Another GL1000 build..."Therapy"

[wingrider]

If you can get all the rust out, and keep it topped off, I wouldn't worry about coating it. I cleaned my 77's tank last year if I remember right, and simply oiled it. It is still empty of fuel, but no rust has popped back up.

[shieldsm]

Thanks Wingrider,

Did you (or will) clean the oil out before refueling? Did you just use enough to coat without puddling. I am assuming regular motor oil.

Thanks

[wingrider]

I used ATF to coat it...just enough in there to cover everything, but not so much puddling. I hadn't planned on cleaning it again, figure 5 gallons of gasoline should dilute it.

My tank wasn't bad, so I took Muriatic acid, and gave it a good soaking, and it cleaned right up.

[chewy999]

After trying electrolysis, then white vinegar, I bought some citric acid and was amazed at the result. Then added atf to stop any rust and now it's back on the bike, no fuel yet but no rust either. Remember to clean the pick up tubes as well, I used an old throttle cable in a drill on reverse.

[Audiowize]

I always use the POR-15 kits on my rusty tanks. I haven't had a problem with the prep or coatings, the only alteration I do to their instructions is to use my kitchen oven on convection to do the drying process.

[Roady]

I'm not a fan of coating tanks. Extra work and another thing that might go wrong later on.

[shieldsm]

Thanks for all the advice on gas tank resoration. I am going to try using toilet bowl cleaner (contains muric acid) and then coat with ATF afterwards. Worse case, will try the seal route later.

Some updates:
Installed the wire harness, electrical systems on the tank shelter, new Dyna Coils, Dyna ignition, and heat shield (what a PIA to get all the bolts to line up). Packed everything good with Deceletric grease.So far so good, however I have not tested anything yet. Want to get the tank on first, so I can figure where I can install my MOFSET regulator. Going to have to be creative on that, there was much more room on the tank shelter when I installed it on my 1979 GL. Don't think it will fit on the battery cage. Might have to install on the right side of the tank shelter where there is more room. Nice that I have so much extra room without the OEM carbs and air filter.

Once I get the electrical up, it will be on to Webers...

[Audiowize]

I just mounted a new mosfet regulator onto my 77 GL-1000. It was $26 on eBay, and bolted right in where the old one sat.

[shieldsm]

The toilet bowl cleaner did not work well in cleaning the tank. I found a store nearby that sells EVAPORUST. Going to try that and leave it in the tank for a day or so. Also, clean the sending unit (nice write up Placerville!)

[duke182]

Evaporust is good stuff.
And reuasable.
Keep reusing it until it stops working. Then pour it out and get some more.
You will be amazed how fast rusty stuff vanishes in your shop.

[shieldsm]

Ugh,

So put in the Evaporust in my tank and after a few hours noticed a nice puddle forming on my workbench. There are two small pin holes near the drain plug. So, what are my options. Could I get someone to spot weld those holes, or do I need to look for another tank. Obviously if I decide to keep the tank, it will need to be sealed to prevent any more leaks. Did not think my tank was in that bad shape but I fear that maybe the toilet bowl cleaner might have eaten away too much of the metal.

Suggestions as always appreciated!

[rtccp]

hey shieldsm,,,,,, do you remember the tonight show when it was hosted by johnny carson, and he used to do that bit about the "great randolfo" or something like that anyway where he would hold up the sealed envelope to his forhead and guess the contents and then ask the question without knowing the answer..... i'm doing that right now ... and i'm sensing ...." BOTM".... keep up the great work as you are inspiring the rest of us.... well me anyway... and lord knows we can all use a little more inspiration..... ...nvp

[rtccp]

forgot to mention , if the tank holes are not tooooo big i would braze them, or even just plain old weld them over , just make sure you evacuate all the gas fumes ( sorry to state the obvious but sometimes we forgot the little things)....nvp
leading them over might work as well but i'm not sure with such a soft metal prob ok if the spot is not somewhere where it will rub against other metal surfaces... whenever i do a bike with a metal gas tank, i always chisel off the name tags or emblems on the side and weld up the holes and then lead in the valley left and sand it smooth so i never use any puddy at all and the lead also fills in any tiny pin holes that the weld might not have and i have never had a leak.... np

[duke182]

Brazing or welding should do the trick.
Keep checking for leaks till they are gone.
Shouldnt have to seal it unless you want to after that.
OR
you could tape the outside coat it with por15 tank sealer and not worry about it anymore

[Audiowize]

If you get the POR-15 tank coating kit, it comes with the materials to do a small patch