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Need help with gas tank refurbishing

894 views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  flitecontrol 
#1 ·
Hi All,
So just picked up a new to me 86 Rebel. I'm going through the process of taking it all apart and putting it together.
Carb is rebuilt and so I've moved on to cleaning the gas tank out.
To my surprise, there were many many large grey 1/2 inch chunks of grey tank liner rattling around, some to big to get out!

So, I grab a few gallons of acetone and begin the process of soaking the tank to liquify the old tank coat materials.

About an hour in, I notice two pin holes have popped open on the front of the tank and now acetone is spraying all over. Not to mention, it's peeling the paint! ( I covered it in plastic but it didn't help stop the holes)

So , after about another hours cleaning up the mess, and getting a bit dizzy in the process, I found myself in a delima.

Its the factory tank ( pictures below). In good condition!

How do I get the old coating out, derust,
and fix the pinholes.

I'm trying to avoid getting it dipped at a radiator shop because I don't want to repaint and re-decal. Or, is this the best way forward.

I know these are getting rare so I'd like to try and save it.

Any ideas? Or, thoughts ?

Thanks for the help!
 

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#2 ·
Paint remover will lift the tank liner. It's viscous, and won't be as likely to leak out as acetone, but if it gets on the paint it will remove it. Be sure to tape over the holes with good quality duct tape to help keep it in the tank. WD-40 will remove any tape residue without damaging the paint.

Once the old liner is removed, line the tank with Caswell Epoxy Tank Sealant. It will coat the entire tank, rendering it rustproof for life, and strengthen it as well. It adheres to light rust, so the tank doesn't have to be taken down to bare metal. https://www.caswellplating.com/epox...oxy-gas-tank-sealer-mini-kit-up-to-5-gal.html
 
#3 · (Edited)
Paint remover will lift the tank liner. It's viscous, and won't be as likely to leak out as acetone, but if it gets on the paint it will remove it. Be sure to tape over the holes with good quality duct tape to help keep it in the tank. WD-40 will remove any tape residue without damaging the paint.

Once the old liner is removed, line the tank with Caswell Epoxy Tank Sealant. It will coat the entire tank, rendering it rustproof for life, and strengthen it as well. It adheres to light rust, so the tank doesn't have to be taken down to bare metal. https://www.caswellplating.com/epox...oxy-gas-tank-sealer-mini-kit-up-to-5-gal.html





Thanks for the help! I figured taping up the holes would work in a pinch. Mostly I just don't want to fill it up and have to deal with more leaks.

I've heard of caswell, will look into it.



Best,
 
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