I have had to strip all the cellulose paint from my fuel tank, due to this crazy modern fuel which is a superb paint stripper, a fact that I was unaware, until now.

The tank is a repro, replaced at some time in its past life. However I have the original tank, which came with the bike when I bought it ,but that needs serious work on the underside and will be fixed some time in the future and will replace the other tank.

In the meantime I need to recoat the repro tank so I can get the bike running. I believe there might be a pinhole leak near the rear as paint was lifting in that area, far from the filler cap, where the other paint was lifting.

I need to pressure test the tank. What psi should I use for this? 5psi?

Two more questions. I have been told that to prevent paint lifting, I should use a two pack lacquer when it is painted. Is this ok ?

I also need to know which is correct decal for the tank sides and can you buy them from any supplier. Obviously this will have to go on before top clear coat.

Hi Ken thanks for that.

The other day I put around 5psi in the tank,through the fuel outlet and the tank cap was enough to seal it ok. For anyone else doing this, put your hand on the flat part of tank and if you can feel movement, you are putting too much in. That could cause the seam to move.I used the soapy water method.

You can do the opposite and put water in the tank and the pressurize it and water will spray out from any holes, but as air is thinner than water, I prefer air only.

I found that there was a leak round the filler tube thread base and this had been soldered on the inside but not well enough. I then put a fillet of solder right round the base of the short tube.  There was also a small leak at the rear end of the tank on the seam so did that and also have put a fillet of solder right round the seam. This will make for a smoother join when paint goes on rather than a step as it was.

I am using Reface two pack filler which is good for hiding any lumps of bump and can be put on as thick as you like. You have to be quick spraying as it sets in half an hour or less on a hot day.

By the way Ken, Reface advise not to use etch underneath, but just put on a well scuffed surface.

I will check out the decal site you mentioned. Thanks.

Mike.

I hate tank liners! Acetone should take care of any difficult spots.