Protecting Oil Tank Patent Decal

[wideglide38]

I'm looking for suggestions on what I can apply over the patent decal affixed on the oil bag. The last one was unprotected and flaked off due to heated return oil. I want to brush on a clear coat or something to help protect the decal. I want to make sure the coating does not attack or destroy the (water-slide) decal nor yellow from heat, etc. Any ideas?
Thanks,
William
#10035

[Robert Luland]

I would also like an ansewer to this queation. Anyone!

[bmh]

Someone's gonna have to do a science project and buy some decals and try some different seal coats over them on a painted piece of sheet metal and then torture test them. This keeps coming up and that's the only way I know to get an answer. Normally I'm game for something like that but I don't have the time right now.

[flat-happy]

i cleaned the oil tank with alcohol before applying the decal and it was still perfect when i sold the bike 4 years later and 22000 miles with no coating on it at all. i got the decal from antique cycle supply instead of v-twin. maybe that made the difference. if the tank has any wax at all on it the decal will not stay. even buffing compound.

[Chris Haynes]

In the Panhead days the MoCo used Copal Varnish. Modern folks use transfer cement.

[wideglide38]

Thanks for the suggestions, folks.

Chris - Is there a particular brand? I goggled Transfer Cement and found 'Heat Transfer Cement or mastic.

Thanks, William

[Carl Olsen]

We make them out of vinyl that has a clear coat protective covering applied to resist damage from the elements. This is the same material that our "change your luck ride a knuck" and "be a man ride a pan" are made of. They also can have the patina look with the help of a little steel wool.
Carl

[vph-d]

I've had good luck using about 5 heavy coats of paste wax, after cleaning the area with laquer thinner.
VPH-D

[vph-d]

Carl,
Speaking of your Pan decals, do you have any idea how my Rio Blue 51 mysteriously received one at the Broken Spoke campground in Sturgis ?
VPH-D

[wideglide38]

Thanks to all for your suggestions! Ride safe!

[48hdbob1]

48hdbob1

I'm looking for suggestions on what I can apply over the patent decal affixed on the oil bag. The last one was unprotected and flaked off due to heated return oil. I want to brush on a clear coat or something to help protect the decal. I want to make sure the coating does not attack or destroy the (water-slide) decal nor yellow from heat, etc. Any ideas?
Thanks,
William
#10035

Clean the surface with prep-sol and it will stay on. Have had them on a '64 FLH rider for 7 years now and alot of miles and no problem.