Needing Help and Advise

[Ghost]

I have got a set of gas tanks that are extended for my 94 springer. My Problem is that I need to Prep them totally smooth the weld and then get them ready for sometype of paint.... Never did this before Dont have Money to have them professionally done, so I am doing this myself and want it to look as if they Came from a professional. ANY and All advise and education would be greatly greatly apreciated.... Dont have alot of time to complete but will take as long as needed to have the job done right. Just haven't rode and getting the fever so bad can feel the air rushing around me. PLEASE help. :(

[BillCoupe]

First, if you haven't done so yet, be sure you pressure test the tank for leaks before you start grinding. That way, if there's a leak you can take it back and get them to seal it up first. Then you can start in on smoothing the welds.

What you don't want to do, is grind the metal too far tryin gto achieve that 'smooth' look witha power tool.

Using a light touch, grind away the majority of the weld. You can use a grinder, or a small air cut-off tool (you could double the disks to get a little wider 'cut' and minimized gouging) .

Once you've got most of the weld knocked down, I'd use a file to ease the remaining bead down. You're not going to get it perfect without taking a risk of thinning the metal around the weld.

Then apply a thin coat of filler over the weld, sand an feather it smooth. By extending the filler 3 or 4 inches out from the bead, once it's sanded, featheredged, primed and painted you'll never be able to see the weld.

Good luck...

-Bill