QUOTE(Qarl @ Oct 26 2004, 09:10 AM)
Fill it with some sort of fluid before welding... like gasoline or moonshine.
Actually that's better than trying to weld it empty.
The liquid isn't explosive but the fumes are.
I don't recommend MIG if you want it to be leaktight.
Clean it thoroughly and fill with water, tip it so the weld area is at the top and not in contact with the water inside - if you are determined to do it yourself.
A competent professional welder would purge it with Argon and TIG weld it - cost should be no more than $100.
You might find a good replacement for less than that.
I have welded many gas tanks that way - no boo-boos yet.