Header tank

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 22:55

The header tank on my car looks a total mess. Ive drained the coolant today to fix a radiator leak but this is a good chance to sort the tank.

Can I clean it up and re paint

If so which paint

Can't believe the price at SJ sports £147.37 plus delivery & vat.
Lotus bits a lot better at £40 but not sure if this is refurbished or straight off another car.

robertverhey · Post by **robertverhey** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 23:10

I think it's brass.

Wire brush and engine enamel did the job for me. Take the sticker off first and re-attach when finished. It'll look great

Robert

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 09:53

i did this:

http://www.lotus-register.com/garage/ga ... cle&CID=44

sanded down by hand, and painted with Hambrite 5 year straight to rust gloss... looked fine too me... (also left the ID Plate as just brushed metal...)

Oz.

tonypoll · Post by **tonypoll** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:20

Your header tank looks pretty normal, I'm afraid.
Last summer I restored mine, and now it looks like new. A wire bush is needed to get into all the small places. I don't remember using any special paint, just spray primer and gloss black from Halford (or some such).
One thing to watch: When you remove the tank via the three nuts in the wheel arc you will probably find they are rusted onto the bolts from the tank. Don't try to force these, else the bolts sheer (You can guess how I know this!) Take your time, with plenty of WD40.

Steve C · Post by **Steve C** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 14:13

As Tony says .. those studs are normally pretty rusty .. start soaking with WD40 a week before you plan on doing the job.

I lost one out of three, despite lots of WD40!

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 21:46

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I will give it a go as soon as i get a chance. ( Wife got me decorating

) The belts are all due for a change, the alternator adjusting strap is snapped in half and the radiator is at a local place having a leak fixed. I never realised when I got the car in March that it would keep me so busy - but i'm enjoying every minute

Cheers, Phil

Dr_G · Post by **Dr_G** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 15:33

I took mine off the car, sanded it and wirebrushed it. Then used black high temp manifold paint on for a lovely finish.

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 21:29

I sprayed the tank and it's come up pretty good. All I have to do now is put the sticker back. I soaked the retaining nuts in WD40 as suggested and they came off easy. No broken studs. Replaced nuts with new ones.

Click on image to enlarge
Thanks to all for your advice,

Cheers,
Phil

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 21:35

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

If the rain lets up, I might just do mine this weekend.

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 21:58

Thats the problem at the moment - keeps raining. Every time I lift off the bonnet its starts raining and I have to get the missus to help me lift it back on

The bonnet has been on & off 20 times this week

Still got to change my cam belt and put my radiator back in. I'm desperate to actually drive the car

It's been off the road for 3 weeks.