Question, vintage LP72 tank

[rnln]

Hi everyone,
May I ask if anyone know the value of this good condition vintage LP72 tank? This tank was full filled with labels then sat in garage for around 20 years. I recently opened the valve and still see strong air comes out steady. I don't see any flaw except flash rust on the bottom (refer to pictures below) and crack on the plastic backpack.
Thanks in advance.

 

[2airishuman]

I consider out-of-hydro Norris LP72s with an older valve to be worth $30 as is, where is -- if galvanized. If painted, as yours is, they have no cash value IMO. If you brought it to my house I'd give you $20 for it.

Hydro, VIP, and a new valve are $80.

 

[Zef]

First, it would really help if you changed the thumbnail size images to full size so one could see some of the details you are trying to portray with your attached photos.

second, the tank has no value unless it can pass VIP and hydro...don't expect to get much more than $20 to $30 without some kind of cash back guarantee if doesn't pass those inspections or if you don't have it done prior to selling.

There is no value in the backpack, cracked or not...including it or removing it will have no bearing on the selling price, especially since it is both plastic and cracked per your description.

If you have the tank VIP and hydro tested then you might be able to get $50 to $80 for it.

OP, you should use a small drill bit and drill small holes in the ends of the cracks in the tank boot to help keep them from propagating.

@2airishuman , what is the concern with painted vs galvanized, other than the painted tank may be more prone to rust?


-Z

 

[Couv]

The best value you'll get from that tank is to have it inspected and dive it.

 

[James79]

The best value you'll get from that tank is to have it inspected and dive it.

Or give it to me... So I can have it inspected and dive it! Lol

 

[2airishuman]

@2airishuman , what is the concern with painted vs galvanized, other than the painted tank may be more prone to rust?

On painted cylinders, the paint comes off and they rust. Typically, with as-found LP72s, they need repainting. It is possible to have the cylinders sandblasted and repainted, or repaint them yourself with a rattle can. I believe the last one I had sandblasted, they charged like $40. It makes for an uneconomical purchase; even for a free tank you've got $130 plus gas money into hydro + vip + valve + sandblast + can of paint.

Looks like the prices of new AL80s have gone up since last time I looked but if you shop around you can usually find dive shops offering deals on new ones with a free air card or whatever. I like LP72s but ultimately the whole point of buying a used cylinder is to save money.