I need to replace the leaking intake manifold seals on my Sportster. Removal of the manifold meant first removing the fuel tank. I’ve never cared for the baby blue tank graphics. The tank also has two small dings, so I decided to strip it. Think I will polish the steel and clear coat, or just rust it up and reinstall.

 

i saw a real cool idea the other day (wish i could remember where) anyway he stripped the tank back to bare metal then masked off a *****-G skull on the tank clear coated the tank (but not the skull) then removed the masked off skull stencil and left it to the elements end result a nice clear coated clean tank with a ***** -g skull that constantly changes as it surface rusts...the dogs **** i thought..(wish i could find it again poss xl forum)

 

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the rust look. Think that I will goof around with it tonight after having a few beers

 

I kind of like the scotch brite swirls with clear over it. Not much a fan of rust.

 

I use Boeshield on my stripped tank and love it.

 

Cool idea. I'm rusting my rear fender as we speak.

 

The beer kicked in. Before and after pics.

 

Gee, I like that, I would still clear it, but like I said, that is my opinion.

 

The appearance as you see it now is preliminary. I’ve been experimenting with a piece of old fender the past few weeks. Finished product will be far more subtle. Also plan to install a very plain Harley-Davidson decal that I like.

 

I like it, a lot! I want to paint my tank, probably my winter project amongst other things.