Painting M1A1 fuel tank

[mebco09]

Just got around to looking at Wild Horses M1A1 I ordered back before covid.

Any thoughts on the procedure for painting these? It looks like there is a lacquer on them, shiney and clear looking?

In the past, I have had to use a lacquer thinner on factory coated parts like this, to get adhesion (if that is indeed what it is).

Anybody had trouble with paint sticking?

Thanks

 

[DirtDonk]

Good question. Guessing you could scuff it, prime it and paint it with just about anything you want. I would not think you'd have to remove the outer coating, if any, but be good to know for sure.
I'll see if I can find out, while we're waiting for anyone that's done it already to chime in.

I know a few have painted the skid plates, but not much chatter on the forums about painting the tank itself.

Let you know what I find out.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

No coating you have to worry about. Just scuff it and paint it.
Several people so far have actually polished theirs to a mirror finish and have not run afoul of any coating.

Thanks for asking about that.
And thanks for buying our tank too!;D

Paul

 

[Bonefizz]

Why would you cover that beautiful Stainless Steel?!

 

[jim3326]

Not an M1A1 but a Sherman. I powdercoated mine.

 

[mebco09]

No coating you have to worry about. Just scuff it and paint it.
Several people so far have actually polished theirs to a mirror finish and have not run afoul of any coating.

Thanks for asking about that.
And thanks for buying our tank too!;D

Paul

I might have to look into that. Not really the look that I am going for, but it would look really nice!

 

[Bronco4x4]

You may need self etching primer. I use this primer on aluminum and white metal. It may be worth the research to be sure.

 

[EricLar80]

Stainless steel is very difficult to paint and get good adhesion. Powdercoating may be the best way to go after having the surface sand blasted.

 

[jim3326]

If you blast the SS almost any paint will stick. We use an epoxy primer and it holds good.