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Diesel TANK polishing

After searching thru the forum for ideas about polishing my fuel tank.  NOT  POLISHING FUEL.  I wasn't able to find anything so I'm throwing it out there. 
  I just completed compounding our entire coach and waxing also.  I came out really well and I'd post pics but they wouldn't do it justice.  And then the thought came to me, why not compound the diesel tank. I've seen coaches with nice shiny fuel tanks and I want one too.

 So I ordered some sanding disc's for my Rupes 21 orbital polisher and I now have from 60 to 2000 grit sanding disc's.    There's a couple light scratches in the tank but I doubt there deep enough to weaken tank by sanding them out. I hope.

  The question is,  are there any complications in doing this with the tank completely full of diesel. That's probably a dumb question but I don't want any diesel issues because of some vibration on the tank while I'm sanding away.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
. I've seen coaches with nice shiny fuel tanks and I want one too.
Sounds like you have a case of tank envy.  :)

I do not see how vibrations from sanding would have adverse impacts on your fuel.  I suppose if the tank had a lot of corrosion on the inside, it could cause it to flake off and eventually make its way into your fuel filter, but seems a very unlikely scenario.

I polished the end of ours when I had the tank pulled out to replace the fuel lines.  Seemed like a good time to do it since it was exposed and allowed easier access.  I used Renegade compound and buffing wheels on a angle grinder.  Our tank also had some large scratches, but I did not try to completely remove them.

My polish job is not perfect, but is is shiny enough to see everything behind you when fueling up.
40ft 1997 U320

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #2 –
DD.  I suppose your right.  I think I'll go ahead with it ,, tomorrow.    Raining in Phoenix today ☹️
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #3 –

Tank should have nothing on the inside walls but shiny aluminum. Use a LED light and mirror to check but expect it will be very clean. For polishing, I like Simichrome or Mothers' has always worked well.  https://www.amazon.com/customerpicks/Explore-polish-for-aluminum/c5de1d97ec5116f2fb4c Aircraft Wool also works well but slower as you can't use a buffer. If the tank has corrosion on the outside, go to HD and get this stuff. I use it on aluminum aircraft corrosion with a sponge. It's mild so no fumes. It has phosphoric acid in it. Since it's mild, I keep using a sponge on it until the corrosion is gone and then a quick rinse. https://www.homedepot.com/p/reviews/Klean-Strip-1-Gal-Concrete-Etch-Metal-Prep-Rust-Inhibitor-GKPA30220/100406369/5

I use Mothers'most of the time with a large shop low speed buffer. Looks like glass after it's done. Mothers' also works great on the Alcoa wheels.

Pierce

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Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #4 –

It's a dirty job
Amazon.com: Eagle One 1035605 Nevr-Dull Wadding Polish - 5 oz, Single...
Just got my current aluminum project powder coated with aluminum flake. Real pretty
Next one gets red powder coat , should be quite impressive
Scott

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #5 –
Would the never-dull stuff work equally well for retaining the shine.  On gel coat the spray wax works ok but I would think not so much on polished aluminum. 
  But then again I use spray wax on the wheels so maybe better to use never-dull on wheels and the tank.          Save spray wax for gel coat ??
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
  But then again I use spray wax on the wheels so maybe better to use never-dull on wheels and the tank.         

 Bob,

On aluminum Sharkhide Store will fix you up with protecting shine. If your coach has the polished aluminum mirrors rather than chrome this stuff is a must have.  Works great on awing covers too. Pricey Yes but a little goes a long way.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #7 –
Mike. 
 Thanks. It's now in my cart.  As soon as I get some stuff used up I'll pull the trigger.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR
 

Re: Diesel TANK polishing

Reply #8 –
Bob polishing aluminum is a dirty job. The never dull work well with the wading. Your compound polish will also work. The shark hide will be on my list. I don't know how well it will bring it up, but the reviews are good on the longevity. Single biggest issue I see with polishing is it always need touch up. Hopefully the shark hide will resolve that issue. No problem with fuel in tank. Will make is quieter and keep surface cooler.  It will look great IMO. Lots of towels will help. They mention baby diapers and sounds like it would work well. FYI don't touch your face during process. Dirty job
Scott