gas tank paint

[gsbuick65]

got a new gas tank, what color do I paint it?

[Chris At 65GS]

Per the factory, it should be left alone or painted a silver color to resemble an unfinished tank from what I know.

I've seen many people simply clear coat the new tank to preserve the unfinished factory look. 

Anyone know any different?

Chris

[Mark Ascher]

The tank can be left as is. But, I decided I wanted to clear coat it to protect the bare metal.
After numerous discussions with the guy who painted my car, I decided to go with a new product from POR-15 in which I have no experience.
Just using clear can be risky. Without a "tooth" for grip, it might just decide not to adhere.
Using this POR stuff, we can rough up the tank a little and it will still look like bare metal.
I hope.

http://www.por15.com/prodinfo.asp?grp=MM&dept=4

Mark

[WkillGS]

Mark, I've used the POR-15 'Metal-mask' paint on my rear and many front-end components. It's a metallic paint, brighter than 'cast-iron' paint. More of a silver color, but with no gloss. It looks good on items like tie-rod ends, but I would not use it on a gas tank....it'll look like its painted. I should have pics on file. e-mail me if you'd like pics.

If I were doing a gas tank, I think I would use a metal-prep to etch the surface, then give it a light coat of matte clear. But I'm not there yet....

[Mark Ascher]

Walt,
Thanks for the info. We decided not to use the POR-15 Metal Mask.
I thought there was a "metal-prep" brand, but I can't seem to find it.

Mark

[Brian]

Every one I have ever come across in this part of the country was undercoated at the dealer, so I just under-coated mine to match the undercoating on the bottom of the body. 

[GranSportWagon]

For better or worse, I powder coated mine black. Looks good, but not original at all.
Mike

[gsbuick65]

yea mine was undercoated too, but I wanted to do the original look this time.

[gsbuick65]

found some gas tank paint  :), eastwood had it on sale, its a silver color, then im gonna paint the straps black.

[BuickGS65]

Don't forget the gas tank pad:

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=136275

[Mark Ascher]

I had the tank painted with Eastwood Diamond Clear Satin for Bare Metal.
I'll post some pics later.

Mark