Gas Tank Coating Question

[SCOTI]

I'm finishing up the Blazer tank swap in my 68 & need to do some kind of undercoating before bolting it into place for the last time (hopefully).

What are you guys doing for your gas tanks to protect them from the elements?

What kind of prep work are you doing before coating them?


Let me know what you've seen or done.
Thanks in advance.....

[killer71]

Don't mean to sound like a smart a$$ but why do anything...it's a gas tank. I just bought an aluminum tank from fuelcell guy and have been wandering why everyone is doing this...won't rust. Is it for protection, show purposes or what? LMK...Killer!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by killer71

Don't mean to sound like a smart a$$ but why do anything...it's a gas tank. I just bought an aluminum tank from fuelcell guy and have been wandering why everyone is doing this...won't rust. Is it for protection, show purposes or what? LMK...Killer!

I guess I should have been more specific.... This would be for looks; not to protect the tank from rusting.

I'm just not sure what is required to get paint/under-coating to stick to galvanized coatings. Obviously I can D.A. the finish but doesn't that negate the protection you get from the galvanizing process?

My plan is 3M under-coating the bottom half of the tank. It should contrast nicely w/the stainless hardware & straps (if/when you get on your knees to see the work 'cause it's tucked up from sight otherwise).

[killer71]

got ya!

[Frizzle Fry]

Well, I know that the POR-15 Metal Ready leaves a zinc coating for better adhesion of the POR 15. Galvanized steel is just that; hot dipped zinc. So it seems like the perfect match. I'd research it on their site first though...

[cdowns]

for looks nothings better than chrome

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by cdowns

for looks nothings better than chrome

Unless of course..... you don't care for excessive chrome. IMO, a chrome gas tank would be like chrome inner fenderwells. Too much of a good thing is still too much.

I'm using mostly satin black w/stainless fittings & hardware. Some is polished, some is natural stainless finish which is still fairly bright.

We went ahead & wiped the tank down w/some PPG degreaser & hit it w/a red scotch-brite pad for some bite. Wiped it back down again w/the degreaser & shot 2 coats of 3M undercoating on it. Hopefully it doesn't come peeling off too soon.