Proper Gas Tank restoration

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LC Cnd
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Posts: 1454
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Vancouver Is. Canada

Proper Gas Tank restoration

#1 Post by LC Cnd » Fri May 19, 2017 12:49 pm

Found a video is the quintessential way to properly restore an RD/RZ tank cheaply and thought I'd share. I had Red Kote used in my 1st tank, by a local rad place - found it blistered around the petcock after two fill ups. So much for good help around here - would not guarantee their work. Suspect they did not properly clean the tank. I'm sure there are other rad shops that do take pride in their work - just not here. Repaired it myself. That work encouraged me to do the next one. I note in the vid that Red Kote skips etching the metal inside the tank. With POR 15, its a 3 step process that includes internal etching. The total cost of lining the tank with cleaner, etching solution and paint was $85 CND from a local Marine supply shop. Not saying Red Kote can't do the job; just wanted to try a comparison as I've heard form members laud how good POR15 work against the evils of ethanol. The vid also promotes a less harmful method of tank restoration to the tank owner and environment. Enjoy n' God bless!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNasREUrUVU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

hondaror
Posts: 2828
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:44 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: Proper Gas Tank restoration

#2 Post by hondaror » Fri May 19, 2017 2:35 pm

I've done a number of tanks. Prep is so important, and following the Por15 instructions and steps.
Last edited by hondaror on Fri May 19, 2017 5:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

LC Cnd
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Posts: 1454
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2014 5:39 pm
Location: Vancouver Is. Canada

Re: Proper Gas Tank restoration

#3 Post by LC Cnd » Fri May 19, 2017 5:00 pm

Rory ever tin or lead fill dents in a tank? Considering trying it.

hondaror
Posts: 2828
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:44 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: Proper Gas Tank restoration

#4 Post by hondaror » Fri May 19, 2017 5:52 pm

LC Cnd wrote:Rory ever tin or lead fill dents in a tank? Considering trying it.
I've done solder fill, but on much newer tanks. With rust, you have to get it all out. In that process of getting pinholes out, they become much larger. With the acid bath required to get the rust out, you lose structure very rapidly, as the rust is always much worse then it looks.
So, newer tank with puncture, solder works. With rust, no.
Pinhole rust, treatment and liner. I don't like liners. It is very expensive to rebuild the tank, and often, they don't get it all.

I'm building my current bike to test the fibreglass tank with Canadian fuels. That could be another option, but again, expensive.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

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