Tank sticker preservation?

[Mike F.]

Pulled the tank today. The tank sticker is covered in gas & grime. All the glue is as sticky as the day it was put on and covers the majority of the sticker.
The paper is damp-fragile, tried using a paint brush to remove some of the grime, it's caked on pretty good.

The only way to read anything is holding a flashlight from underneath a corner of the paper. Even then I can only read the ink that was applied from the printers for Chevrolet. None of the "typed letters" for the options, build, etc., can be made out.

I don't see any good options to remove the sticker without causing more damage, but I need to clean the tank before putting it back in.

Any suggestions?

TIA,
Mike

[James N.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

Buy another tank to install in your car. Keep the original tank with the sticker on it in a safe dry climate controlled place. Clean the sticker as best you can with a soft brush.

[William F.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

If tank sticker is still on tank and tank doesn't need replacing, should I do something to preserve it like spraying sticker( while on tank or removing sticker?) with some sort of clear paint?
Thanks,
'67 L79 C60 coupe
'67 top flight roadster

[Mark D.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

Mike,

Treat it like a sore **** and just don't touch it.

I promise you, if you take all the time in the world and let it dry out, then start gently cleaning with a brush, just a little at a time, you will be amazed how it turns out.

Patience, Grasshopper! Good luck.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

Buy a new tank and replace it. I wish I'd done that with my 71, though there was not much sticker left.

Patrick

[Patrick B.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

I agree. A readable tank sticker is worth far more than an old gas tank even if it doesn't leak. My 67 427 had a very legible tank sticker but I didn't think it would stand too much pulling or scraping. I simply took a SAWZALL and cut the metal the sticker was attached to off the top of the tank. I put the metal plate with the sticker still attached in a clear plastic envelope that was treated with something to preserve paper. It has been in my file cabinet for 20 years and looks great. I wish I had done the same thing with my 70 LT-1. It had a very good tank sticker but I lost a little of it trying to peal it off.

[Paul J.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

Mike. I don't know where these guys are getting these ideas.

Take some pictures, and take them (or send them) to a conservator in your area. A museum curator would be best. These people are accessable, you just have to dig them up (pun intended).

Your first question is how to test the glue to find out what will remove it, and then how to remove the sticker. After you get the sticker off, they can give you some pointers to clean it, or you can just send it to a conservator or a restoration service. Most of these people do books and documents, so check an old book store or the internet for names. Paying a professional a little money might be worth it.

Paul

[Michael B.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

Mike, if you are going to attempt removing the sticker try Bestine. I used this to remove the door sticker with fantastic results on a 77. The entire translucent sticker came off without affecting the print. Bestine attacks the glue, not the ink. It will wet the paper while you are doing this. Be very patient and slow with a brush from the back of the paper allowing it to pry up on it's own.

Good luck

Michael B.

[Mike F.]

Re: Tank sticker preservation?

I've spoken with several paper conservators and showed them the pics.

The majority response was leave it alone or accept losing/destroying it in the removal/preservation process.

Thanks,
Mike