goldy said:Wow...that tank has indeed seen better days! Going to try to find a new one or a decent used one?
o1marc said:The calipers are powder coated in a Gold Vein. Veins are powders that cure with a black base and a colored top, in either Gold, Silver, Copper or Penny. The same texture type powder that has the same color but different shades in the base and top patterns is called a Hammertone, where the low sections are darker than the higher pattern. So mine are coated in Gold Vein, the name Triumph is a vinyl decal, and then the caliper is clear coated in powder to seal the lettering in and bring out the texture of the powder.
To an untrained ear this sounds ludicrous, the top of the line tank sealers leak? I have to fix it because replacement used units are almost impossible to find and cost $500 or more for rough ones that needs work.goldy said:This sort of thing happens a lot around here (especially on the thinner gauge Japanese tanks)...so much rain and fog. it's obvious that you "know your stuff" but here's a suggestion: It can be very time consuming and downright frustrating trying to get all the little pin holes brazed up, but it can definitely be done. When you think you have it all nice and fuel tight,I suggest you find a way to pressure test it like a tire tube before you apply a liner....only needs one or two psi and some soapy water. Even tiny pin holes will eventually leak despite the liner and ruin a gorgeous paint job.
You would be really foolish to not use a sealer on a tank that has this much rust through. Silver solder may work on the outside but it doesn't stop what's going on inside the tank.doc_rot said:that jeep rescue green looks really good. I have been thinking about painting a project with that color. nice work. if the brazing doesnt seal that tank up i would use some silver solder for the pinholes. It wicks into small holes and will make a good seal. also its pretty easy to use then you dont have to deal with tank sealers.
Neither does 'sealer'.o1marc said:Silver solder may work on the outside but it doesn't stop what's going on inside the tank.
If the metal is not exposed to oxygen it shouldn't promote the continuation of the oxidation process. Either way his statement about silver solder eliminating the need for a sealer is incorrect. Someone told me today that even if the tank is sealed a pinhole in the metal will still leak.DohcBikes said:Neither does 'sealer'.
Have you used the new Caswell liner? I have heard nothing but good things about. Caswell says you don't even have to fill the holes, just put tape over them on the outside and line the tank. It's crazy that your telling me there isn't a sealer out there that will actually do what it's intended to do.goldy said:Over the past 40+ years I've done this sort of work time and time again and he is right...even the best sealers will leak at pinholes and cracks(eventually). I would never do this sort of work without applying a high quality liner afterward, but gasoline has incredible capillary action...make sure it is air tight before you apply the sealer.
Ever heard of fuel filters? Maybe in 40 years you have overlooked them. They are placed in line with the fuel line, and they, get this, filter the fuel before it enters the carb.goldy said:IMO the best thing about liners is that they will prevent any of the rust and crap that may still be lurking in the hard to clean parts of the tank from getting into your carburetors.