Restore Tank Paint

[75cb550]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of rebuilding an old CB550 that had been exposed to the elements for quite some time. Considering that though, it's really not in too bad of shape. Here's a picture of the tank, I was originally going to take it to bare metal but I kinda like the faded survivor look of the original paint. I just want to clean it up a tad (the small rust spots) without ruining what's left of the paint. Is there something strong enough to get the rust spots off but gentle enough to save the paint? Thanks.

 

[Tifun]

You'll just have to wetsand it. I'd start off at like 2500grit and go lower trying to use the least aggressive grit then simply clear it.... I don't know of any product that will accompish what you are wanting... not to say that it exists but it seems unlikely.


-Keith

 

[Brodie]

What he said. Just sand down until you are happy with the look but not past the paint layer haha. Start with a very high grit 2500 and get higher 4000ish. You should be able to remove most of the rust look but until you take it back to bare metal you wont get rid of the rust.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Screw that, clear it like it is.. Capture and preseve the wheathered look without having to worry it will get worse.
Ever watch "Fast and Loud" there have been a couple builds that Gas Monkey Garage have done this way and it's kinda grown on me.

 

[o1marc]

What they don't show you on F&L is how long that clear coat lasts over old rusty patina. Clearing it won't slow down the rust process once it has started.

 

[AgentX]

If I was trying this myself, I'd probably sand as described and then put some clear nail polish over the sanded spots, then maybe sand these again to try and blend to the paint layer...but I don't know what the hell I'm doing.

For the cost of sandpaper and nail polish, I'd give it a try. Some acetone can get the polish off if it turns out to be a shit-show. But you could hardly make it much worse, right??

 

[Kanticoy]

Wet sanding is the right process, but instead of using sand paper, use scotch brite pads. Rinse with denatured alcohol, and then clear coat it. Works great. The scotch BRITE and soapy water is aggressive on rust, but gentle on paint.

 

[75cb550]

Cool thanks for the ideas guys. We'll see how it turns out..

 

[Slantyface]

I clear coated the wheels on my 89' beater Camry exactly how I drove up into the driveway. Brake dust, overspray onto the tires and all. Man, they sure were shiny...