DIY How to Polish an Aluminum Fuel Tank in Detail (Step by Step)

[@johnpetrucci42]

As a full-time polisher I enjoy your videos and pick up little things you do differently that I might try out. Appreciate you taking the time and keep up the good thorough work.

[@DCSuperShine]

Anytime man! Glad you keep tunning in, much appreciated :)

[@TheTrill334]

Tomorrow I'll be buffing my tanks for the first time since I bought my truck 2 years ago. Your video has helped me learn a few things.

[@jonathandurbin3079]

I actually feel comfortable doing it my self now on my tanks. Thank you for going in depth!

[@DCSuperShine]

No man glad I can help! It’s for guys like you that I do these videos.

[@paulborg9609]

Thank you again Dennis for another of your valuable lessons. Keep them coming!!!

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching Paul! :)

[@Neilvy04]

Wow you know your stuff and you make it look easy great video

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)

[@georgemyers6518]

Great video and great job as always. I know exactly what you mean by natural daylight will make those imperfections that drive you crazy under artificial lighting disappear. Paint is the same way. The first car I ever buffed and polished taught me that.I pulled the car outside afterwards and could see that I could have spent a lot less time polishing. Please keep the videos coming.

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching!

[@littlesquirtthefireengine5478]

The 10 foot rule... lol

[@Steff320i]

The way you look at the end shows that you have really earned your money, my guy.

[@DCSuperShine]

lol thanks!

[@lfcfan4557]

God bless the hard working man, God bless the truckers.

[@DCSuperShine]

Thank you for watching

[@caker65]

great content as always. thanks for taking the time to go over this in depth

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)

[@gaimartin]

Hello ! well when aluminum is not rotten, you are a master

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks :)

[@detailersgarage]

Wow! What an amazing video !! Great results and explanation of steps. Thank you.

[@DCSuperShine]

Glad I could help! Thank you for watching!

[@AndrewMayer-zz4bv]

Man oh man!! That must be so satisfying!!

[@DCSuperShine]

it is... after you've done thousands tho... not as much lol thanks for watching

[@Redsmodelshop]

Like the way you used a cross pattern on the flat surface, awesome job on the tanks!

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks man! Really appreciate that.. thank you for watching!

[@joeshelfoon3194]

Great job and thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@justinsmith4095]

Subscribed! Definitely learning more from you. I’m not a beginner but I need improvements.. haha

[@DCSuperShine]

awesome thank you!

[@kevinfox5068]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial Kevin Fox UK England

[@DCSuperShine]

thanks man really appreciate that!

[@ricardonarvaez1628]

Thank you for the video, it makes me understand i have to pay for this and even try myself

[@DCSuperShine]

Lol yup working smart is ALWAYS the best way :) Thanks for watching

[@cindysalinas9752]

Great product. Awesome

[@DCSuperShine]

thanks for watching

[@daveducker2688]

Nice job very helpful

[@DCSuperShine]

thank you!

[@TheKAKA1977]

Thank you friend, for valuable tips, big hug.

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching

[@lawrenceveinotte]

I'm picking up an old aluminum beer keg to use as a fuel tank for a model-A pickup i'm building, after i get the dents out i'm going to make that thing shine like a million dollars.

[@DCSuperShine]

Sweet would love to see a pic!!!

[@Demonoid1990]

How about a sealer or nano ceramic coating when finished? I'm still looking into getting the equipment/supplies I need for polishing my equipment. I've seen plenty of various guides on polishing, but not many talk about using sealers or clear coats once the polishing is done, is that recommended on a work vehicle?

[@carlos60697]

No the aluminum will fog up

[@DCSuperShine]

there are some coatings available but they come with a few flaws... most will dull your mirror shine somewhat... it'll still be shinny but not as clear. so you have to decide on whats more important. some coatings can last 10 years or more on some areas of your truck but some areas won't last any where near that long, especially the more "ware and tare" areas.. so the coating is gonna start to peel and it looks horrible and it's a major pain in the ass the strip it and repolish it. So your polish job is gonna cost more to fix... also depends on where you live and where you're running with your truck. hope all that made sense... lol

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

I need to polish an entire 42’ fuel tanker. Is this the type of process that would be used on such a large job? It was mistakenly sprayed with brighter at Blue Beacon while another driver was using it. Thanks for posting these informative videos!

[@DCSuperShine]

yes this is the process! good luck!

[@markperquin5579]

Great work love it. One question is there a transparent or beeswax coating to protect all this hard work?

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks really appreciate the support! Here's the thing with clear coats... not many are very good or last long enough to make using them worth it... and can be a nightmare to remove once they start to look horrible and peel off. I have 1-2 brands that you can use that will last "longer" but will also lessen the shine/clarity of what you've polished. First is Shark Hide you cam buy it on amazon and apply it with a sprayer, thin coats take your time cause you can create runs very easily. second product is what I normally suggest to my local customers because I have a guy that's what he specializes in. it's called Nanofix but it's a commercial product i've never been able to find a supplier or where to buy it. Hope this helps

[@kluge4206]

How many times in the life of a tank can it go through this process before the material becomes too thin?

[@DCSuperShine]

I've done some trucks for customers 10 years plus with no issues.

[@34psbolide]

+/- one time. 😂

[@mustangeddie3383]

Loving the background music

[@DCSuperShine]

Lol 😂 thanks for watching

[@PilotsLoungeFishing]

Cool! How much does it cost to do a tank? or a set of tanks?

[@markfoster2530]

Is there a product you can put on when you’re all done to protect the metal

[@HUTCH168]

What’s your procedure on doing air cleaners!

[@DCSuperShine]

hard to explain in words... maybe i'll do a video this coming spring on this very topic :) thanks

[@EXQUISITEMAD]

Hey there ! Is flannel softer than plush microfibers? If it makes the jobs come out better we are all for it you are the first person to mention flannel cloth to do a final wipe with, I understand you are in canada its definitely not the norm down here in the US so im all for trying it!

[@DCSuperShine]

It’s definitely softer yes, Microfiber does work but you need to make sure it’s always clean… Microfiber picks up ever little spec of dirt and can cause scratching… it’s the main reason I don’t use them much on tanks and flat pieces. Thanks for watching

[@EXQUISITEMAD]

@@DCSuperShine yes sir stay safe and hope you health improves godbless

[@lawrenceveinotte]

You make it look easy, i need to get a rake, or make one to use on my pedestal buffer, now i just use a piece of scrap 16 gage.

[@richardkouba3403]

Peterbilt step is the next best thing

[@asasial1977]

I’ve used a fork or new clean wire brush.

[@DCSuperShine]

Ya you can easily make a rake with a piece of 1x2 and some nails or screws! Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)

[@DCSuperShine]

I’ll have s as video on that coming shortly! Thanks for watching!

[@DCSuperShine]

Yup wire brushes work very well!

[@BabyJesusSaidSo]

do you put on a protection layer like wax or alternatives?

[@sergeantcranky7471]

speed wise, I was shown to go SUPER slow otherwise it would leave lines of products. Is it because there is to much compound or the speed isn't good enough. We use millwakees 1000 to 6500 rpms. Usually 3500 is the speed I go for

[@DCSuperShine]

I do a lot of stuff at 3500rpm as well... just if you use higher speeds you need compound that can handle the heat. :) thanks for watching

[@michaelguthrie2723]

Again Dennis so much information. Thanks 😊

[@DCSuperShine]

👍 thanks for watching!

[@ajbang5723]

Excellent video

[@DCSuperShine]

Thank you very much!

[@southofheaven7060]

I can't believe how much dust and residue gets on his hands and skin... crazy!

[@DCSuperShine]

@DCSuperShine • 0 seconds ago yup it's a very dirty job!!!

[@michaelmello9510]

Great job

[@NoahA-l9h]

So I have a question, seems how I can’t find any videos by anybody on it. How do I blend the buffing lines on the bigger section of the fuel tank? To be exact, if I did a small section at a time instead of the whole section as one? I don’t like how it leaves faint rouge line stains for each section that I do.

[@DCSuperShine]

if you find my latest video on how to polish a pontoon, I explain this very thing in that video. hope this helps

[@NoahA-l9h]

@ I found the video you were talking about and yes, it/you did help so thank you sir, I appreciate it.

[@jimomalley6737]

Do you wash tanks or acid wash them before sanding or is that not necessary? Great videos thank you

[@DCSuperShine]

if you're sanding, washing and acid is a waste of time and money.

[@carolpuente4911]

What sanding machine do you use

[@DeaDEye.21]

Thanks Dennis ✨💯💪

[@DCSuperShine]

You bet

[@pearlriverfury2884]

Just wondering wouldn’t it make it faster if you sanded it smooth and maybe another grade up like a 1000grit before polishing just asking

[@DCSuperShine]

I stop at 800 but 1000 works too, once you get past 600 grit it's kind of redundant. thanks for watching

[@buildingourdaydream9804]

Is any kind of protectant used as a last step? (Great video and explanations!)

[@DCSuperShine]

The finishing bar add a layer of protection and you can double up with liquid polish after as well for another protective layer… the best way to keep the shine is proper maintenance! Just washing or even finding it down when it gets full of mud, salt or limestone will dramatically increase the longevity of your shine. Hope this helps

[@jessielopez821]

How long do it normally takes to polish?

[@DCSuperShine]

tanks take me 1-2 hrs depending on size and how bad they are.

[@jessetrost3095]

Tips on how to shine around the fuel cap. The guy training me has the same variable speed dewalt. I just started doing this at my new job. I want to get better at it.

[@DCSuperShine]

Just slow down your speed until you’re comfortable… slowly increase it as you gain experience. Hope this helps Thanks for watching!

[@DKUSTOMSGARAGE]

Is microfibre towels will work or only flanel towels?

[@DCSuperShine]

Microfiber will work I just only use new ones on tanks and flat surfaces. For everything else I wash them and reuse the 1-2 times before throwing them out.

[@steelrod9889]

Hey, I'm new. How do you use a rake??? Can you go over that?

[@DCSuperShine]

I’ll cover that in an upcoming video for sure. Thanks!

[@curtisfauntleroy8915]

What type of pads are you using when you sand the tank?

[@DCSuperShine]

Are you asking about the sand paper I use or the airway pads after I sand? :)

[@vernon207]

That’s cool thanks

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching

[@notanotherusername]

What do you ever do with the tank straps?

[@DCSuperShine]

Depends on the situation. Some get finished by hand done by machine.

[@gunsnsails]

Does this same method work on diamond plate?

[@DCSuperShine]

If you decide to sand first… with a DA it’s quite the job but absolutely yes! Thanks for watching

[@josewilmerduarezvargas7913]

Mi brother. Soy un fans de tus trabajos, son de muy buena calidad. Una consulta, con qué nombre puedo comprar esos discos para pulir. O donde los puedo conseguir.

[@victorruiz8152]

O tambien zephyr

[@josewilmerduarezvargas7913]

Gracias.

[@TheKAKA1977]

Greetings from Brazil, I work with polishing here in Brazil, but I can't find this type of beret and flange, could you help me to send it to my country? Grateful.

[@DCSuperShine]

Yes send me a message on Facebook

[@oscarrafaelmartinezarguell7945]

Greetings friend, what difference does it make, in finishing with the white wheel, but I am in doubt since you show the blue co-position, others use yellow to finish, my question is which is the best compound to finish, they always use the same green, second yellow, now i see you guys wearing blue

[@DCSuperShine]

All company have different blend and colors. Find one that works for you and stick with it. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@TowMan127]

🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[@DCSuperShine]

thanks for watching!!! :)

[@jasonbowman7190]

What's the best way to polish stainless steel pans 🤔 my pans are burning my food. I need to up my stainless steel cooking game for sure though.

[@DCSuperShine]

Lmao! Well stainless polishing is pretty much the same steps… they just take longer because it’s a harder metal! :)

[@greggriffin3242]

How do you clean the tank up when there is fuel and stuff on it and it’s nasty and then can you show a video of you doing cleaning it up by hand?

[@DCSuperShine]

I just use varsol with a rag. Thanks for watching!

[@marioosorio3005]

How much does it cost that tipe of job you done

[@DCSuperShine]

Tanks start at $200 and depends on how much sanding it needs

[@elvinas159]

What rpm do you use on polishing?

[@DCSuperShine]

6000 rpm for cutting and 1800-2200 for finishing. Thanks for watching :)

[@laprezionreina3871]

What about the stainless strap on the fuel tank

[@DCSuperShine]

What about it? :)

[@laprezionreina3871]

@@DCSuperShine how u polish the strap same buffer or a one for stainless?

[@DCSuperShine]

@@laprezionreina3871 depends on the situation… sometimes they need sanding, sometimes I do them by hand and sometimes I do the by machine… I should really do a video on this :) Thanks for the suggestion! 😬

[@laprezionreina3871]

@@DCSuperShine thanks

[@DKUSTOMSGARAGE]

What do you guys charge for tank like that to polish?

[@DCSuperShine]

$200+ depending on sanding

[@yaanpolimentos]

Dennis, could you tell me if I can buy this velcro plate on china websites? I'm from Brazil and what we have here is not as cool as the one you use. Thanks.

[@DCSuperShine]

Don’t think so. I can’t get these anymore unfortunately

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Check that fender bolt ground for 100% ground . Could cause HAVOC

[@garywesthoff35]

I need to find someone that will travel and come to my house to polish. We dont have anyone in the kansas city area.

[@DCSuperShine]

sorry Man I'm in Ontario Canada... and your awesome government won't let me come do business there... thanks for tuning in :)

[@4500harold]

How much does it cost to do a tank like this? On avg?

[@DCSuperShine]

$150-$200 if it needs sanding $250+. Hope this helps

[@jacobhall6149]

Do you charge by the hour? Price range???

[@petercrisp8314]

What about the straps

[@DCSuperShine]

they are stainless and look great we go over them with liquid metal polish when done. :)

[@randoomday1520]

Why doesn't the aluminium corrode? Especially with all the salt in the winter?

[@DCSuperShine]

It definitely does!! Just depends on you maintain it. Thanks for watching

[@joec5649]

hi this is Joe Chevalier from JMC auto detailing I've been trying to get ahold of you to where I can order some pads and compound bars if there is a chance where I can get your number where I can orderit would be awesome I need it as soon as I can get I appreciate it thank you Joe

[@DCSuperShine]

Hey Joe, I'm sorry, I'm just seeing this comment now. there's links to my website in the description of this video.

[@donaldsmith6404]

I don’t flip my grinder over putting hash marks in all different ways i seen you went back in one direction but it will cause parts to look less polished

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching! I’ve never had that issue 🤷‍♂️

[@texvanburen4566]

Dude chill, my wife is also on YT. ;)

[@DCSuperShine]

lol not sure what that means... but thanks for watching!!

[@blauer2551]

I use Purple Polish and a few pairs of brown cotton gloves. Turns out pretty good but nothing like this.

[@DCSuperShine]

Ya my hands can’t go 6000 rpm either :) Thanks for watching

[@bobbyotay]

I don't really understand why you are running your machine backwards. Left-handed maybe. Looks completely out of balance. Check out , no cares and no worries part 3. I'll show you what it looks like when I do Peterbilt front fenders. Nice video keep up the good work. Believe me I'm not bashing, I was just curious about the position of your machine.

[@DCSuperShine]

I use it in many positions... lol it's just how I got use to doing things.. when I teach ppl how to polish I show them my way, but I tell them to find what works best for them. :) hope this helps

[@leomarcofferi2568]

Algum brasileiro aí pra traduzir a explicação qe ele falou

[@youngkhalifa3552]

En el tanque fue innecesario la lijada ,por como se ve en el vídeo con un poco de ácido era suficiente.

[@michaelkay3565]

Funny had followed you for yrs then I guess youtube kicked me

[@DCSuperShine]

welcome back!

[@gregkeller80]

You need to invite Mike Rowe to help you out, looks like a pretty dirty job.

[@DCSuperShine]

Lol ya for sure!!!

[@yoomama2331]

Jesus christ, when you zoom on the sanding and polishing🤢