build VS buy a fuel tank

admin

i want to add a fuel delivery tankto my service truck and cannot decide if i should buy or build.  I can get a 75 gallon tank at lowes for 300.00.  I am not sure of the cost of 1/8 inch 3003 to bend and weld for a tank. I can bend 1/8 in house and weld it up but unsure of what to use for the filler neck and dispensing neck and if all the work would be cheaper or just buy.  What sayuth yall about this, I think buld I kind a think the alluminum would be about 150.00.
Reply:With no previous experience with building tanks, I would say the only way to go would be to buy the tank from Lowes. It's better to practice with smaller tanks, water, trash, etc. before you move up to fuel cells. Trash cans and water tanks don't cause big fires and explosions, etc. when there are mistakes. And, fuel leaks tend to be a real mess to clean up, whereas water is pretty much a non issue.Not to mention, if you have 10 hrs in a tank..... you have already invested $300 or much more than that in labor cost alone.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:it is not the fear of ability, some of it was some what of a rhetoric question, I was a shop manager at a tanker outfit at one time and muddling the question.  the weight of a steel tank vs an aluminum tank is part of what I keep pondering.  I have not weighed out on my truck lately and might be up against the limits, and an aluminum tank would be much less than a steel.  I did not get into all of the particulars of welding on the inside and out of a gas hauling rig that is why some questions, but it isnt for gas but diesel.  Thanks for the input but still muddling with rhetorics of it and of course the time involved, as like with alot of others time seems tight along with money.
Reply:I'd bet material, filler neck, cap, drain, etc., cost you $300 or better.  Then you got time to go along with that.  Are the Lowes tanks DOT approved?  That's another thing to consider.Bottom line, unless you want or need something different....just buy one.My name's not Jim....
Reply:thats what i keep coming back to as a conclusion so at some point I will nost likely buy one there.
Reply:Have you checked northern tool, their prices usually beat Lowes.Another thing I discovered, if you are ex-military bring a copy of you DD-214 and Lowes will give you 10% off the bottom line of the bill - even includes sales items.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:thanks for the tip on the dd 214 I just happen to have handy
Reply:I've found that the "change of address" packet at the post office usually has a Lowes 20% unlimited amount coupon in it.  Yes.. I'm a cheap bastardDynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Use my Department of Veterans Affairs or VA Card for the 10% discount at Lowes. Told my officer buddy he did not deserve a discount cause he did not need to crawl throuth the mud and put of with NCOs.