Hi guys

When I received my Bultaco the tank was very worn, needed spraying.

We sprayed it and everything was ok, until the petrol vapour literally destroyed the paint work and stripped the stickers we had on it.

I understand that this is a common problem.

Does anyone have any idea of a cure?

Regards, Kelvin

Hi Kelvin,

Did you spray the tank with fuel in it? what paint did you use? it is best sprayed with an acrilic two pack. but that said i used a spay can from Halfords for my Bully and it turned out really well (see pics on my profile) mind you it was a really hot day when i sprayed my bike which helps. Halfords also do a clear laquer that is impervious to petrol, i found that it came out of the can a little dry and required a little flatting off but seemed to do the trick. Hope this has helped

Kind regards,

Tom,

i used that paint from halfords on a sherco tank.filled with petrol spilt some and the paint washed off. painted it with celleloise and was fine , sorry about the spelling.

Was it a plastic tank ? because they are nigh on impossible to paint as like the tanks on a Fantic they "breathe" petrol fumes from within.

I used Halfrauds aerosol (Rover Pageant Mid blue - good match I thought!) The problem I have is as Old trials fanatic pointed out it is a plastic tank and the petrol fumes breathe through making a bubbly effect on the tank ruining the job and any stickers you have on it. Have you had this problem Tom?

I was thinking that kreem tank sealer might do, but being

There is NO real good clue to solve this problem with the standard

plastic tank, this was and has always has been a problem.

The vapors of the gas will always go throuw the plasic and therefor

bubbles wil occur to the paint of the tank and to the decals.

For the Bultaco you can opt to a fiberglass tank, that just look the

same like the original one, you get them in Spain. They are hand

made so be prepared to pay more than for a standard one, (around

twice as much, without paintjob.

Otherwise, you have to drain the tank after driving and leave the

tank cap off for storing, do this always after driving, don't store

any gas inside the normal tank then the decals and paint will hold

a little bit longer, this doesn't cure the problem.

In the US there is a company that can seal plastic the only and

proper way, this solution was posted in KTMTalk forum a while ago

but it isn't cheap either and the procedure is nothing for home

work because the chemicals are very dangerous and you won't get

them as a privateer.

It's a fluorination barrier treatment they do.

Here is the link if you interested in further information:

http://www.thecarycompany.com/containers/plastic_bottles/fluorination.html

BTW:

Happy new Year!

Edited January 1, 201115 yr by PSchrauber

Hi PSchrauber

Many thanks for the detailed information, I think I will buy a poly tank from inmotion trials.

Happy new year to you to !

Regards, Kelvin

Actually, thinking about it, would kreem tank sealer help in anyway? or any other tank sealer?

Regards, Kelvin

Hi Kelvin,

My tank is the aluminium type, so i didnt experience the bubbling, Kreaming the tank is a good idea, but expensive, there are cheaper alternatives, have a search around on the web, i recall spotting an alternative treatment on a marine/boat repairers site that was about 20 quid. might be worth a punt. A lot cheaper than 100 or so quid for a new polycarb one.

cheers,

tom,

Are the original '76 M159 Sherpa 350 plastic/fiberglass (?) tanks legal in current trials?

If you're not using it on the road you have nothing to worry about with a plastic or fibreglass tank.

The law that was passed around 1973 prohibiting the use of fibreglass (not plastic) tanks on the road was UK law, not an ACU ruling banning them from trials use. Presumably this law is still in force but there are plenty of bikes in use in road trials using fibreglass tanks.