Mini Doubles Tank Options

[Dave2]

(My apologies if this has been covered, but I did a search and went back four pages in this forum)

Thanks to Rob at The Scuba Museum, this USD rebuilt solid manifold will arrive at my house in a few days:


I want to assemble a set of mini-doubles with new tanks. Current options are:
- Faber HP40's
- Faber LP50's
- Luxfer AL40's

Paired with VDH back plate, Dive Gear Express stainless tank bands, and Hog Edge 35# doubles donut wing (optional).

I'm planning on using them in fresh water only, mostly under 75*F, diving a wetsuit (5/7mm max), and possibly a Hydroglove some day. I'm 5'11", 210lbs.

What's the best option?

[ScubaLawyer]

See my thread...

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=8035

Mark

[Dave2]

Thanks Mark,

Why did you decide on the HP40's?

How tall are you?

[ScubaLawyer]

Thanks Mark,

Why did you decide on the HP40's?

How tall are you?

Q1. I wanted the shortest length possible and the HP 40's just happened to fall off the back of the right truck at the right dive show at the right time for the right price (long story - requires beer). Q2. 6 feet if you count the barnacles on my soul(er, soles). Mark.

[Dave2]

Mark, did you use the standard bolts to attach the tank bands to the VDH plate?

I'm leaning toward the HP40's for the negative buoyancy factor and the tanks are cheaper than the LP50's.

[ScubaLawyer]

I just used the standard bolts. It takes a lot of trial and error to make sure the bolts remain flush with the back plate.I just went to the hardware store and bought some counter set stainless steel flathead nuts (sorry, I can't remember their technical name). anyway, I did have to drill another hole in the VDH backplate to accommodate the short stature of the twin 40's. I also rebuilt the entire solid bar manifold. It was quite the learning experience, but I had a lot of fun doing it. Mark

[antique diver]

....I just went to the hardware store and bought some counter set stainless steel flathead nuts (sorry, I can't remember their technical name). Mark

It sounds like you used T-Nuts, aka Tee-Nuts.

[ScubaLawyer]

....I just went to the hardware store and bought some counter set stainless steel flathead nuts (sorry, I can't remember their technical name). Mark

It sounds like you used T-Nuts, aka Tee-Nuts.

WEBPAGE_20150516_161351.jpg

These guys. Mark

[antique diver]

That's it.

[Dave2]

Thank you gentlemen.

Edit...

Stainless Steel Round Base Tee Nut 3/8-16
http://www.amazon.com/The-Hillman-Group ... l_huc_item

Stainless Steel Round Base Tee Nut 5/16-18
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAVJEOO/ref ... OXKRLH0BIM

[ScubaLawyer]

You might have to ream out the holes on the VDH backplate slightly. I did on one and the other tee-nut I just whacked into place with a rubber mallet.Mark. Oh, and you are welcome. Always happy to get my 2psi in.