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

whats the best way to get white tank White again?

Discussion in 'Vintage/Left Kickers' started by NZHusky, Oct 16, 2010.

  1. NZHusky Husqvarna
    B Class

    Location:
    Napier,New Zealand
    apologies if this has already been asked........how do i get my 85 WR400 tank outside cleaned. It has the typical "off white" look from the 2t oil bleeding through over the years.

    Thanks in advance..Phil :excuseme:
    NZHusky, Oct 16, 2010
    #1

  2. White Husky Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    UK
    White Husky, Oct 16, 2010
    #2

  3. NZHusky Husqvarna
    B Class

    Location:
    Napier,New Zealand
    cheers for that and sorry....i should have searched first
    NZHusky, Oct 16, 2010
    #3

  4. dukkman Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Warwick Queensland Australia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    85/WR 400,86/WR 240,83/430 is mates
    Other Motorcycles:
    69@71/TS90-76/TS100-72/DKW-78/PE
    I wonder if the discolouration IS the fuel coming through ?
    If so then why are ALL my plastics the same colour?
    Am starting to think that they are not UV protected.
    Mike
    dukkman, Oct 18, 2010
    #4

  5. ruwfo Administrator

    Location:
    NJ
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1980 390CR, 1982 430CR, 1984 400WR
    Other Motorcycles:
    1985 250XC, 2016 FJ-09
    I'd disagree about the discoloration coming 100% from the inside, granted the fuel is causing the problem, but i think it's because the fuel softens the plastic slightly & allows dirt to get ground deeply in to the plastics pores.

    I've sanded down 3 white tanks & i've gotten them about 90% white,by just removing the top dirty pores, so to speak. I'd agree to a small degree that the sun UV rays has something to do with it too.

    I know the the graphic peeling is caused by the fuel, but i've repainted a 4th white tank & after a year other some very minor bubbling the tank still white.

    In my opinion if you ride your bike, sand it down to get it close to it's original white & get some vented graphic & be done with it.


    I can post pics of a sample white tank i've done before & after pic of.

    Husky John
    ruwfo, Oct 19, 2010
    #5

  6. sharpie1 Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Reno, NV-so close to hell you can see Sparks
    Back when I had a white tank I used cleaner wax, it pulls the dirt out really good. I dont know how effective it would be on a clear tank but on white it works great.
    sharpie1, Oct 19, 2010
    #6

  7. ruwfo Administrator

    Location:
    NJ
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1980 390CR, 1982 430CR, 1984 400WR
    Other Motorcycles:
    1985 250XC, 2016 FJ-09
    Here's a couple of pics

    Here's a KTM 495 tank i sanded down recently, the more i sanded the more dirty white color i got rid of. You'll never get it white white , like new,but it's looks 1000% better. It was a very cloudy day when i took these pics,but it still looks pretty good.Last pic is almost complete,still need to get the graphics.

    Husky John

    Attached Files:

    ruwfo, Oct 20, 2010
    #7

  8. NZHusky Husqvarna
    B Class

    Location:
    Napier,New Zealand
    Thanks fellas, thats what i love about this site...so many good,helpful ideas !
    Im into it now and have found in Australia some decals with breather holes

    Cheers
    NZHusky, Oct 20, 2010
    #8

  9. Fritzcoinc Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Cypress, Texas
    I have removed a lot of the brown, not all, with bleach. The fenders and air box were just dingy and the bleach whitened right up.
    [IMG]

    And I found bathroom cleaner does a pretty good job removing brake dust.
    [IMG]
    Fritzcoinc, Oct 20, 2010
    #9

  10. LEADVILLEHUSKY Husqvarna
    A Class

    Location:
    COLORADO
    I just did my 84 xc 250, started with 1200 grit da paper up to 3000, than white wall cleaner and a grey scotch bright. Looks ok, just cant get some of the bleed thru out but it worked good
    LEADVILLEHUSKY, Oct 22, 2010
    #10

  11. mike328 Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    colorado
    I have used arm & hammer baking soda..to clean outdoor plastic white lawn furniture.
    make a paste and use a rag to apply...rub & rinse.
    remember this stuff is like salt & will kill grass/vegetation so do this on concete etc..but safe of your hands
    mike328, Oct 24, 2010
    #11

  12. Daniel508s Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Vacaville, CA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2009 TC510
    Other Motorcycles:
    2009 Suzuki RMz450, 2013 KTM250sx
    Tilex bathroom cleaner and bleach? Thanks for the tip :thumbsup:. Simple Green works wonders to.
    Daniel508s, Oct 24, 2010
    #12