How to repair hole in propane tank cover

[Vermilye]

When I reformed mine, I put a ceramic cube heater inside the cover & used a heat shrink gun on the outside. Took a good 20 minutes to slowly bring it up to forming temperatures.

As David said, welding gloves will make it much easier. Plan on a method of holding the new shape until it cools. If you don't, it is likely to go back to the original shape as it cools.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Doug & Betty

Hello all. I too am interested in doing some reshaping of my propane cover. It looks like one must get the material up to around 120C/250F to be able to plastic deform polypropylene. I tried a heat gun but was not able to reach or maintain the temperature required. I’m afraid a torch will be too hot and the heat too concentrated quickly resulting in holes. Just curious if anyone has successfully reshaped their cover, and if so, how did you heat it?

I'm not sure what type of heat gun you are using but maybe they are not all created equal? I can recommend the one below from Harbor Freight. Reaches 700F on low and 1000F on high. I use it to heat shrink electrical fittings and remove decals and it works fantastic.
https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-w...gun-56434.html

[quimbydk@comcast.net]

Here is a cover without the bulge

Icon 385 Polar White Standard Propane Tank Cover

[Doug & Betty]

What quimbydk just said...

I just saw the Icon 385 (no access hatch) and 386 (with access hatch) tank covers. They are 13" front to back v 15" for the factory cover. They come 25" tall as they are intended for either 20# or 30# tanks. If you don't want the extra 6" in height it looks like you need to add a rivet or small bolt lower on the seams and cut off the lower excess. I'm thinking of giving one a try. I'll post what I learn but given delivery during the holidaze it might take a while. Both versions available from Amazon...

Safe travels and stay healthy,
Doug