| Author | Message | ||
     Silverbuell |
All, I have a Silver 98 S3T with about 40,000 miles and recently it's developed a rash(paint bubbling) on the lower right side. I am looking for suggesitons how to stop it from progressing. Thanks Tim in Centreville, VA | ||
| Ratbuell |
Unfortunately....repaint it. I have an S1W that had just a couple bubbles on it. After a couple weeks, the entire tank had contracted paint-leprosy. Once it starts.... | ||
| Court |
Tim: Can you post a photo? Court | ||
| Crazyhorse |
My 98 s3 did the same thing 4 years ago and I stripped the paint and sealed it and repainted it and now it is starting to do the same thing in the same spots again. | ||
| Sparky |
Ditto here. Original owner 98 S3 with a "$100 goodwill warranty" replacement tank in '02 which has developed several large blisters all over in the last couple years. Tank was fine in 2005, now looks like a nuclear disaster survivor. Just wondering if it's still possible to get another "goodwill" tank or, if not, is there a best way to prep/repaint to avoid the bubbling? | ||
| Ebutch |
Wandering if anyone has used inside tank liquid blader paint(coating inside tank rubberized paint).I think tank may be leaking gas through plastic? my 99 ,S3 just starting. Butch | ||
| Ebutch |
http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Kreem-Tank-Restore-Kit | ||
| Ebutch |
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Tank-Sealers_c_7-1-0.h tml | ||
| Ebutch |
I don,t know if it works on plastic? | ||
| Woodnbow |
Here's one of a bubble that "popped" just above the seat... same 01 S3T.  | ||
| Woodnbow |
Court, here's a pic of a bubble near the filler cap on my 01 S3T...  | ||
| 5liter |
That looks similar to mine on my 02 S3T. I popped it with a pin, just like a blister. | ||
| Ratbuell |
My understanding is, the fuel vapors leach through the plastic tank material. That's why a lot (including mine) of tanks start to bubble at the decals - the vapor can't pass through them. I'm not a painter, but it's my understanding that 1: you don't want to use a tank liner on the non-metal tank, and 2: with proper prep, paint will adhere to the plastic the way its supposed to. | ||
| Ebutch |
Ya Joe:Mine bub on S3 tank not near letters or decale.But why does,t paint bubble on my S2T Tank?It has a shell,better way !! (Message edited by ebutch on October 01, 2008) | ||
| Ebutch |
PS Found another bub on saddlebag.But it,s a bag I painted on S3.Could it be mettle-flake brake-down in clear coat?Doesn,t happen to solid clear coat on S2T! (Message edited by ebutch on October 01, 2008) | ||
| Mark61 |
My '99 S3 having paint issues too. Almost looks like rust developing under a few spots on the tank. On the side of the body/tail there are what look like dings or stone chips in places there is no way stones can get at. Does anyone have paint codes for a red '99 including base coat? Would like to get it repainted the same color. mark61 | ||
| Mark61 |
Forgot to mention the bike only has 5,500 miles and is mostly parked inside. Very little rain or bad weather exposure. mark61 | ||
| Silverbuell |
Court, As requested here are several shots of the bubbling that has started on my 98 S3T fuel tank. Thanks Tim in Centreville    | ||
| Buellistic |
Have a 1997 S3T and you think your gas tank looks bad with BUBBLES, you should see mine ... It must be the prep before painting was not done correctly ??? Have a spare brand new gas tank that has had gas in it once, no bubbles ??? Seems like the longer the tank has had gas in it the more bubbles ... | ||
| Ratbuell |
The other difference is the plastic tanks on the later tubers are (Court, correct me if I have the wrong name) Surlyn or some such thing - not fiberglass, like the S2/S2T bikes. The tank plastic is softer, more flexible than fiberglass so the prep has to be done differently. It also has different properties concerning vapor transmission. I've got some "rust bubbles" on the tail of my S2, above the taillight (near the "S2 Thunderbolt" decal). My suspicion on that one is, either a mold-release agent wasn't washed completely before paint, or some of the resin is seperating. Hasn't gotten worse in the couple years I've owned the bike...so there it stays. | ||
| Court |
The S2 had a tank cover over a nylon/plastic fuel cell. The S3 had the fuel in the tank. In other words . . . the location where you see BUELL - AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES on the S2 is nothing more than a cosmetic cover. . . . whereas on the S3 it is THE fuel tank. As I, in my sunset years, begin to personally bubble . . . this is all clearer to me.  | ||
| Ebutch |
I think what I have learned from this is (I,d paint tank Emty!!!!)I,ve come across this in paint not being dry before next step.Rinkling.Butch | ||
| Ebutch |
Court:Took 62 yrs to learn all this! Know it,s going to take another 62 yrs to learn how to use it. | ||
| Bad_karma |
My 98 S1w is doing that. Butch by chance do you keep a cover over the bike? Joe | ||
| Silverbuell |
All, I appreciate everyone taking time to respond. Looks like I'll need to take the tank off this winter and have it repainted. Regards, Tim in Centreville 98 S3T 40,000 miles and still smiling | ||
| Ebutch |
62,000 Still smiling. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/ebutch/100 _0096.jpg Pull Some GGGGGGGs | ||
| Mark61 |
Nobody has any paint codes? mark61 | ||
| Bandm |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/3595.html?1222902973 | ||
| Fed |
Hope this helps http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/368236.html |
