New steel tank coming, any tips?

Manu

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Hi - I have a EMGO steel roadster tank coming from CBS to replace the decaying fiberglass tank on my newly acquired '72. My often lying AI buddy tells me I should:
1) degrease the tank with acetone or lacquer thinner
2) Etch with white vinegar or phosphoric acid
3) Dry really well
4) Roll Caswell epoxy around for 20-30 minutes then drain.

After all that get it painted.

What do you guys think? Is this all a good thing to do? will the epoxy just decay after a while?

Thanks
 
This will probably be a "best oil" thread but...
I believe in keeping it simple and prevent rust by ensuring the tank is full(ish) when parked. Empty tank can rust.
I have a couple of fuel containers at home to make it easy to do that.
On used tanks I start off by using a CRC product called Evapo-Rust - seems to work well without leaving a lining behind.
I'm sure linings can be good but they have gone badly!
Cheers
 
The problem with a resin liner is what works now may not in the future, petrol make up changes with the seasons and regulation.

Phosphoric acid on clean steel will form a protective layer of iron phosphate, its an improvement on bare steel but not as good as zinc plating.
 
From what I've read about the Emgo tanks, there is no need to line them. They are a quality item, & every bit as good as the original Homer tanks, unlike the Indian made ones, which are variable to say the least.
 
When Matt built my bike for the original owner back in 2013 he retained the original tank and lined it with Caswell epoxy. Upon receiving it in 2024 I noticed that the lining had detached from the arch in a large sheet but he assured me nothing will come of it and so far that’s been true. However, a couple of months back my tank prong a very minor leak from a crack in the stud bushing.

This is where the lining truly become problematic as it won’t like the heat from welding and I’ve been advised that doing that may fragment the liner material enough to foul the fuelling. My only resort was to use JB Weld and seen how long I have before major surgery.

If I needed a new tank I certainly wouldn’t line it.

I’m riding to Pescara, Italy in 3 weeks time and will definitely be armed with tools and JB Weld
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Those studs make the whole front mounting not vibration free, best to use the rear silencer mounts with the 5/16 studs on both ends with 100% rubber between them..
New steel tank coming, any tips?
 
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I've had a couple of Emgo steel tanks, they are superb and in my opinion better than original. I would not coat the inside with anything
 
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