Gas tank straps finish

[Charles P.]

Just received a set of new gas tank straps that are zinc plated with a flash shine. I will be putting these on a 73 when I replace the tank. Were these painted in any way or should they be left the plated zinc? My JM mentions nothing on this.

[Terry M.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

Semi-gloss black. I'm not sure how the paint will stick to the zinc plate, but be sure to clean/degrease them before painting.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

Semi-gloss black. I'm not sure how the paint will stick to the zinc plate, but be sure to clean/degrease them before painting.

Unless the zinc is passivated(?), paint won't stick to the plating at all...it'll be flaking off before you get the bolts tight.

Your options are (1) try a vinegar wash, or some other paint store specialty product wash, to passivate the zinc...It's never worked for me, plus you continue to have the plating thickness that affects appearance; Or, (2) you can use muriatic acid to completely strip the plating off the straps for good paint adhesion, and that will be a huge messy and somewhat risky pain in the backside.

In retrospect, buying used straps with a little rust might have been less trouble for you than "new" plated straps...ask here about finish before you buy. Frankly, if I could find some used ones, I would probably ebay the plated ones in order to avoid the hassle.

[Charles P.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

I may bring them over to ask my powder coater if they cab be done. If not then zinc they'll have to be.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

I may bring them over to ask my powder coater if they cab be done. If not then zinc they'll have to be.

Stripping the zinc off with muriatic acid is really not hard nor expensive. It can be done.

Patrick

[Charles P.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

Once you have the Muriatic acid is it simply a matter of hand/eye protection and running a soaked rag over them. How easily will the zinc come off and will the natural steel be obvious underneath during the process??

[Patrick H.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

Once you have the Muriatic acid is it simply a matter of hand/eye protection and running a soaked rag over them. How easily will the zinc come off and will the natural steel be obvious underneath during the process??

I just dip it in, and move to the next portion when it stops bubbling.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

Charles, there has been a misunderstanding here before, so I'll make sure that you know that commercially available muriatic acid should be diluted and not used full strength...use about one part acid to four parts water.

The biggest challenge will be to find a container large enough to contain the straps that's acid proof...you can probably find a large plastic storage container at a home store that will be perfect.

Like Patrick says, just immerse them in the solution and watch the bubbles. I probably would use rubber gloves to lift them out every few minutes and check them for remaining zinc before the bubbles stopped, but once the activity slows way down, they're done.

You're making the right decision. I didn't mean to scare you off, but there is some personal risk, it's messy, and you'll have to neutralize the acid with baking soda before you dump it out. Don't put it in the sewer unless you COMPLETELY neutralize it; the municipal guys will come looking for the guy that killed their sewage plant bugs.

PS: Unless you have some future use for the acid, donate it to a friend that has a swimming pool. In any event, resist the urge to store the remaining acid in your garage...store it in a secure location outdoors. The vapor that leaks out of the bottle, and it invariably does, will eat everything made of steel in your garage.

[Robert M.]

Re: Gas tank straps finish

blast-em before you paint if you have access to a glass bead cabinet. Works great!