Topic: Bare metal tank

[longshanks]

So I spent the afternoon using paint stripper to remove a stubborn coating of paint that the PO lavishly applied to the tank for me 
I discovered a lovely little(and by little I mean huge) patch of Bondo which I expected. I've been wanting to go the bare metal look for sometime but I'm not sure since the discovery of the bondo patch. Should I scrape it off? if so with what? I don't care too much that its dented but I'd like to put the emblems on if I can but I just can't tell how big of a ding I have unless I scrape it off. Here's a shortlist of my questions that I made so its not too overwhelming! 

Dent repair possible?
Polishing the tank?
How to attach the emblems? Do I need to drill out the holes where the Bondo filled in?
How to clean up the remaining paint/primer?

[Stev-o]

Tank does not look like a good candidate for polishing. I would paint.

[longshanks]

I'd really like to attach the emblems but the holes are filled with Bondo. I managed to scrape out a little bit with a drill bit but I don't know how far the holes go. Can someone tell me how deep they go and how exactly the emblems attach? Also, if I remove the large patch of Bondo are there people out there that can pop out the dent? I don't really care if its ripple-ly or imperfect, I just want to be able to attach the emblems.

[dave500]

the emblems attatch with these little clips,yours might still be in place?slip a screw driver behind one and it pops out,its a simple spring clip ferrule.
http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB500K2-FOUR-1973-USA/part_61963/

[seanbarney41]

dude, you have very little chance of polishing that tank or using the original emblem mounts...you'd be time and bucks ahead to get a straight tank.  The tank is made from heavy gauge steel and the dent is what's known in body man speak as "high crown"...that means the curve makes it even stiffer.  You can get that old bondo outta there relatively easy with a propane torch and a scraper but my guess is your just gonna want to put more back again.

[PeWe]

Chemicals
Many years ago when Methylene Chloride was OK to use, a  tank became shining clean in 20 minutes including stuff like 2-component Plastic Padding and similar filler.

Search  Aircraft stripper + Methylene Chloride

[hockeyteeth]

Scrape that Bondo out and braze the dent full of brass or lead like the hotrodders. That would look rad!

Lead Free Body Solder Kit from Eastwood

[socalenduro]

Scrape that Bondo out and braze the dent full of brass or lead like the hotrodders. That would look rad!

Lead Free Body Solder Kit from Eastwood

that actually would look pretty cool... a big brass repair job contrasting with the bare steel....

[nvr2old]

You'll need to get the bondo out, whichever way you decide to go.  It's been "corrupted" by the stripper and will never be totally hard again even with a new layer on top.  A small disk grinder attachment for your drill is cheap as are the grinder disks.  They're available at auto paint stores.  You'll never know what's under it or how deep it is until you remove it.  Personally, I'd repaint it, but if you're dead set on the raw look, the lead method would work, but it's gonna be pricey to get the materials and all the tools necessary.  Once filled with the lead, though, you could use dbl. stick tape to apply the emblems. 

[longshanks]

is there no way to get the dent popped out? is the steel too thick?

[nvr2old]

If you can get a curved steel rod down through the gas filler opening and get leverage on it, maybe..but those tanks are thick, man, and it'll never really just pop out clean like it wasn't there.  You can try a stud gun, which actually spot welds a tab onto the tank that allows you to use a slide hammer to pull it out, too, but if you're not familiar with it's operation you risk burning a hole through the tank if you "juice it" too much.  You might take it to a body shop and ask them if they could do it for you.  I can't imagine they'd charge much.  Stud guns run about $100 for a decent one and there's no sense buying one unless you're going to use it in the future.  I really think you're better off looking for a nice clean un-dented tank.  It would probably cost about the same in the long run without the hassle of buying the tools and repairing it.

[longshanks]

how much can i expect to pay for a used, undented tank?

[Stev-o]

I recently bought one from a member for $80. Even had glossy original paint, just a couple minor scratches.
They are out there.