PainfullySlow

Hey all,

I have a new gas tank that I am installing. Its good quality construction and the finish is the typical silver although not sure if it is paint or powder. I am not concerned about appearance, only longevity so the question is for those of you who have installed new tanks...did you protect it somehow or just install it as is?

Thanks!

doorgunner

P.S. for what it's worth.....I put new tanks on my Harley that I built in '98, and coated the inside(s) with the best stuff offered/recommended by many shops and bikers. I prepped it according to directions/then sealed it.
15 years later the stuff began flaking off in small spots and stopping the tank filter up on a weekly basis. Internal inspection showed RUST where the flaking occurred...….SERIOUS RUST.

The bike is a daily driver by the way.....maybe it's the 10% ethanol crap that caused the problem?

caskiguy

I'm installing a new one, increasing the return line size to 3/8"(EFI) painting that but that's it. No worries, IMO.

bazza77

It would have a galvanised finish on the new tank?

7T1vette

Clean the outside and put a good clearcoat on it. That should keep the rust off...forever. If it's already powder coated, leave it as is.

doorgunner

I misread your post....I thought you wanted to protect the Inside of the tank

PainfullySlow

No sir, the outside.

But thank you all for the feedback. I will just toss some clear on it and see how it goes.

I appreciate the responses!

Tom73

I did nothing with the two that I replaced, just installed them as received.

cv67

Think its galvanized? Mines 10 yrs old still looks brand new. Clears seem to yellow...I tried PORs early clear and it did.
Glisten came out supposedly never does never tried it. If it were me just put the tank on as is it will look good for many yrs

71 Vert LS1

I wouldn't coat the inside of a new tank. The last one I got from Tank's Inc was powder coated on the out side. Others I've bought were galvanized inside and out. Never had one rust but never drove the car in the winter time.

Nowhere Man

the finish on the tank will out last you. unless you drive your car in the salt

PainfullySlow

Connecticut - lots of salted roads in the winter...not that I plan on driving it then but you never know.


Anyway, I had some clear sitting around doing nothing so I clear coated it as an extra layer of protection and then got it installed in the frame. Thanks all for the advice!

Attachment 48347847

rosslato

I painted mine with Por15 Engine Paint 13 yrs ago and it looks like the day I Brushed it on.

jpatrick62

Wow that is a really nice looking gas tank...wish mine looked like that!

Street Rat

I used this stuff from Eastwood. I was very happy with the results.

https://www.eastwood.com/ew-tank-ton...sol-13-oz.html