Coach Lines On Fuel Tank

[Orgasmatron]

So, after weeks of rubbing, filling, scraping, painting and swearing (only in Ndebele though), I have at last just about finished my fuel tank.
However, the red coach lining to the white panels remains outstanding.
I thought of trying the self adhesive 3mm wide stuff, but imagine that it would be a horror to bend around the fairly tight radius of the side panels ; also, would it really stay adhered to the tank!
Can anyone recommend someone in the Surrey area that could paint the coach lines on for me.
Chris.

[Orgasmatron]

OK. So, with the lack of recommendations, I tried using self-adhesive 3mm coachline tape (bought on Ebay), which works rather well on the straight and larger radius curved sections.
However, as suspected, the tighter curves (especially the semi circle at the front of the tank) simply do not work. If the tape is stretched to suit the curve, it does not adhere and comes away ; if the tape is not stretched it bunches up and comes away.
The tape seems to react with the paint after a couple of days and really sticks. So, I have now tried holding down the tape on the tight curves with some insulation tape to see if will allow the glue on the back of the coachline tape to adhere.
I suspect that the only way to get it to work is to cut the curve out of a solid panel, so that it sits flat on the tank.
Has anyone managed to overcome this problem?
Chris.

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

You could try buying a Beugler Pinstriper or cheaper imitations, but practice a lot on something that doesn’t matter before attacking your tank, especially tight radii curves. I hereby confess that I get my tanks done professionally, and Andy Meehan at “The Paint Studio” makes a superb job, AND the coachlines and decals (transfers) are safe under a petrol-proof lacquer when he has done the job.
Brian

[dave bushell]

I have used masking tape of the “crepe” variety (I’m not sure of it’s correct name). It is stretchable and will form quite tight turns and adheres well enough to prevent paint creep underneath.
If you intend to use a lining paint wheel of any make, you can obtain flexible magnetic strips that will act as guides if you think your eye and hand coordination are not up to the job.
Dave

[Geoff Case]

Hi all, Re lining for tanks ,toolboxes, mudguards etc. I got good results using a Beluger Pin Striper,and magnetic tape. It comes with a gauge to set the gap for mudguards and panels. Mine is for sale (as new. only used on two restorations) if any one is interested. Half price at £45. Perhaps the Club should have one For Hire.

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