Old steel tanks - still usable?

[Wijbrandus]

My dad's girlfriend is selling her house. She was cleaning out the basement, and found a pair of old scuba tanks from when she used to dive. They were last inspected in '86.

She was unable to give me any more details over the phone, but they are going to haul them from PA to CO to give to me when they come out this way in the spring. I've e-mailed my pa for more specific details, and hopefully he'll be able to get them to me in a day or two. He's not particularly e-mail friendly. Retirement does that I hear.

Are steel tanks still viable after all that time? Is there anything I need to know besides getting them a hydro and a VIP? Or is this not even something worth considering? I am not in a position to buy my own tanks, but the thought of getting some for free is certainly an appealing thought.

I love the idea of having my own steel tanks. She has them set up in a doubles rig of some sort, but since she hasn't been diving in 20 years, who knows what that is. I wonder if the rig is still useful...

 

[archman]

I got a old steel 72 from an attic a few months back. It's last hydrostatic test was in 1966. Yeah... SIXTY six. It passed a new hydro and I'll be diving it tomorrow.

I got an aluminum 80 the same way (old attic). Last hydroed in '86, and now it's my primary tank. It's that questionable 6351 alloy, so I may eventually have to retire it. Poo.

** Please don't turn this into another 6351-bashing thread.

 

[Ontario Diver]

Are steel tanks still viable after all that time? Is there anything I need to know besides getting them a hydro and a VIP? Or is this not even something worth considering? I am not in a position to buy my own tanks, but the thought of getting some for free is certainly an appealing thought.

I love the idea of having my own steel tanks. She has them set up in a doubles rig of some sort, but since she hasn't been diving in 20 years, who knows what that is. I wonder if the rig is still useful...

This subject has been covered several times in the last couple of months. Do a search and you'll find no end of information. Worst case scenario is that they are so rusted out that they fail either the VIS or the hydro. Many folks find old tanks that seem to last forever.

Other than that, you will probably need to get the valves overhauled and/or replaced (depending on your wallet and wants.)

As for the doubles set up, it depends on what the set up is, what size of tanks versus your size etc.

Why don't you ask your dad to take them down to the local scuba shop and get them hydro'd and vis'd before he brings them out to you. Saves carrying them if they are no good and if they are good - he'll probably forget that he paid for the tests and they'll be even more free!

 

[SDAnderson]

Check out this thread: Dumb Question, Regarding Steel 72's

It's probably a pair of steel 72's and so long as they can pass hydro they will be fine. Classic tanks.

 

[Wijbrandus]

---Why don't you ask your dad to take them down to the local scuba shop and get them hydro'd and vis'd before he brings them out to you. Saves carrying them if they are no good and if they are good - he'll probably forget that he paid for the tests and they'll be even more free! ---

This turned out to be a great idea. He is doing just that. Now I just have to wait for him to get back with me on the results.