take care to heat the joints adequately to get proper flow, but take care not to disturb the tank's soldered seam around it's circumference. Take the tank back to the rad shop and have it pressure tested for leaks. If all is good, paint it with a high quality paint and you are done.
I don't like chrome because it is not original, but I can tell you that filler will not stand up to the process.
Bud
