Tank Painting

[Bagged64]

Is there anything special that needs to be done to the tank to prevent any bubbling at the fuel filler, fuel gauge and fuel pump cover? I've been reading in other places about people having bubbling problems around these areas and don't feel like having to re-paint my tank if I don't have to. I've read things about using clear nail polish, JB Weld and a 2 part epoxy would help with this, but if you have any pics I could look at to see where to cut the paint and do this would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[CHAINSAW]

The only time you will have bubbling is if the painter doesn't tape off the tank at the fill spout. The fumes get under the paint, and thats what causes the bubbleing. Only way I have found to prevent it, is leave the spout bare where the seal of the cap covers it. And the only time you have to worry is with flush fill caps, like road kings or softails/dynas/etc. If you have a fill hole in the console, no need to worry.

I've also read that a paint saver will solve this problem, but have no experience with them because I tape my tanks off the right way and have no problems.

 

[Bagged64]

Thanks chainsaw. Well I have a Road King that we are painting so I wanted to make sure. So as long as the top of the bung is clean and the seal is doing its job should be good. What about the gauge side? Just cut it close to the top and hope it's fine?
I've read that the paint saver only helps preventing the gas nozzle from dinging the paint. I've read stories of the fumes getting under the paint which go under the paint saver bubbling around the paint saver too.

 

[bruce bruce]

I always used the paint savers with the epoxy. Never had an issue. I would always put them on as part ot the job.

 

[Bagged64]

I can't find any with epoxy. I heard that is the good one, but all I found now have a rubber seal and people are saying it doesn't seal right to keep fumes out. Like Chainsaw was saying if the gas cap is sealing correctly then it shouldn't be affected by the vapors I hope. I guess if I do it wrong, then I re-paint it.

 

[CHAINSAW]

I can't find any with epoxy. I heard that is the good one, but all I found now have a rubber seal and people are saying it doesn't seal right to keep fumes out. Like Chainsaw was saying if the gas cap is sealing correctly then it shouldn't be affected by the vapors I hope. I guess if I do it wrong, then I re-paint it.

BUT ONLY if you have the paint start half way or behind the seal on the cap. Thats the mistake painters make, is just take out the cap and spray away never taping anything off. You could also just take an old cap, and leave it on the bike to paint it, however getting the paint to flow nice around the cap and not be to dry or runny is difficult without a lot of trigger time.
The gauge side no big deal, pull the connector apart and pull the wires out, no reason to tape anything off on that side.

 

[Bagged64]

So if I cut it in the valley at the bung before the top of the bung I should be cool?

 

[CHAINSAW]

So if I cut it in the valley at the bung before the top of the bung I should be cool?

Exactly the right spot.

 

[Bagged64]

Thanks Chainsaw, much appreciated. I don't want to have to re-paint.