What metal are 1980 H33 fuel tanks made from?

[Jim Logan]

Does anyone know for sure what metal the fuel and water tanks were made from in the 1980 Hunter 33? Mine are painted with green zinc chromate primer, and appear to be somewhat thin, but the material seems more like stainless than aluminum - anyone know for sure what they are?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Aluminum.

At least that is true of all the tanks in my 1979 H37C. Just as you describe, under that funny green paint a very shiny metal that looks like stainless. But it is aluminum. I cut cleanout ports in my diesel tank and it drills and cuts easily. I made port covers from scrap aluminum of the same thickness, pretty sure it was 3/16". Drilled and tapped 16 holes for each cover and it was thick enough to tighten down 1/4" machine screws.

 

[Sam Lust]

Try cutting it --

If you can cut it readily it's aluminum. If it's a bear to cut or drill it's stainless. Also, stainless would not have been painted with zinc phosphate. Hint: I believe the maker's name was "Florida Aluminum Tank." The label should still be on the tanks.

 

[Alain GERAUDIN]

H33 fuel tanks

I confirm. The fuel tank is made in usual aluminium.Two years ago, I'm obliged to clean and passivate it. After reduce the inlet pipe lenght, I remove it and I revampe it. It's an aluminium Tank.Bests regards.Alain