Vintage Double Hose

I am thinking of making up a new set of tanks. As I get older the twin 50s are getting harder to lug up and down the sometimes steep trails to the nice diving spots on local rivers (I do have a younger wife, but she refuses to carry them for me ). So, as a possible solution, I am looking at a set of twin 40s mounted on a USD Solid bar manifold. My problem is bands. The 40s are 5.25" in diameter. Anyone know of a possible source of bands? There is a place called Sea-lutions that advertises bands including custom made, but no reply to my email.

Thanks,
John

Or you could set up a pair of twin 72's and just do a backroll off of one of the Deep Six boat's. Then you'd just have to climb up a dive ladder and have people help you with your gear when your done.

http://www.scubadivingtube.com/play.php?vid=787" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Assuming they would help. They might just laugh.

John

After searching, there appears to be no ready-made bands for twin 40cuft tanks. When I had custom bands made for my tripple 30s, the bands cost as much as the tanks, so I am going with twin 50s. I guess I'll have to start doing pushups to get in shape

Cheers,
John

John Lundy wrote:After searching, there appears to be no ready-made bands for twin 40cuft tanks. When I had custom bands made for my tripple 30s, the bands cost as much as the tanks, so I am going with twin 50s. I guess I'll have to start doing pushups to get in shape

Cheers,
John

John, don't give up yet. Check out this link to xtreme scuba or try Dive Rite to see if these are still available. Dive Rite says they fit the 5.25" aluminum 40's!
http://www.xtremescubastore.com/dive-ri ... bands.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that dead-ends let me know and I'll bet we can find or make something.

Thinking out loud here but what would be wrong with cutting a couple of adapters out of some type of plastic and using them as spacers between standard 72 bands and the 40 tanks.

antique diver wrote:John, don't give up yet. Check out this link to xtreme scuba or try Dive Rite to see if these are still available. Dive Rite says they fit the 5.25" aluminum 40's!
http://www.xtremescubastore.com/dive-ri ... bands.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If that dead-ends let me know and I'll bet we can find or make something.

I tried the 5.5 bands on a 40cuft tank at my LDS today and they are too big. Thanks for the offer, but I have ordered two 50cuft tanks and will use Rick Green's 6.9" bands. I need to get in better shape anyway

John

John

Do you already have the tanks?

Do you want to use a backplate, harness or backpack?

WD8CDH wrote:Do you already have the tanks?

Do you want to use a backplate, harness or backpack?

The tanks are on their way. For vintage dives I plan to use the replica of the US Divers military harness with my SeaTec Sunfish BC. I also have a Zeagle Tec BC and plate that I can use.

JOhn

I just picked up another new USD solid bar manifold so in addition to twin 50s, a set of twin 40s is still the plan, if I can get some bands made.

John

That manifold is wider than I prefer for that skinny of a tank but it is workable. I think I have something that will work for you for bands, at least with the plate.

Something to consider: The newer Al 45s are the same diameter as the Al 50s and 72s, etc. They work correctly with Peanut King bands and the USD solid bar manifold.

On left, 45s; On right, 50s:

But I much prefer the 5.25" diameter tanks to the 6.9" diameter for in water bulk and trim.

Also, the 45s are about the same weight at the 50s. Twin 40s are about ten pounds lighter and that is what I am looking for.

John

Howdy,

Not to hijack... but could use a little education if you please.

I've been on a quest for some smaller tanks to rig-out my very small fish of a Son.

are the 5.25" 40's AL or are they steel?

I was looking at an AL 50 the other day, but I believe it was the 6.9"

I'm thinking ahead to when he bulks up and I may get them back and could assemble as doubles.

I'm kind over the big and heavy thing, so smaller and lighter sounds good to me.

Thanks, Fred