New dbl. 38 project for the winter

[sthtxdiver]

Hi there .that is one cool set of doubles plz post some after pic .Im sure they are gonna turn out really cool good thing its a winter progect .something to keep u busy and dont have to worry about rushing. best regards

ps any particular color in mind ?

[vintagemike6]

Nice picup there freddo! geat winter project.
Are those sportsway tanks by chance?

[8dust]

Thanks guys. I took them for hydro today.
When i got the paint off, there was a pretty strong sticker ghost.
It was about 4" and round, so too small for USD and no Voit wings or Dacor oval.
Not sure what some others look(ed) like. Could be Sportways or Spiro I suppose?

[8dust]

So, I suppose phase 1 is complete.

Acquired, disassembled, stripped, Vis & Hydro’ed, and rebuilt in a workable condition.







I would ultimately really like them to be white, as I think it would look great with the black bands and chrome manifold (like my knob/lever replacement, do ya???), but after much research, the painting deal has become a big PITA. I found the end-all-be-all material I think, made by PPG called “Amercoat.” It’s a multi-part catalyzed epoxy paint used on chemical plants, oil rigs, and aircraft carriers as I understand it, but it’s just a little on the pricey side and comes in a minimum two gallon mix it all up once and be done in a three hour pot window setup. If a dozen or so of ‘yall would like to come to Nashville for a giant tank painting and beer drinking fest (and quarry dive), I’m all in, otherwise I may put phase 2 on indefinite hold.

For now, there is something, almost, aesthetically pleasing about the contrast of the really rough and colorful galvanized, with the cleanness of the coated bands and chrome manifold.
At least that’s what I’ve convinced myself of.

Looking forward to some warmer weather, Fred

[JES]

Very nice! Keep the phase reports coming.

[Popeye]

Fred,
Looks good,just dive them now.

[8dust]

Aye Aye

[Vintagediver]

Now you did it! You just had to go and post this thread with pictures; didn't you? The good news is; is that I've got you to blame for me now wanting a set of twin 38's; at least I think my wife will maybe buy this excuse! They look great ! I can't wait to see how they finally turn out. Keep the reports coming. Terry

[sthtxdiver]

WoW they look good just like that. thanx for the heads up .plz let us know of any updates . very nice best regards

[Emilio Largo]

Wow! The first thing I noticed was the chrome knobs on the 1-piece manifold. Very nicely done!

[vintagemike6]

Freddo, i am curious what the factory/manufacture stampings on this set are. i have a set that looks very similar stamped sportsway, first hydro in 1972, 1800 psi.

[captain]

At the end of the day what looks better, a scratched up painted tank or well aged galvanize. If I were doing tanks for display only then I would consider paint, otherwise it's galvanize for me.