Molded fiberglass fuel tanks?

[Bartman]

Hey folks,

Was just wondering what tricks there are to making a custom molded fiberglass fuel tank. Is the fiberglass resin naturally resistant to the fuel or does it have to be sealed after it's made?

I'd like to get a tank to mount right on the CG for my Laser but there's a little over an inch and a half between the bottom of the fuselage and the bottom of the wing tube so I'd need a relatively flat and wide tank to slide in there.

Thanks!

 

[Bartman]

Just figured I'd look around to see what I've got on the shelf and found this! Woohoo! 16oz and fits perfect!

But, for the heck of it, how would I make a fiberglass tank if I wanted to?

 

[jhelber08]

If I'm not mistaken the jet guys use kevlar tanks, never seen a fiber glass one. You would have to make a mold and glue two halves together. Either that or fashion a disappearing plug that you can fiberglass over and then use gas to dissolve (something like foam).

 

[Alky6]

Hey folks,

Was just wondering what tricks there are to making a custom molded fiberglass fuel tank. Is the fiberglass resin naturally resistant to the fuel or does it have to be sealed after it's made?

I'd like to get a tank to mount right on the CG for my Laser but there's a little over an inch and a half between the bottom of the fuselage and the bottom of the wing tube so I'd need a relatively flat and wide tank to slide in there.

Thanks!

You need to use a marine grade (or better) epoxy to make a tank. Even then, check for compatibility with the fuel. I believe the gas will soften the fiberglass resin with extended contact.

 

[HRRC Flyer]

Hey @Bartman,

I may be totally wrong about this (it has been known to happen on occassion. . . . . ), but I think you would have fuel delivery problems with a tank that is so flat once you have used part of the fuel in the tank.

 

[Jetpainter]

 

[Jetpainter]

Old B1 Bob has molded just about everything over the years

 

[sensei]

Here is a fiberglass fuel tank, I made many when I was still building home builts, but this one was in my R/C Staudacher.

 

[Pistolera]

Whatever happened to that Staudacher Bob???

 

[Bartman]

Here is a fiberglass fuel tank, I made many when I was still building home builts, but this one was in my R/C Staudacher.View attachment 84714

Thanks for that! What was the trick to keeping it sealed? Epoxy type/brand? Or will any good quality epoxy like West Systems do the trick??