Who in New England USA area does a nice job painting fuel tanks at a fair price. Would like to match OEM color as close as possible. I see there are places you can buy decals.
Do you put a clear coat over paint and decal last step?
How long does the tank have to cure before a brief gas spill won't hurt if removed straight away?
Any idea prices for say T350 tank and side covers?
Thanks
Who Paints Gas Tanks and side Covers in New England area?
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Who Paints Gas Tanks and side Covers in New England area?
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Re: Who Paints Gas Tanks and side Covers in New England area
Can't help you on who and price.
But, modern paint systems finish up with a catalyzed clear over the colour coats. Recoat window on those without sanding is pretty short under 12 hours, so they cure pretty quick. I understand most custom painters wait a week before flat and polish so the clear is fully hard. So its not going to get much more petrol resistant after a week.
If the decals are printed rather than solid vinyl do a compatibility test ask the supplier of a scrap decal to test on, as the solvents may run the printing inks. Solid vinyl probably OK, but worth testing if you can. How complex is the decal I did mine all in paint, you can get pin-striping tape ( 2 or more paralleled strips of masking tape that you paint between ) and make stencils for lettering other shapes.
Paints more work, but you don't have the visible thickness of the vinyl or risks of compatibility. etc..
But, modern paint systems finish up with a catalyzed clear over the colour coats. Recoat window on those without sanding is pretty short under 12 hours, so they cure pretty quick. I understand most custom painters wait a week before flat and polish so the clear is fully hard. So its not going to get much more petrol resistant after a week.
If the decals are printed rather than solid vinyl do a compatibility test ask the supplier of a scrap decal to test on, as the solvents may run the printing inks. Solid vinyl probably OK, but worth testing if you can. How complex is the decal I did mine all in paint, you can get pin-striping tape ( 2 or more paralleled strips of masking tape that you paint between ) and make stencils for lettering other shapes.
Paints more work, but you don't have the visible thickness of the vinyl or risks of compatibility. etc..
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Re: Who Paints Gas Tanks and side Covers in New England area?
I know this is an old post, but in case anyone is still looking here was my experience:
My tank was dented and faded. Side covers just faded.
I found a tank and side cover set on ebay during covid, purchased for about $800.
Currently listed for $1099!
Inflation? anyway i still have my old set to refurbish if i want to.
I have new decals, i would :
1: repair defects in the tank.
2: repaint in my desired color.
3: clearcoat
4: add decals
But it might be best to clearcoat over decals, I’ve seen it done both ways, a paint professional can chime in….
https://www.dropbox.com/s/brykbpc7684gp2d/suzy.jpg?dl=0
3
https://www.dropbox.com/s/brykbpc7684gp2d/suzy.jpg?dl=0
My tank was dented and faded. Side covers just faded.
I found a tank and side cover set on ebay during covid, purchased for about $800.
Currently listed for $1099!
Inflation? anyway i still have my old set to refurbish if i want to.
I have new decals, i would :
1: repair defects in the tank.
2: repaint in my desired color.
3: clearcoat
4: add decals
But it might be best to clearcoat over decals, I’ve seen it done both ways, a paint professional can chime in….
https://www.dropbox.com/s/brykbpc7684gp2d/suzy.jpg?dl=0
3
https://www.dropbox.com/s/brykbpc7684gp2d/suzy.jpg?dl=0