Is there a way to remove the factory decals off the tank without messing with the paint?

 

No, they are cleared over. If your really good it is possible to sand the clear off the decals, feather out the edge and re-clear. Most likely though you will end up breaking through the color and into the primer below.

 

That is impossible to accomplish.

 

It can be done.

 

I'm a body tech. Can tell you first hand that will not work.

 

Hey OP - There are some You Tube vid of dudes that have attempted doing so. I goofed around with this when stripping that purple king tank I recently installed. You can likely get the decal off, but removal will be obvious and your clear coat will be f&%$#d-up. Guess you could then attempt to sand the remaining clear, not remove any base color, and then re-coat the tank … but now I’m just rambling about chit I know nothing about.

 

Seen it done on a buddy's late '90s big twin, don't remember which model but a really good friend who has done a few cars for me did it. He sanded the clear off, removed the decals, feathered the clear, recleared the whole thing then did some letteing in gold leaf.

 

 

I say “What the hell … Give it a try”. If things don’t work out we’ll all have a beer and laugh about it later.

Happy New Year !!

 

A couple more beers and i just might give it a shot.