starving of fuel

[66andBlue]

If the original is too expensive for your taste or pocket consider an aftermarket tank made by the JP Group in Denmark:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252306370153
or
http://oldtimer-ersatzteile24.de/Tank-82-Liter-for-Mercedes-W113-Pagoda
But you get what you pay for!

[Benz Dr.]

I'm fairly sure the flower pot* is crimped in position and is not removable. Strong acids that clean metal have attacked and completely dissolved one on a tank I cleaned once so I'm only boiling them out at a rad shop now.

*the term '' flower pot '' is used by permission of SL Barn. Inc.     

[mdsalemi]

But you get what you pay for!

The eBay listing says "absolute premium quality"!

[66andBlue]

Michael,
as you know talk, or bits in this case, are cheap.
On the Pagodentreff site several members commented on these reproductions and those comments were not impressive to say the least.
For example, take a close look at the filler neck and you'll see that it doesn't look anything like the original.
But of course it may be satisfactory.

[mdsalemi]

...reminds me, Alfred, of the time I needed to buy a new grill surround oh so many years ago...
I called Tim Kidder at K&K. He asked "Do you want the ones that fit? They're $1,800. If you want the ones that DON'T fit, they're a lot cheaper..." 

And speaking of K&K he does have repro fuel tanks...at least he did at one time.

[Jonny B]

KK currently list three on their site, a 230 SL at about$1200, a 280 SL at $1350 and a 280 SL repro at $700. However, each item has "Call for availability" listed.

[W113SL]

I have used the Renu process three times in the past with sucesss.  However,Ii wonder if all of these Renu franchises all have the same knowledge base.  Try calling one to find out,  The last one  year ago only charged me $350.00

Good luck,

Pete Lesler
W113SL

[Pinder]

My latest thought on the gas tank is that I use POR-15 tanks sealer. I've used POR 15 rust encapsulation and It was a great product. If the tank sealer is similarly good thats what I will try. the other option was to use red-cote. not sure which is better. I was also thinking of cutting the top of the tank to have the best possible access to either sand blast all the rust out or wire wheel it before coating it to get the best possible adhesion.