So Happy

[Nemrod]

Mike, I got those four up and running so there is no need to go to Salina but I will keep it in mind for the future. These four tanks are not lined so they are good to go. It is kind of a long haul down to Louisiana and "Williams Aircraft, Tool and Lawnmower" to pick up some old rusted out and busted down tanks. It would be cheaper for me to buy the ones from that fellows attic. Later this fall when I take the boat down there for winter storage maybe I will give them a look see to see if some of them might be saved. Those bullet holes might be a problem--eh

James

[YankDownUnder]

Australian Standards banned the introduction and testing of more steel 72s, unless they already had an Australian Standards test stamp. This left me with a perfect 72 and no way to use it.

Much to the frustration of the 'association', the 72s continue to pass the annual test while some aluminum tanks seem to suffer cracks around the neck and end up being sold as scap. Having both is frustrating, as your lead has to be changed when changing tanks. Aluminum tank get lighter when empty.

The Australian dive shops won't part with their old steel 72s. They are rugged, reliable, and are great for pool training where volume is not important. To replace them would be costly. Most of the diving here in Melbourne is deep and cold, so HP tanks are preferred for open sea diving. However, as many divers carry a deco tank, a large number of steel 72s are seen with snaps around the neck and Nitrox stickers on them.

Steel Faber tanks are the most common scuba tank in Australia and their 85 cu ft tank is almost the same shape as a steel 72. It is a high pressure tank, thus the 85 cu ft designation, ie.3410 psi working pressure. I am told Fabers are starting to show up for sale in the USA, so there is a substitute if you wish to have a traditional shape for vintage use, and a HP tank for modern use. Sadly the Fabers are painted, not galvanized and the bottom is round. It looks very much like the first tanks imported from France by Rene Bussoz.

The Faber 75s look like the short 40s used by Mike Nelson as a twin set. The problem is mixing HP steel with vintage regulators, so don't pump them all the way up if you have a single stage regulator or an early yoke.

I was worried when I asked to have some other steel tanks tested here. I had a set of triple 44 USD Broxtons and a pair of German 35s, from 1960. The tester didn't blink eye. He said both types would pass and he said they always do. He was right. The steel La Spirotechnique from 1958 passed as well.

The annual testing here does get expensive, so I usually just dive the Fabers and my locally aquired steel 72.

[clevelanddiver]

Plastic boots for steel 72s are fairly easy to find--it is the RUBBER type I am looking for. The rubber ones do not crush the gell coat on a boat when the inevitable smash occurs. I missed one on ebay the other day--I forgot about it until about 5 minutes to late but beggers cannot be choosy and now with four lovely in hydro and VIP steel 72s how can I complain to much. ..................


Nemrod

Nemrod,

Two rubber boots are on the way. I just read this post prior to heading off to the post office to ship the sharkskin suit we talked about at Portage. They don't match, but as you say, beggars can't be choosy.

The boots are yours to keep, I wasn't using them and I rather send off to someone I know will use them, then sell them to someone who just wants them for display. I will PM you with details on the suit.

Mike

[Nemrod]

I am starting to owe you big time Mike. Yeah, I was working on the Whaler Nemrod (what else could it be ) and when it saw those unprotected steel 72s in the back of my Toyota the whole boat shook on it's trailer in fear. First Mate does not allow tanks with no boots or feet with no proper deck shoes. In fact, she is actually the captain I think .

James