Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

[Tom S.]

I have a C-4 that has some staining on the outside of the Gas tank. It is a white stain like road salt would leave up north. This car has never been in the rain or salt!It won't wipe off,what is the best way to clean it? I started using scotch brite pads but they are to abrasive, they take it off but leave minor scratches.What is the best thing to use?I got gigged in judging and want to bring it back to new condition! Thanks Tom

[Terry F.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

Use some CLR on it or lime away or leave it. I would probably leave it. Car is meant to be driven and get dirty. Goes with having fun. Tell the judge it is original dirt. Have fun, Terry

[Tom S.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

I will try the lime away. It is some sort of oxidation that forms on Galvanized material, I have seen it before but never had a need to clean it. I am thinking of taking the car to nationals so I want it correct.Tom

[Terry D.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

Tom
You could try some very fine steel wool with some comet or other cleaners also.
Terry

[Chuck S.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

Tom, I would give the CLR a try...I believe CLR has dilute phosphoric acid in it. I have used very dilute acid (probably phosphoric; possibly muriatic) with good results. Be aware that the zinc coating will be removed by strong acid, particularly muriatic acid. The ususal concerns about acid cleaning indoors or in a closed space apply. I found that the poor appearance returns pretty quickly; good neutralization followed by a misted satin clear coat may keep that from happening, but I haven't tried it...I gave it up and went with a new tank.

[Terry F.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

It is tough to remove because it will tent to remove the plating protection. The purpose of the plating is to oxidize in preference to the steel. When the steel oxidizes, it rusts. That protective coating is pretty thin on those tanks. Hard to clean it without cleaning it off. Recently I saw a product advertised that removed rust without being an acid. I noticed that it really removed oxidation too. It was posted on the board once also. I will look for it. It seemed as gental as you can get for removing rust or oxidation.....Here, I found it. Try this stuff. It seems to shine things up nicely without killing it. Not an acid so I don't think it will eat through the non-oxidized plating. Just a thought.

http://www.ridrust.com/benefits.asp

Take care, Terry

[Tom S.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

Thanks to all who helped. I will try a samll spot first and go from there. thanks Again. Tom

[Jim W.]

Re: Cleaning outside of gas tank ??

Terry, That ridrust is great. I was wandering how I was going to remove the surface rust off my heater fan squirrel cage because of all the odd shapes and bent vanes. I got a gallon of this and put in a small bucket to cover item for one day and it came out looking almost new . I took some great pictures but not sure how to attach here. Works good on bolts and any small item.