Topic: 1972 CB750 Gas Tank refinishing

[RichK2]

ok, this will sound slightly odd to some of you but i rather like the way my 72 gas tank (Orange) has faded on top. The sides are a strong orange and the top is almost a translucent gold. I like how it looks. Unfortunately the top has taken some key damage here and  there and I think general wear has caused some flaking of the laquer so close up its not so pretty.

Is there any way I can strip the existing lacquer and then mask the sides and refinish the top while retaining this faded original paint? actually, as i type this, i realize how ridiculous it sounds. There's got to be some you out there who are nuts about preserving the original paint right?

Maybe i'll just go for a full refinish one day. Somehow seems a shame. alright, i can take it, laugh away...
rich

[cub]

I'm not an expert..but..depending on how deep the key marks are couldn't you just sand down the clearcoat, very gently so you don't sand to the orange colour...and then apply new clearcoat? In theory it should work..

[kghost]

Damn, My 72 tank looks just like that.

Thanks for the flash back.

[Lumbee]

...I just repainted my tank off a 78F...I had the same type pitting on the top...sides were pristine, but the clear coat on top was gone.  Cubs suggestion is logical, but I have the feeling you would end up taking the paint off during sanding.  If you did it, I'd go with 1000+ grit wet sand, once the old clearcoat is off put a new coat of clear on top.  Heres is the article I followed...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_paintin.htm

I followed this, and I got the "wet" look from rattle can...