1. Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Sweden - About 1988 and older

Painting 84-86 Nylon Tanks

Discussion in 'Vintage/Left Kickers' started by endurokids, Mar 20, 2011.

  1. endurokids Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    250WRX, CR167, 83 430WR, TE449
    Other Motorcycles:
    75 Guzzi 850T
    Hello Guys,
    I'm looking to seal the inside of some nylon gas tanks, and was wondering what processes you are using? Caswell Products are the only ones that come to mind. Any tricks to prepping the tanks?
    I've tried to use plastic bumper repair processes from the automotive end with hit and miss results.
    The problen as I see it is the leeching of fuel solvent thru the plastic, and that results in blistering the finish. Some of the tanks are stained almost brown.
    I have a few nylon tanks to do and am looking for some advice, or a link to the successfull processes used.
    I would also be interested in any OEM nylon tanks for sale.
    PS. I'm almost finished with my 84 430 WR project and will post some pics.
  2. ruwfo Administrator

    Location:
    NJ
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1980 390CR, 1982 430CR, 1984 400WR
    Other Motorcycles:
    1985 250XC, 2016 FJ-09
  3. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    Caswell from what I have seen has the best tank sealer for plastic. It comes with complete instructions for prep as well as how to remove prior failed sealers.
  4. endurokids Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    250WRX, CR167, 83 430WR, TE449
    Other Motorcycles:
    75 Guzzi 850T
    Thanks guys, I have followed the processes in the link and will agree that not storing gas in the tank after use is critical to the longevity of the finish.
    I've ordered the Caswell sealer and will be doing my tank as soon as I get it. I'm using Glasurit products for my finishes and may try Spies Hecker next.
    I'll keep you posted as to the test. PS... I have matched the original white on the 83 Husky plastics very well.
    Thanks again.
  5. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    I will be trying PPG Concept. A little expensive but durable as Deltron and flexible without additives.
  6. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    When you matched the color was it pure plain white or otherwise?
  7. endurokids Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    250WRX, CR167, 83 430WR, TE449
    Other Motorcycles:
    75 Guzzi 850T
    I used the BASF Colormax Solid Deck system to match the white. I will get you the chip number and get back to you, as the info is at the shop I use to paint stuff.
    It can be mixed in all of the BASF lines like Glasurit, Uno, and Limco single stages, and base coat as well.
  8. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    Still haven't heard back from you, have you forgotten :)
  9. hedhunter9 Husqvarna
    C Class

    Location:
    Indiana
    I am having the guys at DC plastic make some custom tank skins for the 85 Husky 400 WRX and WR models.
    I sent them a tank a while back and they are supposed to have molds made and have me a set by VMD. Will post pic's
    when done. I know the painting / coating doesnt work on plastic tanks for long. been there, done that multiple times.

    Bob Bean

    1986 ISDE Italy
    1987 ISDE Poland
    1989 ISDE Germany
  10. frog Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    MN
    There's a guy on E-bay who paints plastic tanks that works. He's seals the inside with a product I think from Italy. The tank takes a week to cure and then can be painted,it's a tank inside of a tank. Decals won't bubble anymore either. Does great painting Moto-x-Fox and other great work.I think a paint/seal with no graphics is $300,the more he does the cheaper I believe.
  11. endurokids Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    250WRX, CR167, 83 430WR, TE449
    Other Motorcycles:
    75 Guzzi 850T
    "Still haven't heard back from you, have you forgotten :)"

    Sorry, I did. My bad. The white I use is Colormax Solid Chip number SA 003.50, Husky Red I use is SR 001.50, and one of the blues is SB 232.20.
    These can be found at any BASF paint suppliers in the qualities listad above. Bring in your parts and they can show you the chips to match the codes.
    I just coated the inside of my '84 tank and painted it. I'll be racing the bike this year and will report back as to how it's holding up. [IMG]
  12. endurokids Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    250WRX, CR167, 83 430WR, TE449
    Other Motorcycles:
    75 Guzzi 850T
    "I am having the guys at DC plastic make some custom tank skins for the 85 Husky 400 WRX and WR models.
    I sent them a tank a while back and they are supposed to have molds made and have me a set by VMD. Will post pic's
    when done. I know the painting / coating doesnt work on plastic tanks for long. been there, done that multiple times.

    Bob Bean"

    Bob, let me know when you get samples to show, I'm interested in the '85s because my next project will be a 250 WRX.
    PS. Since I moved from Chicago, I miss going to all of your H/S in Plymouth. I raced my then new 83 430 WR there with my family.
    I'm an ex Hill & Gully Rider and now a Madison M/C rider.
    See ya at VMD