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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Tank Decal
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Message started by Savage_Rob on 02/26/05 at 23:26:08

Title: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/26/05 at 23:26:08

Well, I finally sat down and removed the OEM decals completely. I drained the tank completely and let it air out for a week before working on it. Then I used a hair drier to soften the adhesive a bit (which is as much as it would help) and painstakingly scraped it off a flake at a time using a plastic cooking sp00n (you know, the equivalent to the wooden stirring sp00ns) to avoid scratching the paint. After that, I used Goo-Gone and a toothbrush to remove the adhesive. Finally, I cleaned the surface up using a vinegar based glass cleaner. I applied new decals and will give them a few weeks to cure before using any wax or anything else. Would it be advisable to do my own spray can clearcoat over these?
http://www.groesbeck.org/db3/00259/groesbeck.org/_uimages/Eagle_Tank_02.jpg

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by PerrydaSavage on 02/27/05 at 02:53:22

8)Cool decal there Rob! If t'was me though, I don't know if I'd clear coat over it in case I ever wanted to change it ...
I see you have an in-line filter in the fuel line ... great idea!

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Mr 650 on 02/27/05 at 08:22:24

Looks good 8)
How was the original clear removed?
It appears pretty thick, did it come off with the decal?
Will that decal take clear ?

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by sluggo on 02/27/05 at 09:36:50

i'm at the same point as you on the clear coat.

i have left mine as i'm sending it out to fix a dent and jet black paint job.

on the dented side i did try to reapply clear coat. i was not satisfied with the results.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/27/05 at 11:12:05

The original clearcoat has only been removed where the decal was removed; it came off with it since they applied it over the decal. I guess I could just wax it without the clearcoat on those areas but I'd read someplace about someone just using a can of clearcoat from their local auto supply house and didn't know if that would be recommended or not. As to whether the new decal will take clearcoat, I hadn't considered that. I guess I should probably check with the manufacturer before I do anything.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Mr 650 on 02/27/05 at 11:35:02

Savage_Rob wrote:

Man yeah, all that work and then have the decal go krinkle finish would ruin your day. I did that once, the lacquer thinner made it wrinkle up around the edge like a lasagna noodle!

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by PerrydaSavage on 02/27/05 at 11:43:55

Saw some Bikes on Corbin's Ride On yesterday that had their gas tanks covered in brown leather ... thought it was a real cool look ... and a unique alternative to re-painting ... betcha it would look great on the Savage!

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Nightrain on 02/28/05 at 13:17:19

Hey rob, How bad did it look with no clearcoat in one spot? was it bad or barely noticable?

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by gitarzan on 02/28/05 at 17:54:14

I wonder if you feathered out the edges where the decal was, and clearcoated the whole tank?

When I removed the warning stickers on my '97 I was suprised that there was no fading.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Mr 650 on 02/28/05 at 18:24:59

Yeah Gitar,
I was wondering if it would work to fill the low spot 1st coat,
sand. then shoot the whole thing 2nd time.
It would take more coats to smooth over a new decal.
Risky biz ???

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/28/05 at 18:32:10

Except that I don't want to remove the new decals, using a bit of rubbing compound and then clearcoating would not have been a bad idea. If I change them, I'll rub it down, clearcoat, apply decals and clearcoat again. There was no fading, just a very slight ridge where the edge of the decal was and the clearcoat ends. As it stands now, it's only barely noticeable and I can probably feather it a bit before adding the clearcoat. I contacted Weston Signs and Decals (http://www.westonsigns.com/) (where I got the decals) and was told clearcoat over the decal was just fine; that a lot of his customers do that.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by sluggo on 02/28/05 at 19:52:59

Nightrain wrote:

Hey rob, How bad did it look with no clearcoat in one spot? was it bad or barely noticable?

with my removal there is a distinct line where the clearcoat was. from a distance it was not noticable, close up it was.

i did try to reclearcoat and was not satisfied with the results. someone with more body work skills might be able to do a better job.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Nightrain on 03/01/05 at 08:22:47

Were you using Home Depot rattlecan clearcoat or do you have a spray gun?

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/01/05 at 10:54:06

I will be using AutoZone rattlecan.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/01/05 at 13:19:09

If I decide to change the decal again (or if I hose it up badly) I'll rub the tank down seriously and get new clearcoat done at a body shop, apply the new decals, and clearcoat again.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by gitarzan on 03/01/05 at 16:33:33

Rattlecans in a clean enviroment, proper temps, humidity, can look as professional as anything, if you shoot it right and have patience to time coats properly and let it dry until it's dry.

I shoot lacquer in my basement now and then and get factory results. (in winter, summer is too humid)

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/01/05 at 16:49:42

That's why I'm not doing it now... 50F and raining tonight and tomorrow. I'll wait for 70F and less humidity. In the mean time, she doesn't look too bad. I took this shot earlier this evening.

http://www.groesbeck.org/db3/00259/groesbeck.org/_uimages/Nadine.jpg

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Greg_650 on 03/05/05 at 07:51:18

Savage_Rob wrote:

Do I see a mudflap on that front fender?

:D

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Paladin on 03/05/05 at 13:07:29

Greg_650 wrote:

Do I see a mudflap on that front fender?

:D

Yep. And his saddlebag support brackets are missing. Also see new grips.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Greg_650 on 03/05/05 at 14:01:55

And for that matter, do I see another mudflap hanging under the license plate?

Yep, he got them Kuryakyn grips and that big sturdy functional engine guard too.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Savage_Rob on 03/05/05 at 19:26:26

LOL, yup. But no mudflap on the back. That's just the license plate mount itself. In fact, I used the other flap from the set as a squeegee when I put the new decals on the tank.

Title: Re: Tank Decal
Post by Mr 650 on 03/05/05 at 19:49:19

Looks like you're ready to ride daddy-o.