New gas tank, paint it or clear coat?
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I cleared my new tank this winter so I can't speak to how long it will last. One tip tho, dry fit it first. The "ears" on my tank had to be bent up more than the way it came to allow it to fit up between the tailpipes. Don't want to do this AFTER it's been painted.
I installed a new tank in my 71, and within 1 year it was getting this white haze on it and it looked BAD. The Galvanizing on the new tanks won't always stop problems. I replaced the tank and cleared it with the satin clear from Eastwood as Albert said, and never had a problem again. I also cleared the new tank in my 68 and it still looks like the day I installed it, 2 years later.
For the $5.00 a can of satin clear costs, it's a no brainer. It will save the $200 tank, and keep it looking new. Here's a shot of the tank in my 71, with the hazing after less than 1 year, and this was on a car kept in a climate controlled garage, and trailered to shows.
I was told by the Quanta, where I bought the tank, that it is not guaranteed against this hazing. I learned this lesson the hard way. Clear it!! The satin clear will not change the appearance of the galvanizing and it will keep the hazing from starting.
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For the $5.00 a can of satin clear costs, it's a no brainer. It will save the $200 tank, and keep it looking new. Here's a shot of the tank in my 71, with the hazing after less than 1 year, and this was on a car kept in a climate controlled garage, and trailered to shows.
I was told by the Quanta, where I bought the tank, that it is not guaranteed against this hazing. I learned this lesson the hard way. Clear it!! The satin clear will not change the appearance of the galvanizing and it will keep the hazing from starting.
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5,516 Posts
Bill
My guess is this.. your car was in your trailer at some point and it was raining.. you opened the door, or you had to go in and out of trailer during a time the car was in there while it was raining out.. moisture got in that trailer and then you closed up that small 20 plus foot box and that moisture goes directly to that metal.. I've seen this happen to a friend of ours in MD and his 66 Chevelle tank.. same thing...
I always keep my tank oiled.. and it seems to have saved my tank... since 2001! still looks like the photo on my web site below. Clear would certainly be worth it also... definitely DO NOT PAINT IMO.
Mike
My guess is this.. your car was in your trailer at some point and it was raining.. you opened the door, or you had to go in and out of trailer during a time the car was in there while it was raining out.. moisture got in that trailer and then you closed up that small 20 plus foot box and that moisture goes directly to that metal.. I've seen this happen to a friend of ours in MD and his 66 Chevelle tank.. same thing...
I always keep my tank oiled.. and it seems to have saved my tank... since 2001! still looks like the photo on my web site below. Clear would certainly be worth it also... definitely DO NOT PAINT IMO.
Mike
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2,756 Posts
Thanks guys. I think I will give it a good wipe down with lacquer thinner and then spray it with Eastwood satin clear. Can you get that stuff at any stores or is it only available through Eastwood? I looked on their site and it was $11.99/can????
You might be right. I often have stuff in the trailer, that I need, and have to open the door when it's raining. I also open my garage doors sometimes when it's raining. I guess it doesn't take much. Bottom line, the should be protected, whether it's cleared, or oiled.
Other satin clears may work as well, but I know the Eastwood clear works, so I'd spend a few extra bucks and do it right. It has to be ordered thru Eastwood, or you can get it at the large swap meets, that Eastwood attends.
Clearing the tank and other components is one opton.
I would never paint it, but, here in the North East, rust proofing was standard proceedure in the late 60's and up. I siphon sprayed the orginal Zebart rust proofing on my tank. So, it's an original Ohio reproduction.
I would never paint it, but, here in the North East, rust proofing was standard proceedure in the late 60's and up. I siphon sprayed the orginal Zebart rust proofing on my tank. So, it's an original Ohio reproduction.
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I scrubbed mine real good with a red scotchbrite and laquer thinner.That made it even shinier. Then i cleared it with Dupont 7500 Urethane clear.Looked awesome. Maybe drop it off at a shop and have them clear it while their doing another job. I don't see rattle can clear holding up to gasoline. Gas wont hurt urethane clear .
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