Topic: gas tank progress pics

[gregwaits]

Yeah I know, this tank has a ways to go yet, but I want to at least post these pics so I can look back later and be that much more proud of how much sweat I have invested. I have never taken on a project like this before, and I am actually enjoying seeing the fruits of my labor (however slow they are coming!)

Last night I spent a few hours grinding off the residual rust from the CB500 tank. These pics don't do it true justice. As you see, there are a couple minor dents that I need to either bondo or get someone to pop.

I didn't show the underbelly, but it is coming along nicely. I have to get a smaller diameter wire brush wheel for the drill to access some of those nooks and crannys. Soon comes the bondo and the priming!

I wish I had discovered this earlier in life; I am surprised at the satisfaction it brings. 

[jalfonso]

Looks good so far.  What color do you have mind?

[gregwaits]

Thanks John! I needed that affirmation! 

I am probably going to go with deep orange. I plan on laying down several coats divided by wet sanding. I may splurge and have a local shop do the clear coat (multiple coats).

I had been thinking yellow, but I have seen so many bikes around here with that color and it lost its appeal.

[greenjeans]

If you're laying down the color & primer, you can lay down the clear.....
you can always sand and buff the clear, it's easier than you might think & you'll alwasy have bragging rights.   Assuming that your using some sort of hardended automotive clear, you can sand runs, dirt specs & lint out of the clear with some 800 - 1000 grit wet/dry paper and then polish it out with some compund.  The easiest I've used so far is 3M "perfect-it" compound -  I've seen it at most autoparts stores and sometimes even at walmart.   Get a foam polisher (kinda looks like an egg crate cut in half) that you can put in a drill and polish away.  Most body shops use 3450rpms to buff stuff out, most drills are 1850, so it will take you a bit longer, but there is less chance of burning through the clear.  good luck, have fun & post photos when you're done

[xtalon]

Nice progress.  Keep the pics and updates coming!

--xTalon

[ProTeal55]

Have a pro shop paint the tank for you, well worth it in the long run (my opinion)...

[dusterdude]

the 3m series of perfect it polishes is the stuff to buy.

[gregwaits]

Good news! I took the tank over to a local guy who specializes in classic Jap bike restorations for some feedback and advice on how I should proceed. When asked how he approaches removing dents in tanks like I have in this one, he told me that he does the weld on bolt method to pop them out.

Asked how much he'd charge to do my tank, he answered $25! No brainer. I didn't want to deal with bondo any more than I have to.

He did point out some badly corroded spots that I need to have 'leaded' over (either that or slap some JB Weld on those areas) to fill the small holes before they get any further along. Anyone here have experience with JB Weld? I was told that after applying it (and letting it set) I just sand it down smooth, and voila, no more corrosion.

[dusterdude]

if he can lead them and he`s not too expensive,i would go that way.

[81cb650C]

You got it!  JB Weld is amazing, after setting you can sand, grind, or tap it without any problems.  I once fixed a crack in an engine block that was spewing oil and It held until I sold the car and as far as I know it is still holding.  Amazing stuff.

[gold01ca]

hey greg, nice work!
get a dremel or similiar rotary tool for working on those "nooks and crannies"
keep the pics coming as you progress

cheers!