Subject: Tank stripping
Author: John Prusnek
Date: Mar 6, 2003, 6:42 AM
Post ID: 1712148374
I bought a tank for my V700 and I've got to repaint it. I've done some reading on the web and most people think I need to strip it first. Can anyone recommend a good stripper for the paint that won't damage the chrome panels? Is the whole tank chromed or just the panels? |
The whole tank is chromed; I don't know if there's a stripper that
won't blush the chrome. You might reconsider having it rechromed, I
think I remember that Mark Ethridge was able to get a good price on
this. It used to cost me $150, now it's $300.
You could also try to mask it with something self adhesive that the
stripper won't melt. If the chrome panels are worn out as they are on
most bikes of that vintage, they'll stick out like a sore thumb against
a shiny new paint job.
| After that, anyone got a step by step guide how to paint it? My Dad's got some spray guns and a compressor, but if the tank is chromed he says the primer won't stick. |
chrome panels out of vinyl contact paper, using the existing panels as
patterns. Figure out a way to index them by measuring where they're
supposed to go before the tank is stripped.You might do the same for the
top if you're going to include the panel, if it's a different color.
When you're ready to paint, put your panel masks on, and go over the
whole tank with 400, then 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to rough up the
surface and give the paint something to bite into. This takes a lot of
elbow grease and several beers.
You need to use a self etching primer, most paint stores should
carry it. Another trick is after you've sanded the tank, get some 1/8"
masking tape and outline the chrome panel masks that are there,
splitting the thickness difference, then paint the tank.
When you take this off, you'll have a nice 1/16" sanded area around the
chrome panel for the pinstriping, which is half on the chrome and half
on the paint, to adhere to. I've posted some pictures of masking the
tank and pinstriping details for a '69 Ambo at:
http://myweb.core.com/photos/spajohn@raex.com/photos
I make the correct tank and fendertip decal sets if you need them,
photos above, contact me off list. Oh, and after you have that new paint
job finished, do yourself a favor and install a nice new gasket for your
gas cap.
John Prusnek