rust on outside of tank

Hi -

another question

the bike was dropped before i got it. there's a dent in the tank about the length/with of a pen. the chrome in the dent is now chipping and metal underneath has rusted some. is there any way to get rid of the rust and protect the metal?

thanks- nathan

 

Best way is to use CLR or another rust removing product and sandpaper to get the part shiny silver. Prime it, then paint.

 

CLR is not a rust removing product to my knowledge Mr. Fork. It is Cleaner, Lubricant, and Rust inhibitor, we use it extensively for weapons systems. Love the stuff. For corrosion removal, there are a number of chemical conversion materials available including Extends from Permatex and Rust Bullet just to name a few. You could use the CLR but it has about the same properties as oil and would have to be cleaned off just as oil would in order to prime and paint, leaving the surface exposed once again. The conversion coatings are a much better idea, simply knock off as much of the rust as one can with a wire wheel or sandpaper, wipe clean and coat. Anything that was corrosion turns black with the Extends. The catch here is that it is only a primer coat and must be painted over once the conversion is done. It will allow moisture back into the metal unless you paint it (RustBullet is a one-shot deal, no need to topcoat, same with POR-15). I would certainly encourage the immediate intervention to stop the corrosion process as swiftly as possible (your loosing your metal). Which ever route you choose, make sure you follow the directions provided to the letter and you can't go wrong. Good luck to you!

 

Actually Robert, I believe Mr. Fork was talking about the CLR you can purchase at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Walgreens, etc. :lol: In this case CLR stands for Calcium, Lime and Rust remover. I don't believe he is talking about the CLR that is used by the Armed Services. I can't even tell you how many gallons of that stuff I used when I was in the service.

I'm with you on being a great weapon cleaner, but not for fuel tanks.

 

OH! I've got CLR under the sink, use it on my shower heads, great stuff. Never would have thought to put it to the use he indicated (probably why I was a bit confused!). It is acidic but I think I would steer clear of it for rust removal on metal being preped for paint (unless you know how to neutralize it completely). I'm sorry for my confusion folks, too many CLR's out there. Boy I feel stupid. And thank you for serving your nation, DC. I appreciate your service.

 

I havve a freind who uses CLR to remove rust from the inside of gas tanks.
I believe he dilutes it first.
It works great, the tanks come out looking like new.

Nachoman

 

Another admission Nach, Mr. Fork. I mistaken CLR for CLP. I'm not sure what I was smoking. Again, I apologize.

 

thanks a lot all -
when you say use CLR (or another rust remover product) and sandpaper to get the part shiny silver, then prime it and then paint, do you mean prime and paint the whole tank? or just the rusted part? i like the color of the tank now - metallic gray. does painting a tank look good?

any paint/primer brand suggestions?

nathan

 

Try this link Natan, theres some ideas here.
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=753.html

 

will do - thanks rich -

 

how do u pull dents from a rank anyhow

my tank has a small dent

and u cant puch it from the top!

it has a bad angle with the cap, :roll:

i have just let it be, but it anoys me to see it!!