Tank thread.

[Wingedwheel]

A lot of the threads are about building a bike or re-building a part. Electrical and carburetor issue's out the yin-yang, brakes, wheels, bearings and the lot but I haven't seen any threads recently on just an easy refurbish. I know some guys are intimidated by the charging system or don't want to dive into the engine so I thought I'd post about a simple-to-me project. I bought a cool old Yamaha tank off Craigslist, not because I plan on using it but I wanted to make it beautiful again. OK, who knows, I might end up using it but in the meantime I want to do some things with it. First off I could use some help positively identifying it.

 

[Wingedwheel]

As you can see in the pics it has a few small dings but nothing too terribly deep. It was also fairly clean on the inside with just a few spots of rust that looked like old gas had just turned to goop. I took a half gallon of white vinegar, added a good handful of nuts and bolts and proceeded to shake it back and forth for about 15 minutes. I then let it sit overnight and shook it again today before pouring it out and washing the inside of the tank out with mild soap and water. I think it came

out OK

 

[Wingedwheel]

Then I used some engine fogger to prevent flash rust until I can coat it.

 

[weekendrider]

Maybe a R5 tank. Here is an e-bay listing for comparision.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-YAMAHA-...ash=item2a824965a0:g:mroAAOSwi7RZGG0O&vxp=mtr

 

[Wingedwheel]

Looks pretty close weekendrider. The tank badges look like they would fit the tabs I have. Paint scheme is close too.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I found this pic

 

[CoconutPete]

I used a mix of 2-stroke oil and gasoline as a rust preventer after the vinegar cure. It worked like a charm. Someone on this board recommended it. Can't remember who.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Yea Pete I know the thread. That's where I got the idea.

 

[gggGary]

Get some blue magic metal polish, use a towel and start hand buffing, you will be AMAZED at how good the paint comes up.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Well the engine fogger worked for crap. Another of my great idea's for creating more work! Checked the tank again and it was rusty. I had to re-do the treatment and this time I used the 2-stroke mix like Pete mentioned.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Gary I've got to do a light wet-sand to knock down any boogers then I've got some Maquires Ultra cut that I use with a small damp foam pad on my drill that's always worked like a charm. I'll try that this weekend and post some pics.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Finally got a few minutes to clean it up and polish. Now just need to find it a good home...