The International Cessna^® 170 Association

A friend of mine has a mid-60’s C-172 that has 2-3 very small pinholes in the bottom of his left wing fuel tanks that weep fuel. (The tank’s been removed to find the leaks.) Otherwise the tank appears to be in decent shape. Anyone recommend a shop that can check and repair the tank? He’s in upstate NY if that matters, but is willing to ship the tank outside the area.

You could call Hartwig. https://www.hartwigfuelcell.com/repairmetal.php.

But if it's just a hole and not internal corrosion, then all your friend needs is a good aluminum welder. That's how my mechanic had my tank repaired. He didn't do it, he just sent it to a local machine shop.

Yep, find a good TIG or MIG aluminum welder. Do not pressurize the tank ..and make certain the tank is vented while being welded… The heat will expand the air inside the tank and damage it otherwise.

Thanks Dave and George. Just the information we were looking for.