|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 26, 2016 16:40:22 GMT -8
Just picked up these 1974 U.S. Divers Doubles and was wondering if anybody reproduces a correct decal for these tanks. All the ones I've seen don't say "Aluminum" on the top of the decal. I also noticed that these have a blue background and I also have a set of 1973 U.S. Divers Doubles that are black and the decals have a black background. These are the smaller tanks. Providing these tanks pass Hydro and the Eddy tests I may have them restored and possibly have new decals made if I can't find them.  |
|
|
|
Post by technidiver on Apr 26, 2016 17:07:27 GMT -8
Good luck with the tanks. I don't know if they produce decals for 1973-1974 but some people created similar decals for a Jaws themed tank. eBait might have some, but you'll probably have better luck with custom decal designer.
TD
|
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Apr 26, 2016 17:37:03 GMT -8
I've never seen that type of decal repro'ed: you might want to keep them as-is, and if it makes you feel better, just refer to them as "old pro" or "wabi sabi". You do know these tanks are positive buoyant, right? I have one that I stripped and sprayed urethane on to protect it, but didn't keep the decal. Also, it's vital to do the eddy test on these EVERY YEAR to keep them safe, and just as vital that your test facility is COMPETENT!!!!!! I just want to keep our sport safe, especially vintage gear that most people believe is the fasted road to damnation  BTW nice score bruddah! JB |
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Apr 26, 2016 17:39:29 GMT -8
I think John said they're six pounds positive buoyant, so if you're doing doubles, twelve?
JB
|
|
|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 26, 2016 18:03:50 GMT -8
These are from the JAWS era so I may keep one set original and one set restored. I agree with the Eddy tests every year. One set doesn't have the original US Divers manifold but luckily I already have a spare one to use. First they need to pass the tests before I'm gonna worry about the manifolds. I already spoke to a local sign guy about making a decal if needed. I've got another very cool project in the making right now too that may come with to Wazee.
|
|
|
|
Post by SeaRat on Apr 26, 2016 18:31:05 GMT -8
I think John said they're six pounds positive buoyant, so if you're doing doubles, twelve? JB If they are the 2475 psi-rated AL tanks, the yes, they are about 6 pounds positive in fresh water. John |
|
|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 26, 2016 18:36:19 GMT -8
These are 3000 tanks  |
|
|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 27, 2016 6:51:37 GMT -8
I was looking at my 1973 U.S. Divers catalog and it shows the Navy Mark II is a 50 cubic foot cylinder with 3000 P.S.I. and a 6.9 inch diameter. It says this tank has 3.6 negative when full, neutrally buoyant when empty. Weight when empty is listed as 24 pounds. New it lists the twin 50's costing $240.
|
|
|
|
Post by surflung on Apr 27, 2016 7:41:52 GMT -8
- On eBay, I have acquired NOS aluminum tank decals a few times. I bought a set of those decals in yellow trim with the Mk II Chevrons for the top of the tank. I also got some gold trimmed ones. Never came upon the blue trimmed ones though.
- I had a set of these SP6498 - 3000 psi twin 50s tanks in high school ('72) and they were very negative for me underwater... With a 1/4" thick wetsuit I dove with no weights with the USD Twin 50s and I sunk like a rock. Had to use my safety vest to get some buoyancy. Spring forward to 2011 when I got back into diving and I had separated the tanks to use as single 50s... AND I had gained some fat. I used these 50s singly for lake diving with a 3mm suit and I don't remember them being too heavy...BUT, when I got my USD Twin 38s and compared... There was quite a big difference... Wrote it down somewhere but I can't remember right now.
- The sad part of these 1970's aluminum tanks is that everybody tells you to condemn them due to the risk of SLC (sustained load cracking). It felt like such a waste, I held on to mine for 3-4 more years with the yearly assurance that inspections were keeping them safe. Then last year, they passed a visual at the dive shop but when I got them back the valves weren't installed with the right O-Ring. This worried me about the technician so I took the tanks to a different place and darned if one of them didn't pass.
- That tore it for me... If I can't trust the inspections then I can't trust the tanks. I kept my beautiful USD J-Valves but gave the tanks to the dive shop to dispose of as they saw fit. I think one of them is still being used for PADI classes but the bad one was condemned.
|
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Apr 27, 2016 8:09:25 GMT -8
- That tore it for me... If I can't trust the inspections then I can't trust the tanks. I kept my beautiful USD J-Valves but gave the tanks to the dive shop to dispose of as they saw fit. I think one of them is still being used for PADI classes but the bad one was condemned. This is the exact reason I take my tanks to a facility that does nothing but testing: its a fire extinguisher shop in Oakland CA, I also get the added feature of not paying a middle man These tanks can be used, it's just learning to be cautious when you do. JB |
|
|
|
Post by Seahuntjerry on Apr 27, 2016 14:38:59 GMT -8
Sherrif Ron,
I have some nos stock stickers call me sometime time.
Jl
|
|
|
|
Post by nikeajax on Apr 27, 2016 15:18:34 GMT -8
Interesting, I just noticed these are painted  My 72 was brushed, then clear coated... Mine is also from 1972, so I wonder if they changed from clear to paint because of chipping and obvious oxidizing... Mine did look pretty ratty when I got it! JB |
|
|
|
Post by SeaRat on Apr 27, 2016 15:52:07 GMT -8
I actually do have a set of these tanks, which are twin 50s at 3000 psig, and they are wonderful tanks in the water. I don't remember them being heavy, but were well balanced.  I have not used them for several years, as I have decommissioned all my AL tanks except one, a AL 80, that I use with my Dacor Nautilus CVS. So these tanks are in my shed, but to use them I would need to hydro them and have them eddy current tested. That remains a possibility, but right now they simply are an exhibit for my double hose regulators. John |
|
|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 27, 2016 19:46:47 GMT -8
Interesting, I just noticed these are painted My 72 was brushed, then clear coated... Mine is also from 1972, so I wonder if they changed from clear to paint because of chipping and obvious oxidizing... Mine did look pretty ratty when I got it! JB My 1973 Catalog says this was the first aluminum cylinder to sport the elite Navy Gray Lustre-finish. It also talks about singles and twins available in yellow, gray, black, or clear Koate over aluminum. That is the correct spelling of Koate in the catalog. |
|
|
|
Post by sheriffdiver on Apr 27, 2016 19:50:07 GMT -8
I just weighed my twin silver 50's with the manifold attached and they weigh 52 pounds. There is about 1,000 psi in the tanks right now.
|
|
My 72 was brushed, then clear coated... Mine is also from 1972, so I wonder if they changed from clear to paint because of chipping and obvious oxidizing... Mine did look pretty ratty when I got it!
