Hi, all... I have a 1995 Accord, and I removed the gas tank as necessary to replace brake lines and fuel lines. The gas tank does not leak (to my knowledge), but there is some surface rust as well as some rusty blisters under the paint. The bottom of the tank has a rubberized coating.

While I wasn't planning on doing anything at all with the tank, I figured why not touch it up? But I don't really know the best way to go about it because of the rubberized bottom, and because while searching for gas tank paints, most products are for sealers (with variable reviews...maybe due to product or maybe novice prep work, I don't know). Basically, I'm just looking for advice to see if it's worth my while to paint it or just put it back the way it is. Thanks!

 

Always replace if you see rust on the tank. If there's rust on the outside, there's likely rust floating around on the inside that the fuel pump is having to filter through.

 

Thanks, Chance! I was starting to lean in that direction after reading people's experiences using sealers, including some saying the sealer failed and clogged their filters--whether that's due to inadequate prep (seems likely as it looks involved) or product failure, hard to say. But I can get a Spectra Premium gas tank for just under $150, so I'm just going to do that.

BTW... should I put a rubberized undercoating on the new one like my car has? I don't know if that's a factory finish or not.

 

I had my 1972 Chevy truck's OEM tank "renewed." A shop cut two openings in either side, sandblasted the inside, put in the coating, welded up the openings, and I painted the outside since that tank actually sits in the cab behind the seat. I haven't tried it yet though.

I'd just replace the tank if I were you. I'd do something to the outside to prevent road debris from damaging it. I've heard "X Line" is very hard as is duraliner.

 

Replace or have professionally restored.