1981 XS650H gas tank woes

[hamamatsu]

I just took the cover off of my 1981 XS650H and found that gasoline had forced it's way out of the gas cap. I don't really know how it happened, I usually keep the tank topped off and the bike sitting on the center stand, so the way it was sitting is nothing new. The gas took the shine off of the tank as it ran down the side. The only thing I had in the tank was gasoline and Sta-bil...which shouldn't ruin the paint. This is the original paint on the tank, does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can use to bring the shine back. Did Yamaha use a clear coat back in 1981 ? If so, was it solvent or water base ?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[littlebill31]

Not sure about the paint, maybe compound?
E-10 fuel has a way of expanding more than the old fuel.
Fun test: Place your plastic fuel can outside for a day. Sucker swells up tighter then Dick's hat band.
Hope it works out. Shame to loose the good, old paint.

 

[jamesgs4]

you can bring back the shine with a quick polish. any fine grade polishing compound will do.

 

[gggGary]

Yes it has clear coat. Use Blue magic metal polish to buff it, trust me on this one!

 

[hamamatsu]

Thanks for the quick reply guys, I'll give the buffing a try.