ATC King
10-24-2020, 12:05 PM
A rust free tank is almost a myth. By this time, most of the used tanks at least have rust in the very bottom, rear portion, usually beyond the point it can be seen directly from inside.
I'll start with the obligatory picture of just how awesome and rust free this tank is, with a straight down shot, right under the cap.
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Obviously, this tank is worth at least $200 for being so rust free. :rolleyes:
The reality is the rust holes are always larger than they look and there are more of them. Sometimes, the OE paint is the only thing left keeping it from leaking, pick at that, and drip, drip.
Now, lets get real, with some sand blasting of the bottom portion anywhere paint is bubbled or has tracks under it. Then get out the epoxy, apply, let set up overnight, sand down the next day so it doesn't outright look like chewing gum stuck to the sides, then hit it with a little paint so everything doesn't immediately rust.
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Products used: Blue Magic Quick Steel & some cheap paint that's been on my shelf for years.
264795
I'm not done with it. This was to just repair the leaks so I could use it to sort out a trike I recently bought. I've ordered some RedKote to line it with. It will be totally stripped, lined, and repainted.
The Quick Steel is good stuff. It holds up to fuel much better than regular JB Weld, which I've tried in the past. It's also easier to apply when dealing with larger holes, because it's more of a putty and not runny like the JB.
RedKote is an excellent fuel tank liner and I've used it many times.
This tank has the typical rust holes and easy enough to put back into service. I've repaired much, much worse with epoxy and RedKote. I've also brazed closed rusted tanks, which is better because the surface can be pretty much sanded level. With the epoxy alone, it will always have a little bump to it, because if trying to sand level with the surface, it won't be able to remain stuck over the rust hole. If a liner is used, it could be sanded even. I leave the epoxy under the tank pretty lumpy.
There's a bunch of different products, techniques, and levels of restoration. Please post up what has worked for you!
I'll start with the obligatory picture of just how awesome and rust free this tank is, with a straight down shot, right under the cap.
264785
Obviously, this tank is worth at least $200 for being so rust free. :rolleyes:
The reality is the rust holes are always larger than they look and there are more of them. Sometimes, the OE paint is the only thing left keeping it from leaking, pick at that, and drip, drip.
Now, lets get real, with some sand blasting of the bottom portion anywhere paint is bubbled or has tracks under it. Then get out the epoxy, apply, let set up overnight, sand down the next day so it doesn't outright look like chewing gum stuck to the sides, then hit it with a little paint so everything doesn't immediately rust.
264786
264787
264788
264789
264790
264791
264792
264793
264794
Products used: Blue Magic Quick Steel & some cheap paint that's been on my shelf for years.
264795
I'm not done with it. This was to just repair the leaks so I could use it to sort out a trike I recently bought. I've ordered some RedKote to line it with. It will be totally stripped, lined, and repainted.
The Quick Steel is good stuff. It holds up to fuel much better than regular JB Weld, which I've tried in the past. It's also easier to apply when dealing with larger holes, because it's more of a putty and not runny like the JB.
RedKote is an excellent fuel tank liner and I've used it many times.
This tank has the typical rust holes and easy enough to put back into service. I've repaired much, much worse with epoxy and RedKote. I've also brazed closed rusted tanks, which is better because the surface can be pretty much sanded level. With the epoxy alone, it will always have a little bump to it, because if trying to sand level with the surface, it won't be able to remain stuck over the rust hole. If a liner is used, it could be sanded even. I leave the epoxy under the tank pretty lumpy.
There's a bunch of different products, techniques, and levels of restoration. Please post up what has worked for you!