Hi there guys, I managed to pick up a 34L Tenere tank from Ebay Germany for 150 Euro a few months back. It had some late model tenere stickers and had a respray that looked to good to be true....

I stripped the beastie back to bear metal and found only very small patches of filled (less than 1cm dings and only a 1mm or so deep). There has also been some very professional repairs where a section of the tank has been re-soldered. Buy of the century I say

I have applied two lots of a good quality three part tank treatment to ensure the tank doesn't develop rust on the inside any time soon. If you are wondering why there are two treatments - just remember this thing hold 28 Ltrs - Huge!!

Now it is down to metal, I need to ask a couple of questions... I have spraying equipment thanks to a mate but want to get it professionally 2 Packed. Saying that I want to do as much prep to save some dollars.
* Should I fill the dings prior to putting on a primer of put on a primer first?
* The surface is nicely sanded so I don't need an etch primer. What should I undercoat it with to keep any surface rust at bay.

Keep in mind I want to give this to a pro to be 2-packed as that stuff is way to nasty to spray at home

I'll post a few photos soon.

Hi Bugz,

Sounds very similar situation to mine - though I'm now painting my tank for a second time.

First time round, I got the tank chemically cleaned and the place primed it for me. I then added basecoat and a 1 part clearcoat. Two big problems: Firstly the primer and basecoat weren't compatible and it all flaked off in big lumps (I said bad words). Second problem was the brown petrol in the Balkans stained the tank (though these battle scars looked quite cool to me).

THIS time, I've got the etch, primer and basecoat from the same place, to make sure they work together and am getting a 2-part clearcoat applied professionally (having checked with the spray shop for compatibility).

I think this is as good a saving as I can get without compromising the finish - and on my second run through, I'm pretty keen not to have to do it a third time!

One more thing - if you're getting decals cut and planning to seal them under the clearcoat, ask for some swatches. Ask the spray shop to stick them to something and clearcoat them with another job to make sure their clearcoat doesn't dissolve the decal's glue (this was at the recommendation of the spray shop guy).

Not sure if all the checking is a bit over the top - but I've got it wrong before. The person to check things with is the guy who's going to do the final spray for you.

Hope that helps,
VT

As a painter I would prefer that you didnt do anything before you brought it to my shop - it will cost you more if you do as I would strip it back down. Talk to the shop you intend to use and ask how they would like it. BTW Lots of rattle can primers are not compatible with the Urethanes that are used in pro shops.

Good Luck

Lee

Got my dings leaded by Rowe & Son the other week, better than bog.

I think he's the only bloke doing this kind of work in Perth now.

Wish id got one from Europe like you with less dents, its cost me an arm & a leg to get a nice tank (with no bog).




Mezo.

My 3AJ Rebuild is here.

Thanks for the input guys.

I left it at the bare metal stage and sent it to a good motorbike specialist paint shop. I left them with all the decals and they are going to clear coat for me afterwards so it should be a real perler when done.

Mezo - awesome rebuild on that '88 Tenere It seems you've inspired a bunch of Tenere rebuilds over on the advriver forum!

Just had my XT600Z 55W painted. 2 pack paint & new graphics and laquered in. Still on the restoration of the rest of the bike.

Hey Foggie,

The've done a great job for you there! Can I ask how much you were charged for that job. Complete with plastics and the quality of the finish I would say you spent a few quid on that

Do you have a rebuild thread on your 55W?

Foggie,

May I ask where you sourced your decals from please? Also do you know the paint code/name for that blue?

That certainly looks like a nice job to me! Be sure to post some pics of the bike when finished.

__________________
Be the person your dog thinks you are.

Woops - forgot to let everyone know!

I think this must be the best 34L tank around. I decided to hand it to the pro's with a bare metal respray in two pack new decals and a coat of clear.

The inside has also been rust proofed for good measure.

Tanks for the advise

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