plating cycle gas tank

[tl1965]

I'm restoring gas and oil tanks on an antique cycle. I've used gas tank sealers before but I'm not pleased with the results. I think Indian used to plate their insides of gas tanks with tin. First question- Would this feasible to do at home with a 3 gallon gas tank? Secondly- Would another plating compound be a better metal protectant than tin? Thirdly- How would I do it and how best to prepare the metal? Thank you in advance for any help.

[mcaswell]

Can I ask why you want to plate them at all...because they're leaking?

If so, plating is not a good solution. We sell an excellent 2 part epoxy gas tank sealer that gets great reviews.

See http://www.caswellplating.com/epoxygas.htm

[tl1965]

No, they are not leaking. I want to condition the insides to keep them from rusting. I am not interested in applying a sealer that may peel and clog my fuel line or filter. Indian tanks were tin plated on the inside. Is there a way to do this?

[mcaswell]

The gas tank sealer would be the best product for this. It absolutely will not peel. See our testimonials page at http://www.caswellplating.com/testimonials.htm where you'll find at least 5 testimonials about our gas tank sealer.

We don't sell a tin plating kit at all, and even if we did, getting any electroplate inside the tank would be extremely difficult.

The only possible solution would be electroless nickel, but the problem then becomes adhesion. The inside of your tank would have to be 100% oil free for the plate to stick. You'll have to get a plating bath big enough to immerse the entire tank.