Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

[Stephen F.]

I have read the archive threads on tank sticker removal (basically recommendations not to remove) and I'm still curious if anyone has ever found a way to soften up the glue to remove the order copy. I have not decided if I want to remove the tank sheet but I do have the tank down and now would be the time to remove if I choose to do so. Anyone have any success in softening up the glue and removing the tank sheet?

Thanks.

[Larry M.]

Re: Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

Steve:

No special way to soften glue. I did the following when I removed mine:

1. Took 8-1/2 x 11 size 35MM photos of the tank sticker. Probably about a dozen under various lighting conditions. Lightly dusted tank sticker to remove dust. Then had film developed and printed before next step.

2. Used a package of USA made razor blade, razor blade scrapper, and some WD40 sprayed on the blades for lubricity. SLOWLY scrapped the sticker from the tank, making sure to preferentially remove gas tank TERNE outer coating (zinc/lead coating) rather than harm the tank sticker paper. It took some time and a package of razor blades, but I was successful.

3. Put sticker between two special cut plexiglass plates (about 8 x 10 size) and then sealed all the edges of the plexiglass with masking tape cut to fit. Perhaps one could also seal with 2-part epoxie run along the edges (try on a test piece)

Some folks try and keep the tank and tank sticker together and just buy and install a new Quanta OLAnderson logo gas tank. I removed my sticker, but did buy and install the Quanta tank.

Larry

[Rocco S.]

Re: Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

Steve,

I went through the same dilemma. When I dropped the tank on my 67, the tank sticker was in near perfect condition. I used a very soft brush used for cosmetics and dusted it off. The paper was yellowed but still readable. The sticker had a large amount of glue in the center of the sheet-right where the most important information is. I tried the razor blade method but the glue was so hard from age that the razor "rode up" on the glue and started damaging the paper. I did not want to damage the tank finish either, since I wanted to re-use the tank after a cleaning the inside.
I decided the safest solution was to take several digital photos of the tank sticker, then cover it with an over-sized sheet of Mylar-like plastic and sealed it with weather proof tape around the outside. I then re-installed the tank. The tank sticker will now stay with the vehicle forever.

[Gary S.]

Re: Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

Last month the Pittsburgh Tri-state chapter had a mini-meet and one item displayed was the original tank sheet still attached to the tank. What was different was that the owner cut out the metal containing the sheet. In his case, the tank was toast so no harm, no foul.

It is a possibility.

[Ara G.]

Re: Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

I documented the tank drop with pictures, tons of them. The tank sheet was on the tank, so I didn't want to disturb it or get anything near so. Thus, i sourced another used, original tank that was in great shape and installed it in my silver car. I have a tank that matches the unrestored, clean undercarriage of my car and the original one stored in a large black trashbag to avoid any sunlight hitting it and darkening it up. Another option for you if you so desire. ARA

[Stephen F.]

Re: Tank Sheet (Order Copy) Removal

Thank you for the replies. After consideration, I have decided to cover the tank sheet with a clear sheet protector and some tape on the edges. I put two small slits in the protector for air so that moisture does not build up under the plastic. The order copy will stay with the car in it's original position.