Painting my gas tank step by step! (mostly)

Ok, so I finally got around to finishing up my gas tank! (kind of) I still need to clear coat and buff, but im getting close!
So here is my step by step on how I completed my tank!(I don't have any pictures for the first few steps )

First and for most you must take your tank off (duh).
Once your tank is off, I took my gas cap off at taped off any hole that dust from the paint might get into.
Now it is time to start sanding, the absolute best part!

SANDING

I personally just used a sander and some 80 grit sand paper, for it made the process go MUCH fast, I know most people say dont use a sander, but i did not run into any problems doing so.

I have heard of some people using paint thinner once they remove a good amount of paint, I however did not do this, but it might be easier!

The sander is definitely not going to get all of it off, especially the small curves in the tank, but it will get most of it.

Once you have removed almost all of your paint, then just keep slowly moving up grits of sand paper, i went 120, 200, 600. This is just to smooth out the tank so there are no big scratches any where through the tank.

BONDO TIME!

Bondo is a sort of putty that i used to fill in any dents that my tank had in it. and it worked AMAZING!
Bondo has instructions on how to use it, but the basics are

• Mixing the putty
• Filling in the dents (I used a variety of putty knifes to do this)
• It is better to use a putty knife that is bigger than the size of the dent so it fills in relatively smooth
• Once the dents are filled its sanding time again!
• I did basically the same that i did as painting, started with about 120 grit to give the bondo the basic shape of the tank, then worked my way up all the way to 1200 in order to make it super smooth!
• You may have to fill holes many times... i sure did!

Heres some pics of my tank sanded and the dents filled in




Primer
Once you have filled all of the dents in and made the tank incredibly smooth, then you can get ready to prime!
Before you prime you want to make sure the tank is 100% clean! No dust or anything on the tank!
I just used some micro fiber towels and water to clean it off.
I just used some Dupli-Color primer (about $6.00 a can) and only used about half a can
Dont hold the can to close to the tank or it will cause it to drip and then you gotta sand down again!
Once i had my primer completely on, i sanded with 1200 grit paper just to make it smooth
(I did 3 coats of primer on my tank)




Painting!
Finally all the work youve done(mostly sanding) is about to pay off!!
You dont want to use to much paint, just do light passes over the tank
If you use to much the paint will glob up and make almost "waves" on your tank and the suck to get out!
I just used some black Rust-Oleum paint that i bought at Home Depot( about $5 a can)
Once you have painted you should let it sit for atleast a couple of hours, then sand down with the 1200 grit paper again, allowing for a very smooth paint job.
I didnt sand my very last coat, i just waited for it to dry, and im just about to put my clear coat on!
My plans are to put 2 clear coats on, then sand with 1200 grit paper, and buff that puppy like crazy!

Heres some pictures after my first and second coat of paint




I will post some pictures once I complete the tank!
If you guys have any opinions or you think i could have done something better let me know!
I will answer all questions!
Thanks guys!

 

lookin' good loyd! keep up the good work!

FU

 

Looks good! My only concern here is gasoline compatibility. My experience with rattle can jobs is they look great until I fill up and drip on the paint. Eastwood makes a two part clear in a spray can but I have never tried it.

 

I just bought some Spay Max 2K gloss!(here is the link http://www.ebay.com/itm/181264584816?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT ) Supposedly suppose to help a lot! i will let you guys know how it works out!

 

the Eastwood clear coats are well worth the money
the price ranges from 22 to 30 bux a can
if done properly, your paint job will be fine

 

Eastwood is the way to go

 

Is the clear coat i bought just a knock off brand?

 

If you buy Eastwood, always check ebay first, they list items there at a savings from time to time. For example I got my Extreme Chassis paint for $13.49 vs $19.99 and my Plastic Resurfacer for $19.99 vs $29.99 from the Eastwood site.

 

looks like it...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastwood-50...1569088765&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

FU

 

Though it may be a knockoff, my understanding is that the Spraymax 2k is incredibly chemical resistant, and you shouldn't have any problems with spilled gasoline on the tank.

 

Nice work. Anyone here ever try cutting their tank apart to clear it of rust and debree before sealing it? I gota dent in mine and I also want to change the fuel cap to something more secured than my current one. I have a Harley sportster tank on mine. Don't want to use bondo. Want to dent it back out and do as little bondo on it as possible.

 

nope. Once you cut it apart, then you have to weld it back together. Have you read any of the threads about welding on gas tanks?

 

I know about a tool in the auto body industry. No not the guy charging you to paint the Kia. You weld these rivet-like things called 'Kleekos' (or something like that) and then a type of slide hammer clips on to them, and you use it to pull out the dent. Or if the metal is pliable enough, you can try to pull it with a plunger for the toilet. Plunger only really works on shallower dents in flattish sheet metal.

 

Oh, yeah, there's these really expensive body work hammers that may work. They come in all kinds of weird shapes and sizes to slide in to gaps and push out dents from behind. Maybe one would fit in the filler hole of your tank. Perhaps a body guy who works on old classic cars could help you.

 

Take it to a paintless dent repair shop. There should still be locking gas caps available that fit your tank without modification.

 

Oh yeah. I'm aware of that. I just meant the hole notion of it "exploding" cause there's gas fumes inside. No I haven't. I tried looking for it and after months. Finally decided to ask.

Yes I know about this. I work on cars as a hobby with my brother. Have a super modified Integra GSR. Anything you can imagine on a car, I have it on that. That's possibly the best idea dude!! I don't know why I didn't think of that. You just tack along the dents then pull. EASY. Thanks a bunch! (Although I still want to take it apart and give it a thorough clean, perhaps install a digital fuel sensor to work with my koso gage).

Thanks. Just gota find a decent place in Toronto. If you've ever been there, you'd know how ridiculous people here charge for the smallest things. That's why I gave up going to shops. They ruin the bike and don't get much done. And complain for more time needed. Same story over and over. This site is already helping me out big time.

 

Damn, man we got a lot in common. I used to have '98 civic hatch with B18 in it (non-VTEC). Surprised the hell out of a few Camaros and Mustangs! Was pretty much the fastest Honda in town 'til the guy that did my swap did one with turbo for himself. The floor rotted out of it, and I had to get rid of it. I miss that car.

 

ahaha no way. That's cool. We have a Civic hatchback as well. It's also fully modified but the new project is left undone. Both cars are just sitting on our driveway. If you were to Google earth my house, you'd see two Candy Apple Red cars parked LOL. I'll post pictures of my ride. Don't feel like scribbling over my face right now haha ...but cool. Man, if only you were in Toronto. I'd bug you to help with tuning my carbs after rebuilding them hahah I'm worried that I'll destroy it even with all the help on here. I can work on a car... but my bike. I guess I love it too much to ruin the smallest thing.

 

How did the paint job end up working out for you? Did the clear coat you bought work or did you switch it?
Do you have pictures of final product?
Thanks,
-EM

 

Might be interested in this Eastwood clear, too.

 

+1

 

Sorry for the late reply! I actually just ended up buying the eastwood clear coat, I did not want to risk things going bad and having to do it all over again! I will be putting pictures up soon, but the clear coat worked wonderfully, the Tank is back on the bike, and the paint is holding up wonderfully!

 

Pics would be awesome. I may try the same thing!