fixing dent on tank

[xxindie]

Hi guys

I've got a question, if you could help. My 04 naked FZ6 has a dent on the tank, I think it's because previous owner has spilled some brake fluid on it. It's about the size of a 20p coin and it's rusty (although doesn't look like developing). It's been there for about a year as I understood from the dealer.

What would be the best option to repair that? Should I just clean it, treat it with anti-corrosion solution and spray-paint it? Will be enough to stop the rust developing?

thanks in advance!

 

[sportrider]

are you talking about a "dent" in the tank, or a paint chip?

 

[xxindie]

it's a mark, a paint chip, and you can see the metal which is rusty. The paint has gone off it.

hope it's more clear, english is not my first language, sorry

 

[sportrider]

it's a mark, a paint chip, and you can see the metal which is rusty. The paint has gone off it.

hope it's more clear, english is not my first language, sorry

No worries. unless you want to repaint the entire tank, you can get a paint match,but it's not cheap. if the surface metal has already started to rust you'll need to sand the rust off before you prime it otherwise in time it will just resurface. I can't remember where you can buy the factory color touch up paint but someone on here will know.

 

[xxindie]

thanks for the tips sportrider

I was thinking of sanding off the affected area only, plus maybe 5-10cm more around it? And then painting it back. Do you think it's a good idea?

I know the results maybe a bit ugly, but then this might be the least expensive option, and I was planning to find a new tank anyway which will replace the existing one, maybe used one as the new ones are selling for £330 here!

thanks again, i don't have much mechanical experience, but still learning!

 

[towa]

PLease supply us with a picture...

 

[sportrider]

what color is the tank? you could always repaint the entire tank, that way there will be no touch up.

 

[xxindie]

it's plain black.

I will get some pictures later, most probably tomorrow as it already gets dark out here.

thanks in advance.

 

[CrazyBiker]

Go to colorite for matching paint.

 

[Tailgate]

Be advised that you must spray a special, solvent resistent clear coat on your tank. Othewise, any gasoline spills will quickly ruin your spray job (so I'm told).

 

[xxindie]

Thanks for tips. I have a couple of pictures, which I am attaching to this message. They are close up pictures, the chip looks bigger on them than in the reality.

 

[Nelly]

Thanks for the picture mate,

There is significant water damage in other areas. If it were my tank I would sand down to metal and re-spray.

Grommit found me this link for paint. They don't list all the bikes they do paint for. Just call them and they will definitely be able to help you.

It is about £16.00 per aerosol.

Nelly

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BIKECOLOURS_AEROSOL-PAINT_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ16QQftidZ2QQtZkm
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eBay.co.uk Shop - BIKECOLOURS: AEROSOL PAINT: MOTORCYCLE AEROSOL PAINT ALL MAKES COLOURS KIT 3 .

 

[xxindie]

Thanks Nelly, I know I need to take action as soon as possible - I'll give them a call today.

BTW, Any good tips on sanding off the tank? Normal sanding paper is ok? I know you need to spray the tank a couple of times, with some time in between to allow the layers to dry out. Anyone can advise on how to do it correctly?

thanks!

 

[Fz6Sa]

Thanks Nelly, I know I need to take action as soon as possible - I'll give them a call today.

BTW, Any good tips on sanding off the tank? Normal sanding paper is ok? I know you need to spray the tank a couple of times, with some time in between to allow the layers to dry out. Anyone can advise on how to do it correctly?

thanks!

I've alway gotten the best results with "wet" sanding paper, - meaning you apply water and wet sand it.
Most likely you wont be able to match the color exactly, since the original paint is changed by sun rain etc.
So the best advice would be to try and fade the "new paint" into the "old paint"

 

[SidewallPuncture]

I'd personally take the tank off and take it to a paint shop.

there is more damage there than just paint, you're going to have some serious pitting of the metal.
A competant paint shop will paint strip your tank to bare metal, either chemically or mechanically with plastic media and they will fix the pitted metal by welding or filling depending on the severity.

Anything less is just asking for the corrosion to resurface in time.

Wet sanding would take you forever to remove the corrosion