Expansion tank chroming help

[priobe]

Hello all,

I have an expansion tank for an FE motor in pretty good condition. I had to have it welded behind the bracket and around the edges. I wanted to have this tank chromed but I have heard that it will flake from the heat expansion.
I am also afraid when they go to clean up the weld that it might leak again.
Any ideas in who to send it too for a good quality job or should I just paint it black

[elgecko]

Hi
I've seen these brass tanks stripped to the metal and then polished. Lots of work but a truly different and beautiful finish. And if I recall, I saw one posted here on Clubcobra sometime ago. Does anyone know if powdercoating would work for this guy????
Good luck
Dave
elgecko

[FFR428]

That pic was posted around the beginning of august by lineslinger. Look for the "puke tank finished" post from 8-6-04. That picture inspired me to polish my tank also. It's not really that much work compared to the intake I did. Chrome does look nice though. Gessford shows a chrome tank on their parts site under "misc" No mention of pricing or availablity however. Powdercoating is an option but does not have the bling of chrome. G.

[Gasman]

Priobe, My guess, underline guess, is that chroming copper wouldn't be very successful. A soft metal with a hardened metal sounds like disaster compatibility (flake big time). You might be able to nickel plate or cadium plate and polish with success. If that isn't shiney enough for you, Southern Automotive has a stainless tank that looks like chrome and is a very quality part.

[USrowboy]

Have you thought of powder coating? I had mine powder coated by brooks powder coating in West Chester PA. Excellent price, work and service (out and back time)

The process is quite remarkable, environmentally safe and cheaper than chrome. they have a finish that resembles aluminum. Think about it.


rowboy

[ENTDOC]

I have always been told not to powdercoat the tank since the solder joints will not hold up to the heat.I am glad to hear it has been successful in at least one. chuck

[priobe]

USrowboy,
Do you have any pics that I might be able to see your tank. I spoke to a company called Art Brass. They told me that I would be able to chrome the tank without a problem. But then again maybe they are looking to just get some business.


Gasman,
I was thinking the same with the different metals but wanted to if it might be worth it. Especially when the tank gets hot then cool, I am sure that the metal will expand and contract.

[BB427]

I have the stainless steel tank from Southern automotive and it is a VERY nice piece. All tig welded seams and a large sturdy flange with a brace. There are pics of it in my gallery.

Good luck.

Brent

[bigmike]

I had my tank chromed with no problems....they nickel plated it first. Looks great, no flakage. My powder coater says too hot; will undo solder joints.

[cobra427mnsi]

I wasn't sure whether to chrome or power coat so I removed all the lead solder and had it silver soldered (silver requires much more heat to melt so won't be affected by powder coating heat). I ended up having it chromed anyway. No problems yet. That was about 6 years ago.

Paul

[priobe]

Cobra427mnsi,
Where did you have the work done. Also did they pressure test the tank when they where all done with the work.

[xcobraj]

I had mine painted bright chrysler silver (the same color as the car) and its holding up great.

[lineslinger]

Here is the tank I restored, lets see if I can actually post a pic............
lineslinger has attached this image:

[lineslinger]

Hang on, I'm trying to transfer the image, maybe this will work............

[lineslinger]

Jeez I suck at this attachment stuff........
still trying............