78 GS400 19 years sitting now here we go...

[Guest]

I thought perhaps I'd post in this category, instead of the wrong one haha.
tonite I really looked at my tank to decide what to do. I bead blasted some problem areas and it didn't look too bad, so I decided to go ahead and strip it with chemical stripper. turns out its not as bad as some I've seen, and I'll be getting some PHENOL NOVALAC ??#$$??? 2 stage epoxy liner from Caswell. There are nine tiny pinholes now instead of one, and I realy am excited to see how that sealer will work!! I've fixed a good many tanks before with varying degrees of success.. but I am optimistic about the epoxy stuff!!!!

[barnbiketom]

the spiders in the previous post are rust veins that were spreading out from areas where the paint had been 'sanded' or other spots where there were chips and had started to rust. I'll be bead blasting it out and primering it soon.
I use NAPA Auto Parts self etching primer. It is absolutely the best primer out there in a rattle can and is nearly as good as anything I ever used including the newer stuff you get for big buck and shoot from a gun. After it cures a day you can't scratch it with your fingernail it's so hard.
This pic shows the problem area that hd been previously patched with JB Weld. it kinda worked but still wet the tank when full.
I used the el cheepo chemical stripper and in 10 minutes had a metal tank NO PAINT LEFT. I used a small wire brush to agitate it after 5 minutes or so, then hosed it off with water. good stuff Maynard!!
if you look close you can see the pinholes. one is a long narrow hole, but I feel certain when lining it, I can tape it off and the sealer will hold good!!

[pete]

Subscribed Tom, very keen to see how this one turns out!

I'm glad you're not going with the POR 15 liner now I see that hole, no way would it help you there... they recommend repairing before lining with it.

[spyug]

I had similar issues and used the Caswell tank sealer too. Excellent stuff. With a hole that size I think I'd help it out a bit. I plugged my holes with plumber's epoxy putty before using the sealer. It worked very well and I'm 5 seasons in with no issues.

Good luck with it.

spyug

[barnbiketom]

got the tank primered tonite

the spray-bomb primer I use is NAPA Auto Parts "self etching" and I swear by it. it is a miracle to use.. if anyone is painting anything, pick up a can and see what I mean. made by martin senour, and it dries so hard and nice you can't scratch it with your fingernail.
This tank, after 35 years only has 2 very tiny dents, both of which I will be leaving in, for PATINA, but really cause I'm lazy.
Now while I'm waiting to get some tank sealer, I have time to decide what color I want to use. It will be NAPA paint again, but base coat clear cote.
My step son said to just clear coat it like it is . i dunno 'bout that. I had my heart set on white , or blue , or black or i dunno dammit. Also gotta get some side covers so I can do them all together.
I'm no restorer so all I'm looking for is a nice neat job. any ideas on color from the peanut gallery lol????

[barnbiketom]

now that i figured out how to easily post pics using a different server, you can see how bad this thing was/is

[pete]

Ugh, yeah... that tank needs some work!

Go blue... you know you want to...

[nvr2old]

I guess I can't understand why you'd go through all the trouble to strip it, seal the holes, prime it, agonize over the color, then leave a couple of minor dents in it because you're being "lazy". It would only take about 1/2 hr. (tops) to fix those. If you're looking for "patina"..why even take it beyond fixing the holes?

[barnbiketom]

I guess I can't understand why you'd go through all the trouble to strip it, seal the holes, prime it, agonize over the color, then leave a couple of minor dents in it because you're being "lazy". It would only take about 1/2 hr. (tops) to fix those. If you're looking for "patina"..why even take it beyond fixing the holes?

hahahahaa because thats the way I am!!! I'm not looking for perfection, and the little blems are no bigger than a pencil eracer, can't even be seen from 3 feet away... you see now? the rest of the bike will merely be CLEANED not RESTORED....

[barnbiketom]

Ugh, yeah... that tank needs some work!

Go blue... you know you want to...

I know pete.. i do like BLUE and there WILL be some BLUE involved hehehehe
i'll give you a clue. it will be electric blue powdercoat over base chrome on some of the smallish parts .. here and there for highlights hehehhe
....
more to come

[pete]

Interesting... definitely keen to see how that turns out!

[barnbiketom]

waitin for tank sealer!! it should be here tomorrow and i'll take some pics!!! I have both rear shocks cleaned and the springs painted black and re-installed,, and the tail section and tank ready for paint but will seal the tank first! Also both side covers are coming from EBAY LOL.. along with NEW rubber cushions that reside on the frame. I bought 8 from Z1 enterprises.. i'm tired of looking thru my rubber parts boxes lol.. I'm looking at tires from the local bike shop. they are really good price wise so that's where i'll be getting them. probably a 4.00 on the back. mufflers...?? I don't know just yet which way to go.. maybe a complete MAC or just slip-ons..?? then there is the fact that I have NO HEADLIGHT?? hmmmm

[barnbiketom]

major effort today hahah

I got an ignition switch wired in correctly, a horn from another unknown bike.. and removed the BAD exhaust and the tires/wheels.
tires went into the trash bin.. all the brakes freed up... wheels soon to be sandblasted and painted, the exhaust I'm still on the fence.. new or universal mufflers.. or used.. time will tell!!!

[barnbiketom]

tank sealer didn't come yet.. that is holding me up. after I seal the tank, then i'll paint the parts.. one side cover came today and it is all cleaned , primed, spot puttied here and there, and re-primered.. all ready to go.. justwaiting for thesealer and the other dside cover to come!!

[pete]

Should turn out well Tom, will be nice to have her all back in one piece again