When filling up the tank this past Saturday, I noticed that the paint around the rim of the fuel tank is starting to peel & bubble. Nothing too major but it does make me worry.

The bike is custom painted (flames - skulls) so touching up here and there isn't going to happen.

Once the paint starts to bubble and peel, does it keep going? I would assume (bad of me) that once gas has an entry point (i.e. loose paint) it will continue to eat it away.

What can I do to stop this? Is there anything I can put on the paint / cracks to keep it from growing? My first thought was something like clear nail polish.

Help!

 

There is a product called paint savers, it's a ring that gets epoxied over the edge of the filler neck to cover it up.

http://www.tejasthumpcycles.com/Part...ller_rings.JPG

 

TCSTD already said what i was going to suggest.

Hope it isnt already too late.

David

 

Well .... the paint has already bubbled and chipped around the rim. I was hoping that there would be a few suggestions like laquer, nail polish or something else to cover it up.

Installing the paint saver is one thing, how do I help what has already been done?

 

Thanks for the info Bill!

I just noticed this weekend that my tank paint was doing the same thing. Arrugh!!!

Ultravista, the description of the item indicates that it will conceal the existing damage. I assume that as long as the area is clean and dry prior to installation that we shouldn't have any issues with rust or other corrosion.

 

Do you think the Bikers Choice Pop-Up Gas cap would work?

Bikers Choice Pop-Up Gas Cap

To me, it's a complete solution for keeping the area clean and gas free? There are also (other brand) paint savers that screw into place and have an internal threaded gas cap.

My HD dealer told me to seal the area with JB Weld. I asked a painter, he told me the same thing BUT to install a new cap system in addition.

 

Looks like that could work as well. I just about ordered the Paint Saver when I had second thoughts about it. I wanted to upgrade the tank with pop-ups as well and I don't think that you can use both.

 

The pop-up caps should work, it really does the same thing as the ring around the tank.

 

Hate to tell you but in order to keep the paint from keep peeling , the paint must be trimmed back past the point where it is cracked and bubbling. Had the same thing happen to me with a flame job. If you don't trim it PAST where it is peeling and reseal it , the gas fumes will work it's way back under it .Use a razer blade and 2 hands to trim the paint back. Take your time!!!!! Go to Wal Mart or auto paint store and get a tube of color match touch up paint. Make sure it has clear coat added most do and seal it around where you trimmed old paint. Make sure that no gas or FUMES gets to the new paint untill it cures or it will start peeling again!! good luck!

 

what he said above, had to do the same on my sporty steady hands and xacto knife!