Got some riding done. Was hoping for a bit more than that. I motored down to the local O'Reilly's Auto Parts store to do a bit of brainstorming (and browsing, can't lie). I have a place on my tank, just back of the gas cap, where a little bit of fuel always seems to get on the paint and dissolves it off. So I was looking a fuel-proof washer (wouldn't really solve anything because it seems to be only a drop or two coming out the vent hole) and/or maybe something to cover the paint with.
The employees there had no workable ideas that they thought would last even short-term. But they were perfectly willing to ogle the bike. One said he'd seen me going by now and then, and had been hoping for a closer look. They loved the thing. It sure beat the last time when I had a guy point and say "What's that?" as if I'd ridden up on the back of a Howler Monkey or something.
Dude! I got a solution for you. Its called VHT Engine Enamel. Comes in a rattle can. I got mine from Auto Zone, it's chemically resistant (gasoline won't wash it off). Only difficulty is it has to be baked on to be truly effective, but don't worry, this is how you do it.
1. Purchase a can of VHT in the color you desire.
2. Remove tank from bike. Drain all fuel. Let it sit open overnight in an outdoor location(but covered so rain won't get in it) to vent fuel vapors.
3. Using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, insert the hose in the fill hole. Suction or blow, doesn't matter, but blow is better. Power up vacuum & let it run for at least 30 minutes. This should evacuate any remaining gas fumes.
4. For best results, sand the tank to provide the best surface for the paint to stick. When finished, wipe it down with a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any paint dust, grease or fingerprints.
5. Paint your tank, 2 coats should be good enough. Light sanding between coats with 600 grit is a great idea but not always required.
6. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: Bake the tank in an oven at 200° for one hour. This is why you MUST make sure there is NO gas fumes remaining in the tank, or your oven may catch fire or even explode. If the paint is not baked on, it won't cure right & gasoline will eat through the paint. But once it is cured, you could soak it overnight in a tub of gasoline & the paint won't disolve or come off.
I painted my Skyhawk GT2A frame this way but because it was too big to fit into my kitchen oven, I ended up taking it to an auto body shop & had them bake it in one of their booths. I had to wait three days to get it back, as they waited for a whole car to bake with it, they were unwilling to crank it up just for a bike frame. Only cost me $20.00, but it was worth it.
Do not use clearcoat poly urathane, while it will lock in the color, it will also disolve under gas & mar the finish.
