Zongshen 200GY-2 Tank Plastic Mod

[Cal25]

My eye's are not great. The yelow is fine despite the shade difference, It just did not seem to fit well. The yelow tank would look pretty good, but thats much more work than leaving the tank Black.

I think the KTM orange would be the best choice for durability. You could just paint the outside surface and leave the undersides of the fenders the factory finish. No worry of chipping panit from rocks and mud.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I presume that the existing colour is not a painted finish, so can you do anything to brighten up the colour?...

Thank you for the excellent advice, WG.

My Zongshen motorcycle employs three types of plastic. The black side panels, with the 3 circular depressions, are constructed of flexible plastic, with the color molded into them.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=7950

The fender is constructed of a tough, flexible, clear plastic. It is painted to achieve the final color. The rear quarter panels, tailpiece, headlight cowl, and tank plastic, are constructed of harder, more brittle plastic. These plastic pieces are also painted.

The Krylon Fusion paint is reported to be flexible, and resistant to rock chips. Therefore, I believe I can change the Zong's color scheme. However, refreshing the Zong's orange paint is probably the safest course to follow.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Cal25

My eye's are not great. The yelow is fine despite the shade difference, It just did not seem to fit well. The yelow tank would look pretty good, but thats much more work than leaving the tank Black...

Thank you for your feedback, Cal. I have been properly warned not to paint the plastic Clarke fuel tank. Indeed, I prefer the black fuel tank. However, a yellow fuel tank is also available for those who prefer that color.

Originally Posted by Cal25

...I think the KTM orange would be the best choice for durability. You could just paint the outside surface and leave the undersides of the fenders the factory finish. No worry of chipping panit from rocks and mud.

Surprisingly, the Zong fender is constructed of clear plastic, with a painted finish. Nevertheless, the painted underside of my fender has not been chipped, either by rocks, or mud. However, you make another good point. The durability of the finish could only be enhanced by sticking with the KTM orange color. Indeed, I like the orange color very much. However, I must admit, I also like the appearance of the red and black Zong.

Spud

[tconners]

"that I might compromise its structural integrity"
Meh..... I use the same technique on RC airplane/helicopter gas tanks to make them fit in tight places. Once again slow even heat. It should take force to push in the plastic, don't make it to pliable.
Also heat gun NOT open flame!
Go get some test material and practice. Dont try it for your first time on the tank.
Trust me you can do it "Adam sandler theme here"
That tank was formed with heat and it doesn't harden like steel. It can go back to liquid or solid all day long with min loss.
If I didn't have so many bills right now I would do it myself.
New pipe is first on the list though.
"Do it, do it ,do it, do it" Zoolander theme:

[tconners]

" I have been properly warned not to paint the plastic Clarke fuel tank"
Cant resist:
Its a plastic tank, just like many a car bumper ect....
Its all in the prep!
My take on painting plastic:

1) remove any release agents used in the forming process.
a) any good form of prepsol "Preparation solvent" from a good mfg
will do.
2) Prepare the surface microscopically to receive a material. "Small scratches for material to bond with" Wet sanding works the best on plastic.
3) utilize additives inherent to painting a flexible plastic surface.
a) Plastic has a tendency to expand and contract due to heat and cold more rapidly than metal. Therefore various flex additives are required.
Don't forget UV additives as the sun will be a factor as well.

Oh and an extra harding agent as gas might get spilled on it to.

This is why a QUALITY car paint job is 2k and up and up.

Just DO IT!
;-)

[Weldangrind]

You can certainly paint a plastic tank and make it look great, however, gas continues to be emitted through the plastic, causing the paint to bubble and flake off. That's the very reason decals bubble on plastic tanks.

[AZ200cc]

I tried painting a palstic tank, Once the temps got into the high 80's it looked like it got some kind of disease. Bumps everywhere :( And I did a perfect prep..Used to work at a body shop. The paint cannot breath..Until they make one that can it will not look good for long....And the older the tank the worse it will be. And the Fusion may claim to be able to flex with the plastic but it has it's breaking point. Again I know from a mistake. My Nephew who is an idiot hit a car with the quad..Not hard but enough to bend the plastic...The paint cracked just like any other paint would. Sure it did not flake like the others but it will not handle the stresses these plastics take.

My 2 cents

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

I tried painting a palstic tank, Once the temps got into the high 80's it looked like it got some kind of disease. Bumps everywhere :( And I did a perfect prep..Used to work at a body shop. The paint cannot breath..Until they make one that can it will not look good for long....And the older the tank the worse it will be. And the Fusion may claim to be able to flex with the plastic but it has it's breaking point. Again I know from a mistake. My Nephew who is an idiot hit a car with the quad..Not hard but enough to bend the plastic...The paint cracked just like any other paint would. Sure it did not flake like the others but it will not handle the stresses these plastics take.

My 2 cents

I am sure you are correct, AZ. Color molded into the plastic is undoubtedly superior. However, my Zong's fender is fabricated from clear plastic, painted orange. Therefore, I have nothing to lose by repainting this fender.

Quite frankly, I am amazed how well my Zong's fender has withstood the abuse from mud and rocks. I wonder what paint the Chinese used? :?:

Spud

[AZ200cc]

Oh fenders I will paint all day, But not gas tanks anymore Unless they are metal or I am selling the bike the next week 8O

[SpudRider]

I like the appearance of the trimmed tank plastic on my Zong. However, I will enjoy even more the increased fuel capacity of the new Clarke XT225 fuel tank.

I am awaiting the arrival of a TW200 fuel petcock to complete the Clarke fuel tank project. The Fall harvest season is beautiful in Idaho; therefore, I thought you might enjoy several photographs I took yesterday.





Spud

[Cal25]

I keep looking for pics of a potato tree.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Cal25

I keep looking for pics of a potato tree.

I have never seen one of those, Cal. :roll:



However, here is a picture of my old, stock Zong, in front of the Idaho Potato Museum. Perhaps you will be content with this photograph of the world's largest potato.

Spud

[AZ200cc]

Originally Posted by Cal25

I keep looking for pics of a potato tree.

They grow on vines silly

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

They grow on vines silly

Arrrggghhh! 8O :roll:

Spud

[SpudRider]

I really do like the look of the trimmed tank plastic, especially from the rear. Painting the fuel tank a flat orange would add the final touch.







However, I frequently ride far away from the nearest fuel pump. Therefore, I will much prefer the extra fuel capacity of the XT225 Clarke fuel tank.

Spud