Repainting the Gas Tank Cover

[thundermax]

Have a black 2009 C14. Bought it in December. Previous owner put some scratches on the gas tank cover. Think it was a belt buckle on his 300 lb body hitting the cover when he got on.

So I am considering having the gas tank cover repainted to fix the scratches. Question is how hard is it to take off the cover for painting? Specifically, it is the metal part that surrounds the gas tank lid and extends down to the seat. Just that part, no plastic.

If it is too hard to remove for them to paint then I may let them paint it with the part on if they can mask it off really good.

Anyone know the paint code for 2009 black?

Thanks for the responses.....

[stevewfl]

Tank is simple removal and google search has a lot of info



008
Neutron Silver (US), (factory OEM code 17N), Color Rite - (3895), Base (1895)
Metallic Diablo Black (Non US), (factory OEM code 17K), Color Rite 3606
Flat Super Black, (factory OEM code 18R), Color Rite (3370)
Metallic Phantom Silver for the trim and wheels (OEM 458), Color Rite (3803)

2009
Metallic Diablo Black , (factory OEM code 17K), Color Rite 3606
Candy Diamond Red, (factory OEM code 25T), Color Rite - (3785), Base (1785)
Flat Super Black, (factory OEM code 18R), Color Rite (3370)
Metallic Phantom Silver for the trim and wheels (OEM 458), Color Rite (3803)

2010
Candy Neptune Blue (factory OEM code 27Z), Color Rite - (3402), Base (1102)
Flat Super Black (factory OEM code 18R), Color Rite (3370)

2011
Ebony Black  (factory OEM code 602), Color Rite (3005)
Atomic Silver (factory OEM code 17M), Color Rite (3915)
Flat Super Black (factory OEM code 18R), Color Rite (3370)

[gPink]

There is no 'cover', just tank.

[maxtog]

There is no 'cover', just tank.

I was wondering the same thing!  At belt-level, there is only the tank.  The only "cover" is that unpainted black plastic thing on top, near the bars!

[thundermax]

Think I will just have it painted on the bike. A lot easier. What do you think about doing it this way?

[Conrad]

If the scratches are just at the rear of the tank near the seat, I'd just cover it up with TecSpec pads. I love those things and even if you didn't have scratches to cover I'd recommend them.

[smg id=359]

[stevewfl]

Think I will just have it painted on the bike. A lot easier. What do you think about doing it this way?

uhmmm  no comment.

but if you take it to a reputable painter, I'm fairly certain he may tell you thats not the best idea

[jonathan]

Think I will just have it painted on the bike. A lot easier. What do you think about doing it this way?

Good idea if you like the monochrome everything-on-the-bike-is-the-same-colour look.

[thundermax]

Want it done well and correct. Want high quality, durable clear coat paint that is resistant to gasoline (and minor scratches?). So I have decided to take off the gas tank for them to do it. They are charging $125. Think that is good and fair.

Can anyone help me if you know where there is a tutorial, etc on removing the tank, pictures or words. That would be helpful for a link posted here.

Have a full tank of gas so I will remove gas before taking it off. By myself so it will be a one man job here.

Some recommend tank protectors, one person mentioned he bought his for $15 on ebay. Any links or recommendations. $ is an issue with me. Thanks all.

[philipintexas]

I took mine completely apart for painting, the tank isn't difficult, Having a full tank of gas really makes it hard, ask me how I know. Hardest part is getting the fuel hoses off the teets on the bottom of the tank, It sure helps if you have a second person to hold the tank while you disconnect the hoses.

[jayke]

How to take the gas tank off:

Remove the glovebox lid
Open the glove box door and remove 2 screws nearest the gas tank. The lid lifts off.

Remove glove box bottom
Remove the 3 screws that you see.

Remove Right and Left side rear fairing panels and battery cover panel on right side. Note that the screws on the painted surfaces have clear washers to protect the paint. Also note that the screws are snug, not overly tight.

Remove the 4 gas tank bolts

You still need to remove the fuel lines.  I'll let somebody else help you with that.  (I've never taken my fuel lines off.)

[thundermax]

Thanks, that helps.

[RBX QB]

There are 2 rubber vent lines off the back (near the back bolts), which are visible as soon as the seat comes off.

There is one fuel line at the very bottom of the tank, near the back where the seat mounts. The fitting has a plastic tab on it that lifts up (I believe it's a different color than most of the fitting), then the thing slides off to the left of the bike. Putting it back is super quick, just do that in reverse.

There are also 2 wiring harnesses... 1 for the fuel level sender (facing the engine) and the other for the fuel pump (on the underside of the rear section of tank). The wires are actually held against the tank by metal tabs, which can just be bent away to free the wires.

It's all pretty straight forward... just lift up the tank after you loosen it and look under to where these things are (with a flashlight), and make some mental notes of it. Super easy if the tank is empty, a little more fun if there is still fuel in the tank. Take your time.

[thundermax]

Many thanks to all for the info. With it I was able to take it off and have it painted. They did a great job matching the color. The finish is great. Put it back on, sure looks good. Now I have a pristine black 2009  C14. Will post pics tomorrow. They charged me $125.00, thought is was a fair price.

[VirginiaJim]

Not bad at all...