Replacement Gas Tank Paint Required?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 182
Likes: 3
From: Frisco, TX
Replacement Gas Tank Paint Required?
Good afternoon,
I'm replacing my rust filled original gas tank with the steel replacement from midfifty:
1953-55 Ford F-100 Gas Tank, Stock, Steel Reproduction
(If anything in the rest of this post sounds as though I don't think the folks at midfifty are helpful, that is not my intent. I have found them to be very helpful, and expect that I'll be buying parts from them well into the future)
Midfifty says paint is not required, and would be purely optional.
I'm just not sure if that means that the steel is already treated somehow to prevent rust, or if paint is optional, because I can always purchase another tank?
The underside of my truck is no showpiece, and I don't plan to paint, unless it is necessary to preserve the tank.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
I'm replacing my rust filled original gas tank with the steel replacement from midfifty:
1953-55 Ford F-100 Gas Tank, Stock, Steel Reproduction
(If anything in the rest of this post sounds as though I don't think the folks at midfifty are helpful, that is not my intent. I have found them to be very helpful, and expect that I'll be buying parts from them well into the future)
Midfifty says paint is not required, and would be purely optional.
I'm just not sure if that means that the steel is already treated somehow to prevent rust, or if paint is optional, because I can always purchase another tank?
The underside of my truck is no showpiece, and I don't plan to paint, unless it is necessary to preserve the tank.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I'd say that the worst MF meant was that even unpainted and rusts, it won't rust through in your lifetime (unless you are <12 yo.) 
But likely meant it was made from coated steel and/or is epoxy primered.
Did you read the instruction sheet about corrosion protection? Add a ground wire.
But likely meant it was made from coated steel and/or is epoxy primered.
Did you read the instruction sheet about corrosion protection? Add a ground wire.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 182
Likes: 3
From: Frisco, TX
I'd say that the worst MF meant was that even unpainted and rusts, it won't rust through in your lifetime (unless you are <12 yo.)
But likely meant it was made from coated steel and/or is epoxy primered.
Did you read the instruction sheet about corrosion protection? Add a ground wire.
But likely meant it was made from coated steel and/or is epoxy primered.
Did you read the instruction sheet about corrosion protection? Add a ground wire.
Re corrosion protection. When I pulled the tank out, I wondered what the ground wire was for. The instructions did clear that right up. I will be making sure that is solidly reconnected. Thanks for pointing it out, just in case. I have missed important things before, and I am learning as I go here.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
If you go to the link for the tank you posted above and click on the instructions tab the information on protecting the tank by grounding it is there. It wouldn't take more than a day to paint the outside before you install it (mostly drying time. If it's bare metal give it a scrub with a strong solution of simple green (a cup per gal of water) and hot water. I like to buy the cheapest 4" paintbrush they have and give it a haircut, cutting off about 1/2 the bristle length and using it as a scrub brush give it a good scrub, rinse with hot water dry with clean cloths or blow off with oil free compressed air. Paint with 2 coats of rattle can self etching primer Then 2 coats of rattle can paint (Rustoleum or what you prefer) of your favorite color. Watch the instructions for recoat times, some paints get sensitive and may not want to dry if you don't paint within the recoat time window. If it is epoxy primered (a dark grey/black color) then just give it a scuff with a green nylon scrub pad from the grocery store dipped in lacquer thinner and skip the wash and primer above.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 182
Likes: 3
From: Frisco, TX
If you go to the link for the tank you posted above and click on the instructions tab the information on protecting the tank by grounding it is there. It wouldn't take more than a day to paint the outside before you install it (mostly drying time. If it's bare metal give it a scrub with a strong solution of simple green (a cup per gal of water) and hot water. I like to buy the cheapest 4" paintbrush they have and give it a haircut, cutting off about 1/2 the bristle length and using it as a scrub brush give it a good scrub, rinse with hot water dry with clean cloths or blow off with oil free compressed air. Paint with 2 coats of rattle can self etching primer Then 2 coats of rattle can paint (Rustoleum or what you prefer) of your favorite color. Watch the instructions for recoat times, some paints get sensitive and may not want to dry if you don't paint within the recoat time window. If it is epoxy primered (a dark grey/black color) then just give it a scuff with a green nylon scrub pad from the grocery store dipped in lacquer thinner and skip the wash and primer above.
Thanks for the step-by-step. Very helpful!
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Personally I think a battleship grey gas tank with black hardware and chassis would look good!
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