Removing tank dents on old Scott-Atwater

[scoutabout]

Hey all -- I've picked up one of those little Firestone outboards from the mid-forties (3.5 horse or so, made by Scott-Atwater). Very similar to this.

Figure it will make for something else to fiddle with and I love that streamlined gas tank.

As with many kickers of this vintage, the aforementioned tank has some nasty dents I'd like to remove.

Opinions on options? I suppose I could just fill and finish but I'd like to have a polished metal appearance when done.

I've also read of people cutting the bottom off, pushing out the dents and welding it together again. Anyone do this before have any advice on the ease of this approach?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Removing tank dents on old Scott-Atwater

You might ask over at the antique outboard motor site
aomci.org.
I think that many just fill the dents because they intend to paint anyway.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Removing tank dents on old Scott-Atwater

Torching the tank into two pieces, pounding out the dents and resealing is just one method...it should be done very cautiously, especially the torching part. Another method is to pressurize the tank with compressed air, and tap the edges of the dents...sometimes the dents will partially undo themselves. Covering with filler and repainting also gets mixed results. You can also catch a similar motor on the auction sights or somewhere else and replace the tank with one less dented. Just boils down to how you want to it look. Unless the dents lead to a leak, they won't hurt performance one bit if is tuned right and properly run. Those are good little motors...made by Scott-Atwater for Firestone.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Removing tank dents on old Scott-Atwater

Thanks for ideas guys!

Since doing some goolging on this I've come across suggestions from bikers (motorcycle tank dents) that include tack welding studs to the tank and then pulling the dents out, followed by grinding...and a rather bizarre idea whereby you sit a chunk of dry ice on the dent til it's good and covered in frost, then put the tank in the sun and watch it pull itself taught right before your eyes... :^

As for finding spare parts, I've already sourced a replacement transom clamp assembly (original is cracked) but man finding a dent-free tank for a reasonable amount of money is hard!

Nice to hear it's a good motor -- I'm looking forward to putting slowly up a river or two in style.

 

[byacey]

Re: Removing tank dents on old Scott-Atwater

I have removed dents using a piece of 1/2 steel bar with the end rounded off into a nice smooth half-ball.

Clamp this rod into a vice and manipulate the rod into the tank through the filler hole, until the rounded end is resting against the dented area. Then proceed to apply pressure on the tank to try and push the dent out. Start at the outside edges and gradually work towards the center of the dent a little at a time. If necessary, bend the rod accordingly to reach the dent.