Anyone installed Spectra fuel tank naked / unpainted?

[barbiebandit]

I posted this in another loosely-related thread but deserves it's own post.

The question: Has anyone had a Spectra fuel tank that they left naked/unpainted and has been installed for over 3 years? If yes... what is the result? Was it a fair-weather only application?

 

[Mopardrew]

Could always clearcoat it if your looking for that look. Usually undercoat mine but everything’s a driver. Hopefully I helped.

 

[barbiebandit]

Could always clearcoat it if your looking for that look. Usually undercoat mine but everything’s a driver. Hopefully I helped.

Thanks, what I'm really interested in is whether someone left a Spectra tank naked, because they make the tank with a special Nickel electroplate type coating. In my original post on the other thread I go into stupid detail on it but wanted to keep this post simpler.

 

[slepr1]

I had mine powdercoated...big mistake. The vent lines inside the tank are soldered, which melts below the powdercoating bake temperature.

 

[91r/t]

Same tank as Quanta sells? If so, mines been naked for 6 or so years and still looks new. Installed it in the fairgrounds parking lot of Carlisle after a ratchet strap puncture incident (long story) right before the show. Had to walk in and buy a new sending unit, straps, etc...and installed in on our backs. Still looks great to this day, but it does stay in a heated building and is driven quite frequently all spring, summer, and fall.

 

[barbiebandit]

Same tank as Quanta sells? If so, mines been naked for 6 or so years and still looks new. Installed it in the fairgrounds parking lot of Carlisle after a ratchet strap puncture incident (long story) right before the show. Had to walk in and buy a new sending unit, straps, etc...and installed in on our backs. Still looks great to this day, but it does stay in a heated building and is driven quite frequently all spring, summer, and fall.

Sorry I don't know Quantum. Are they a reseller or a manufacturer of aftermarket parts? The tank I'm asking about is made by Spectra from Ni-terne steel. All their tanks are it seems to me. I'm wondering about their "natural" corrosion resistance.

https://www.spectrapremium.com/en/aftermarket/north-america/fuel-tank

Or if Quantum is actually a tank manufacturer whose tanks are made of Ni-Terne that would be interesting!

 

[barbiebandit]

I had mine powdercoated...big mistake. The vent lines inside the tank are soldered, which melts below the powdercoating bake temperature.

Woah... good to know! Thanks for the warning.

 

[slepr1]

I'm wondering about their "natural" corrosion resistance.

The corrosion resistance would be important on the inside of the tank. The outside is cosmetic and corrosion can be controlled by painting. I personally wouldn't trust it not to rust on the outside, even if its around the seams or around the straps where other metals are touching.

 

[khryslerkid]

I've done some kinky things naked but never installed a gas tank that way.

 

[idrivemopar]

I installed my tank 6 years ago, and she is a garage kept car that is only driven in good weather, and never washed with a hose, only hand washed, so the car has not been exposed to much water. The tank looks the same as the day it was installed. I did clear coat the fuel neck and the tank straps only because the plating had come off and that was done as a rust prevention measure.

 

[HT413]

Two things I never do naked - work on a fuel system and fry bacon.

 

[barbiebandit]

Two things I never do naked - work on a fuel system and fry bacon.

I do bacon that way because it forces me to slow - cook it on level 6-7 heat so it won't splatter, resulting in the perfect level of controlled crispyness. My chef friend said it was a secret of the best fry cooks

 

[HT413]

I do bacon that way because it forces me to slow - cook it on level 6-7 heat so it won't splatter, resulting in the perfect level of controlled crispyness. My chef friend said it was a secret of the best fry cooks

That’s some sensitive temperature sensors you’re using there.

 

[moparedtn]

I've done some kinky things naked but never installed a gas tank that way.

Well, sure! I figured everyone did? Hell, how else you gonna hold the thing up by yourself while getting the j-bolts started?
#invertedpogostick

 

[91r/t]

Quanta says there tank is made of that type of steel so it’s definitely a possibility that they resell that tank...not sure.

 

[barbiebandit]

Quanta says there tank is made of that type of steel so it’s definitely a possibility that they resell that tank...not sure.

Ah, Quanta... found them...
http://www.gastanks.com/mobile/1974...ury-Road-Runner-Satellite/productinfo/CR-21A/

Same metal so if it still looks new that's a good sign

 

[beanhead]

Spectra tank on mine, a little over 2 years on the car but driven year round, (no rain or snow) tank still looks fine...

 

[YY1]

Not sure what brand mine is, but it's Canadian.

It's been in about 3-4 years.

There is some staining but no rusting.

 

[barbiebandit]

Not sure what brand mine is, but it's Canadian.

It's been in about 3-4 years.
There is some staining but no rusting.

if it's Canadian it's likely a Spectra.
So some staining happening... like mild surface rust or like dulling of the shine in areas?

Thanks!

 

[YY1]

I think it's a reaction to gas.

Kind of a faint translucent greenish in streaks front to back or vice versa.