Gas tank resto, Final Phase - Tank Options

[Pat Garvey]

OK, now I need some help!

I primed the tank with a zinc-based primer. Seemed like the right thing to do. Prior to priming, everything was wet sanded with 320 grit. Nice "baby's butt" finish. Yhen I primed (after wiping down with 96% Isoprop).

But.....now I have this "nubby" finish that needs to be way cut before final coats. Tried wet sanding with 600 - little effect. Don't want to cut through the primer. Any thoughts on steel wool? Just want to take the nubs off, without cutting through 2 coats of primer.
I know that most of think I'm whacko, but I want my 914 preservedexactly as I got it in 1972.
Pat

Pat, if it was smooth before paint, then you either got some grit on the surface (dust, lint, steel wool "hairs", etc.), or else the spray droplets dried before hitting the surface & creating the rough surface. Either way you'll need to re-smooth it with stepped grits (320, 400, 600), then shoot it again.

Then when you reshoot it, take it in several light coats (I tend to be "the king of runs" & have to watch myself - you may be the opposite erring too far & getting dry paint "dust" by the time it reaches the surface) & be careful with your spray distance to surface, technique, etc. - as the way it lays down can vary with temp., humidity, distance (too far creates a paint dust), how much the rattle can nozzle is putting out & how fine/dense the mist is, how well mixed the paint it, if it's old (sitting in a warehouse or your garage), and other factors.

It might help to have a test surface handy each time to try out what works best at particular times of day/night that you shoot coats. The dehumidifier can have localized effects too, if you're close to it, causing the paint mist to dry too much before it reaches the surface.

Tom,
Figure it out. It was the zinc-based primer. Mini particles of zinc mixed into the primer. Wasn't "nubbs", but the mini particles of zinc standing on end. Tried ti take them down with 600 grit, but they were just bending.. Went back to 400 & it worked fine, though cut through in a couple of spots. Re-primed & will take them down with 1200, as well as the rest of the tank.

Then comes the L43. The gift can from Tod won't be nearly enough - I want 2 coats, 1500 grit wet sand & a final coat, so I'll need more L43.

Hint to others - if you use Krylon zinc based primer expect extra work. Is it worth it - dunno. We'll see.

Am I making this a lifetime event? You tell me when it's complete. Yes, I am anal!
Pat

[Tom_T]

OK, now I need some help!

I primed the tank with a zinc-based primer. Seemed like the right thing to do. Prior to priming, everything was wet sanded with 320 grit. Nice "baby's butt" finish. Yhen I primed (after wiping down with 96% Isoprop).

But.....now I have this "nubby" finish that needs to be way cut before final coats. Tried wet sanding with 600 - little effect. Don't want to cut through the primer. Any thoughts on steel wool? Just want to take the nubs off, without cutting through 2 coats of primer.
I know that most of think I'm whacko, but I want my 914 preservedexactly as I got it in 1972.
Pat

Pat, if it was smooth before paint, then you either got some grit on the surface (dust, lint, steel wool "hairs", etc.), or else the spray droplets dried before hitting the surface & creating the rough surface. Either way you'll need to re-smooth it with stepped grits (320, 400, 600), then shoot it again.

Then when you reshoot it, take it in several light coats (I tend to be "the king of runs" & have to watch myself - you may be the opposite erring too far & getting dry paint "dust" by the time it reaches the surface) & be careful with your spray distance to surface, technique, etc. - as the way it lays down can vary with temp., humidity, distance (too far creates a paint dust), how much the rattle can nozzle is putting out & how fine/dense the mist is, how well mixed the paint it, if it's old (sitting in a warehouse or your garage), and other factors.

It might help to have a test surface handy each time to try out what works best at particular times of day/night that you shoot coats. The dehumidifier can have localized effects too, if you're close to it, causing the paint mist to dry too much before it reaches the surface.

Tom,
Figure it out. It was the zinc-based primer. Mini particles of zinc mixed into the primer. Wasn't "nubbs", but the mini particles of zinc standing on end. Tried ti take them down with 600 grit, but they were just bending.. Went back to 400 & it worked fine, though cut through in a couple of spots. Re-primed & will take them down with 1200, as well as the rest of the tank.

Then comes the L43. The gift can from Tod won't be nearly enough - I want 2 coats, 1500 grit wet sand & a final coat, so I'll need more L43.

Hint to others - if you use Krylon zinc based primer expect extra work. Is it worth it - dunno. We'll see.

Am I making this a lifetime event? You tell me when it's complete. Yes, I am anal!
Pat

Pat, the Wurth zinc rich primer seems to be smoother & work better.

Here's where I told Tod about the L43 -
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new...stuff/paint.cfm

[Pat Garvey]

Ok, here's where I am today.

The zinc-rich primer problem was settled with 1200 grit wet sanding. Unfortunately, I didn't learn this lesson until 600 grit had sanded through the primer in several areas. Re-sprayed those spots & we're good to topcoat.

You'll notice that I've found my "jig", that being a styrofoam container from Omaha Steaks.

Now, my final concern! Tod914 "donated" a can of L43, for which I'm very thankful. But I realized quickly that one can of this stuff will not provide an adequate topcoat for final finishing. So.....I need more.

That being said, I know that there is a vintage bug company within 20 miles of me. I should be able to get some there. Found them about 4 years ago, but can't remember the name. Had a great website & are located somewhere in SE PA. Anyone know of them & the site?
P

[tod914]

Think your looking for BusDepot.com. WolfsburgWest is where I picked it up L43. If you already layed down a coat, I'd probally stick with the same paint. It was a custom mix by them. I don't think the shipping was too bad. Maybe $13 for 3 cans of paint.

[Tom_T]

Think your looking for BusDepot.com. WolfsburgWest is where I picked it up L43. If you already layed down a coat, I'd probally stick with the same paint. It was a custom mix by them. I don't think the shipping was too bad. Maybe $13 for 3 cans of paint.

Pat - if it was Bus Depot in PA close to you, here's their website -
http://www.busdepot.com/

... but I don't recall seeing any paints on their website & it doesn't come up in a search on the above link. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Pat Garvey]

Think your looking for BusDepot.com. WolfsburgWest is where I picked it up L43. If you already layed down a coat, I'd probally stick with the same paint. It was a custom mix by them. I don't think the shipping was too bad. Maybe $13 for 3 cans of paint.

Pat - if it was Bus Depot in PA close to you, here's their website -
http://www.busdepot.com/

... but I don't recall seeing any paints on their website & it doesn't come up in a search on the above link. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Thanks Tom - that's the site!
Pat

[Pat Garvey]

Well, I now have 3 coats of L43 on the front half of the tank. Laid down nicely.

Problem is - it isn't gray enough! Don't know what the code would be, but I suspect L43 with twice as much gray to match my original tank.

Very disappointed!

Priority will be to finish this nice tank for a future owner. Also, since I have no choice, I'll take my original tank to a local shop for interior cleaning & pay extra for them to preserve the exterior finish.

Disappointed!
Pat

[Tom_T]

Well, I now have 3 coats of L43 on the front half of the tank. Laid down nicely.

Problem is - it isn't gray enough! Don't know what the code would be, but I suspect L43 with twice as much gray to match my original tank.

Very disappointed!

Priority will be to finish this nice tank for a future owner. Also, since I have no choice, I'll take my original tank to a local shop for interior cleaning & pay extra for them to preserve the exterior finish.

Disappointed!
Pat

Pat, too bad!

Can you plz post pix of your original & this one with L43 side-by-side (2 pix) so we can all see what you're talking about? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I have my 73 tank & another out of a 71 which both look to be the same satin black color, so I'm confused on what's "not grey enough" on your L43 repaint job? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Also, if the black is laid in too glossy &/or sanded too smooth, then the black will look blacker because the minute roughness of the flat & satin finishes refract more light making them appear grayer to the eye.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[tod914]

Wow not grey enough? I'm very surprized to hear that. I was going to use it for my brake handle but it was too grey for that. Maybe it will be closer once you polish and wax it. I had the same problem with my Wurth satin trim paint. Once it was polished and waxed, it matched. They have another color called anthracite which is an off grey-brown-black. No idea if that would be any better or not. I suspect not.

[Niklas]

Hi!

Why are you not using powdercoating ?
In that colour it should not cost more than 10 Euro.( 12 dollar )
I painted mine in semigloss black looks great.
Just sandblasted it before and when it was painted
I used tanksealer looks great.

Niklas

[Pat Garvey]

Hi!

Why are you not using powdercoating ?
In that colour it should not cost more than 10 Euro.( 12 dollar )
I painted mine in semigloss black looks great.
Just sandblasted it before and when it was painted
I used tanksealer looks great.

Niklas

Niklas,

If you'll provide a pic of your tank, I'll explain why it is not the "correct" finish.
However, I will say this....the Factory did not use powdercoating, hence the finish is incorrect. Powdercoating did not surface until the early '80's, and it was used on office equipment. The finish was fine for filing cabinets, but the "nubby" finish has no place on a 914. Oh, I almost failed to mention this - 914 components were paint sprayed. And this finish is entirely different. You know, original in appearance.

Some will say that I am extreme in maintaining originality. Probably so, but original is original. Now I know that once a finish is re-finished it's no longer original. But, if you can make people wonder if the finish is original or not....you've won your point.

So, send us a pic of your powdercoated tank.
Pat

[Pat Garvey]

Wow not grey enough? I'm very surprized to hear that. I was going to use it for my brake handle but it was too grey for that. Maybe it will be closer once you polish and wax it. I had the same problem with my Wurth satin trim paint. Once it was polished and waxed, it matched. They have another color called anthracite which is an off grey-brown-black. No idea if that would be any better or not. I suspect not.

Sorry Tod! And thanks for the can. Really thought it would be correct! And, it's close...just not quite right to match my original tank.

Don't get me wrong, it IS nice (and the paint is hard as a rock after 2 days). Was just hoping for a perfect match.
Have 2 more cans coming, so maybe it'll make a difference. If not, there's going to be a primo tank for sale.
Pat

[Cairo94507]

Man, are we ever going to see this gas tank? Let's see some new teaser shots!

[tod914]

I went through the same thing with my intake runners. Not a perfect match either. I have another set I'll find a closer match for over the winter. Always happy to help Pat. Eventually we'll get these German paints nailed down!

[Pat Garvey]

Man, are we ever going to see this gas tank? Let's see some new teaser shots!

Patience my friend, patience. I ran out of paint (now have more) and have been wet sanding one half. The temp in the garage is currently 88.7 degrees, with 67% humidity. And it's nearly 9 pm! Not particularly condusive to long term work for an old man!

Tomorrow will hopefully be a slightly cooler day.

I want this tank perfect as can be (has a singular small dent), so slow & steady. The paint is rock hard & doesn't sand easily, but we'll get there. Maybe some pics on Monday or Tuesday.
Pat

[Cairo94507]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[Pat Garvey]

I went through the same thing with my intake runners. Not a perfect match either. I have another set I'll find a closer match for over the winter. Always happy to help Pat. Eventually we'll get these German paints nailed down!

Tod,
That sample of L249 Dove Gray that you sent me will be perfest for the intake runners.

That willl be the next roject, afeter the tanK.
Pat

[tod914]

Pat I think it has too much green too it. Let me know what you think.

[Pat Garvey]

Well, I went through several days of 95-105 temps in the garage, but finished the wet sanding (2000 grit was the last).
Then I moved everything to my 62 degree basement for compounding. Two days lost, but probably 4 days gained overall.

Taking shape. All sanding & compounding complete. Polishing & waxing to take place tomorrow.

Looks pretty good so far, though I'm not 100 percent happy. Should be a damn nice tank after this weekend. Have you noticed that I work slowly & deliberately?

Here are a couple of pics from the "dungeon".

If I can get my original tank done on the inside, without destroying the outter finish, this tank will be redundant...and available.

Final pics should be available Sunday PM.
Pat

[Tom_T]

So why aren't those chrome wheels on Fritz?

Tank looks superb! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

PS - some of the minute color differences which you & Tod are seeing in the black/dark grey on the tank, & dove grey on the FI intake runners/tubes - could just be color changes over 35-40 years of time &/or slight differences at mix batches at the factory from the outset.