As some of you know, I drive a scion xB, outfitted with a 25 gallon sprayer tank that I use for my WFP. This has worked pretty well for us so far, but I’m always thinking about how I’d really like it to be.
So here’s my idea:
The rear foot-well area is a really awkward space to use for equipment- its uneven, has that weird hump in the middle, and is simply under-utilized. I want to build a custom shaped tank that would fill the entire foot-well area, and extend under the front seats (there’s adequate room there to justify the added hassle of complicating the tank’s shape, imo).
Does anyone have experience with custom-built water tanks? Any out-of-the-box ideas to make this as simply and economically as possible? I’m cool with having things a bit ghetto-ish to begin with, I can always dress things up and make it look prettier on the outside…
So far I have considered various methods of fiberglass lay-up, including using a plywood skeleton structure, or building molds from Papier-mâché and bondo. It all looks terribly complicated.
I’ve also thought about building a plywood box, and lining it with a heavy duty plastic sheeting, though I’m concerned about the longevity of such a solution. Heaven forbid I spring a leak, and end up with 35+ gallons in the passenger area…
I’m really just in the brain-storming phase right now, so if you have any ideas, no matter how crazy they may seam, shoot them at me. I’m interested to hear if anyone has thought of doing a similar project for their vehicle.
Would one of those fit in there? They seem long, fairly shallow and tall, one should fit. What about putting some stainless bolts into the car’s floor and strapping it down? Just throwing out an idea. A custom tank would be awesome, but the price will probably get really steep quick.
I’ve done a fair amount of fiberglass work in the past but carbon fiber is way more fun so that is what I’ve been playing with lately.
This is a what if thread so what if… You carve a Styrofoam block into the shape you need, have it wrapped in carbon fiber/epoxy, drill a hole, fill with solvent and melt the foam out?
Winter is coming, somebody will have time to experiment.
There is a product by evercoat. Its a two part foam. Line the area with plastic, mix the two parts, dump it in and let the foam fill the area. When it drys remove it and try fiberglassing it
Love these ideas. My only questions are: how would I dispose of such a mess? And how would I ensure that the inside would be cleaned out enough to hold pure water? If I can work out these issues, a “lost foam” mold definitely seems like the way to go :). Thanks for the feed back!
Fiberglass only the bottom and sides. Then remove the foam. Then spread a sheet of fiberglass over the top and apply the resin to the parts that overlap the sides. Once that dries apply the resin in light layers over the top
Acetone removes the air bubbles between the expanded plastic molecules in styrofoam. Then you have acetone with clumpy crap in it. When the acetone evaporates, you are left with plastic. When the acetone evaporates from the plastic, you have a chunk of plastic.
Hire your local soft-wash contractor to gently wash out the inside a couple of times and you are good to go!
The carbon fiber that I use does not love compound curves but it would make one beefy tank.
Fiberglass shapes easier, I used to make fiberglass car bumpers for drag cars.
I have a gallon or two of epoxy resin and a couple different hardeners if you’re still interested when winter gets here.
I use carbon fiber to reinforce failing foundation walls, I am pretty sure that it would hold water.
Be interesting to check out the water blivits. The material will form to space. Maybe pillow tank? Fol-da-tank has a few types. Worth a look at different types. If sell car, still have tanks.
Thanks everyone for your input on my scheme. It’s really gotten me pumped (no pun intended ;)) about doing this project! It looks like I could realistically fabricate a useable tank that I’ll enjoy using. I like the “lost foam” method best, using the 2-part pourable foam mix for my form. Just wondering if that foam dissolves with acetone, though?
Now that I’ve selected my method of fabrication (unless an even better idea comes along, or someone punches a massive hole in this one), it’s just a matter of details…
mostly on the fiberglass layup- what type(s) of cloth, how many layers, what weight? Which resin? Total amount of materials? Do I need to vacuum-bag or bake for a good cure? Where should I get my materials (composites and foam mix)?
[MENTION=6510]Tim4[/MENTION]
It is easy enough to rasp into shape and I am sure that acetone would make it melt. I would run some tests to see if the epoxy or polyester would melt it also.
Vacuum bag is probably not needed, or practical in this application. Heat is beyond the scope of this project which probably already has others rolling their eyes as a waste of time anyway.
Can you post a pic or drawing or two that approximates the space and size available?
What you need is about 50 cans of that flex seal. That should do it. They float boats and trucks with that stuff. You might even be in their commercial. LOL
of epoxy resin and a couple different hardeners if you’re still interested when winter gets here.
