GAS tank on my 63&67

[Domenic T.]

I got some wonderfull advice and found out they were not cad plated but these tanks are original and sound as any new tank out there. I want to know if anybody kept their old tank and beautified it in any way. Plating, paint, or what ever.
This is a low milage always hangared vette that I am doing a frame up on and I want to keep all the original parts it was born with that are in good shape. No rust problems on tank or on any other part of car as it was always a California car kept inside.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

I got some wonderfull advice and found out they were not cad plated but these tanks are original and sound as any new tank out there. I want to know if anybody kept their old tank and beautified it in any way. Plating, paint, or what ever.
This is a low milage always hangared vette that I am doing a frame up on and I want to keep all the original parts it was born with that are in good shape. No rust problems on tank or on any other part of car as it was always a California car kept inside.

DOM

DOM------


There's no practical way I know of to refinish these fuel tanks. These tanks are terne-coated steel. So, if yours are in good shape with no significant INTERNAL or external corrosion, I'd just clean them up externally with something like Formula 409 cleaner and water and let it go at that.

[Domenic T.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Thanks Joe but a 409 wont work I have a 427 (just kidding). I need more than that to make it look new and will look into a galvinized coating which is lead and tin or a paint that looks real.

DOM

[Ronald L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Don't use acid.

I used safest rust remover - that did not really eat the rust to clean up the rusted gas tank flange, I found that this material brightened the tern coat, making it look nearly like new. If left on too long it will eat away at the finish too. And this is an outside thing only.

[Joe L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Thanks Joe but a 409 wont work I have a 427 (just kidding). I need more than that to make it look new and will look into a galvinized coating which is lead and tin or a paint that looks real.

DOM

DOM------


The number of paint products that will make the tank appear like it did originally when it was new = ZERO

[Larry M.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

DOM------


The number of paint products that will make the tank appear like it did originally when it was new = ZERO

Agree...........many have tried and failed.

Buy the Quanta tank and put your efforts toward other areas. The only difference is that the Quanta tank does not come with a tank sticker.

Larry

[Stephen L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Domenic,
I cleaned up my original tank with purple power and then clear coated it with satin clear Krylon. It is still clean 5 yrs later. No deducts for condition.

[Larry M.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Domenic,
I cleaned up my original tank with purple power and then clear coated it with satin clear Krylon. It is still clean 5 yrs later. No deducts for condition.

Steve:

VERY NICE! My old tank was a little rougher than yours, but probably would have also cleaned up pretty well. However, the Quanta tanks are essentially a "correct reproduction/replacement".....I chose to replace rather than try to restore.

In a few years from now when the shine from my this tank dulls a bit, it will be indistinguishable from the original (except for the missing tank sticker ).

Larry

[Robert K.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Steve,

I like the way your tank came clean - nice job!.
Where can Purple Power be purchased - Auto Stores? I just have not heard of it prior to your post........Do you know if it is similar to "Simple Green"?

Thanks,
Bob

[Stephen L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Purple Power is available at NAPA in my area. It seems to be a stronger solution than Simple Green.....

[Joe L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Steve,

I like the way your tank came clean - nice job!.
Where can Purple Power be purchased - Auto Stores? I just have not heard of it prior to your post........Do you know if it is similar to "Simple Green"?

Thanks,
Bob

Bob------


Purple Power is heavy duty degreaser and cleaner. It is quite alkaline so one needs to be cautious when using it on aluminum. I've used it for many cleaning jobs and it works very well. However, following the basic rule of using the LEAST AGGRESSIVE cleaning methods first, I would use something like Formula 409 FIRST, especially on a gas tank. If that does a satisfactory job, you're done. If not, move up to something like Purple Power.

When using something like Purple Power make sure you wear gloves. Otherwise, your hands will be very rough for awhile.

[John D.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

DOM------


The number of paint products that will make the tank appear like it did originally when it was new = ZERO

Joe is 100% right on this. Forget painting a terne finished product. If you don't know that term then google it.
Basically it's a type of plating using on brake lines & gas tanks that act as a preservative. No spray can is going to do the job.

Well there is one spray can that will help but not until the tank looks like new. Eastwood diamond flat clear will help keep the tank from aging.

Go to the supermarket and get some nice scrub brushes. Get an assortment of them. Then get some"Simple Green" (very strong stuff) and mix it with hot water. Apply it liberally to the outside of the tank. Now remember "Simple Green" is a strong product. Don't leave it on too long as it will discolor the surface.
Use your scrub brushes, water hose and lots of patience. You will be surprised how nice the tank cleans up.
Old school is to first wash the outside with kerosene. Then proceed with the SS.
Or go to Home Depot and buy some good Zep cleaning products.
Plan C or D: Steam clean the outside of the tank and then massage it with some brushes, rags (not scotch brite pads) and TLC.

[Ronald L.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

If any of you have that Safest Rust Remover - you may be surprised. I used that to clean the rust off the fuel sender flange - took like 3 weeks - but the area of the turne cote - turned bright & shiny. If you leave it on too long it with get a crusty on the edges that washes off, the clear cote it so it does not rust.

[Domenic T.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

that picture is worth a 1.000 words. was there any surface rust and what did you use to scrub the purple power?

[Alan D.]

Re: GAS tank on my 63&67

Used a lot of Safest Rust Remover and yes it does excellent work however you need to submerge the part, say 1/2 at a time. Another method is to get a large tub and recirculating pump setup. Let pump spray liquid over tank with excess going back into large tub.

Now Safest has a ph=5.25, another similar product Evapo-Rust is ph=6.1
Prince for Evapo was a little less however have never used.