Protecting a new fuel tank

[curtis_rak]

I just received a new fuel tank from Rock Auto and I don't want it to end up looking like my old one (rusted and generally ****** looking).

I like the look of a new silver tank, but if I don't do something with it eventually it will look shabby. I was thinking about spraying it with clear rock guard from a spray can.

This is obviously the cheap way to "maybe" extend the silver look but has anyone else tried any other approaches to this that stand the test of time?

Thx



Curtis
75 GMC High Sierra

 

[foamypirate]

Honestly, I've had my new tank uncovered and unshielded for the last 4 years, and it still looks good as new.

 

[bucket]

Location makes a difference. I put a new tank in my stepside a few years ago and it's looking a little crusty. I can't remember for sure, but I think I gave it a coat of clear on it before I installed it.

I have to remove it soon for some other repairs, I planned on scuffing it up and painting it with cast iron gray manifold paint. That stuff holds up pretty well.

 

[chengny]

If you coat it with POR-15 Silver it will look good - and last a wicked long time. Since its new steel, it will have to be etched with Metal Prep prior to applying the POR-15. I couldn't find any images of a square body gas tank that had been coated with POR-15 Silver, but here are a couple of Corvette tanks that had been done that way:

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[donmateo]

I thought they had a rust-inhibitor coating on them? Does it come off that easy?

 

[curtis_rak]

That POR looks great... I forgot they had a silver coloured one. I'm so used to just using and seeing black POR all the time.

Thx!


Curtis
75 GMC High Sierra

 

[Jim Hensley]

Rustolium makes a nice looking stainless steel pray paint in the tall industrial line of paint.

 

[gmachinz]

If you coat it with POR-15 Silver it will look good - and last a wicked long time. Since its new steel, it will have to be etched with Metal Prep prior to applying the POR-15. I couldn't find any images of a square body gas tank that had been coated with POR-15 Silver, but here are a couple of Corvette tanks that had been done that way:

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Oh yeah-----that looks good! I think the route I'm taking!!