Two questions for those of you with experience VIPing tanks. First, I've got an AL80 (Catalina, from 1989 and not the 6351 alloy) that I got from an acquaintance about 5 years ago. It was painted black. Last year I got the tank hydro'd/VIP'd but the visual is now out of date. I didn't like the old scratched up paint, and as I'm going to be doing alot of saltwater diving soon, I'd prefer a plain metal tank. I got some aluminum compatible paint stripper, got the tank all stripped, and I noticed a few marks in the tank. First, about halfway up the side of the tank, there's a ding/gouge about an inch long, probably close to 1-2mm deep. Also, there's a round 1/4" dent on the bottom corner (where side meets bottom) of the tank - looks like it hit ground or a rock a little hard at one point. As I've barely used the tanks in the last year, it's obvious to me that the tanks were damaged THEN painted over. Damaged, it subsequently passed both hydro and VIP with these painted over, but now without that paint, I'm concerned they may not pass inspection. Is it even worth getting it inspected, or should I save my money for a new tank.
I also got a used AL63 for my fiance (hydro'd 2007, manufactured in '92). It's got a seemingly plain metal finish, but a plastic coating on the tank that's since been cracking and falling off, and at the cracks it's been corroding. Due to the corrosion, that tank also got stripped and cleaned and looks great now, but I was just wondering, is it common to put clear plastic coat finishes on aluminum tanks? It seems kinda counter productive and was obviously not doing a very good job at protecting the tank. Thanks for any comments
I also got a used AL63 for my fiance (hydro'd 2007, manufactured in '92). It's got a seemingly plain metal finish, but a plastic coating on the tank that's since been cracking and falling off, and at the cracks it's been corroding. Due to the corrosion, that tank also got stripped and cleaned and looks great now, but I was just wondering, is it common to put clear plastic coat finishes on aluminum tanks? It seems kinda counter productive and was obviously not doing a very good job at protecting the tank. Thanks for any comments