I tried the unfinished route with my 78 750k tank, bringing it down to bare metal then giving it a brushed look. Sealed it with 2k clear coat but it still surface rusted underneath. Currently redoing that one but I did an 83 750c tank in Duplicolor stainless and brushed in black and hit it with some light sanding before clear coating and it has a really good natural look to it. First photo is the 83 tank, second is the 78 tank.