Do I need to return this tank to DCC?

[legitmw]

Finally got my Gus Kuhn tank from DCC. It is fiberglass with a black gel coat finish according to their site. I was planning on just being able to shoot it with paint and clear, except there are a bunch of deep chips in the finish, a residue around the edge like there had been pin striping that has been removed, and some scuffs. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. What is the normal process with finishing these tanks? For paying as much as I did, I don't want to have to bondo or sand if that isn't the normal way to do it. Or are these normal?

 

[SONICJK]

Yeah, I'd say that's not right. Damaged in shipping or handling it looks like.
But I'm unsure what the standards are.

I'd contact DCC and see what they have to say they will take care of you

That being said there will always be some prep work involved. You won't get something you can take out of the box and spray.

 

[teazer]

All you should need to do to a good glass tank is polish it and use it. I never had to paint any that popped out of the mold with colored gel coat. The exception to that is if you want to add stickers and clear coat it. Fairings typically come in plain white gel coat for painting, as do some manufacturers products. When I made tanks and seats, the gel coat was pigmented in a limited range of colors. That way, they can do metallics and flakes in the gel coat. It takes a little more effort and perfect mold, but that's how we did it back in the day and I see no reason they should be lower quality today.

It's hard to tell from that picture but it looks like it had pin striping on it and may have been a customer return. I'm not saying it was, just that's what it looks like. Talk to the supplier - who may not have been the manufacturer. They may have had it drop shipped from whoever makes their tanks. That's not unusual in the aftermarket business. Either way, talk to them.

 

[surffly]

Wouldn't DCC be the people to be talking to?

 

[legitmw]

Yea. I just wasn't sure if this was worth talking to them about since I have no knowledge of fiberglass tanks and their finish. Thanks for the info. I guess I need to get in touch with them.. Ugh just more delays. I need to ride!

 

[Tim]

Definitely reach out to them. Probably happened during manufacturing and they didn't notice it when shipping it to you. They'll sort you out - they're the best in the business.