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

in This Video I explain in detail how I polish Tanks.
Sanding is key to clarity! Great Products and quality Tools are the best way to go. :)
For Products and tools used in this video plz visit my website www.dcsupershinestore.com
Tools Used in this video:
Dewalt DWP849x Variable Speed Sander Polisher bit.ly/40yLWS9
High Speed Backing Plate bit.ly/3QF8ADA
Flanges bit.ly/3MGxRMy
Rake bit.ly/3MJdqPg
Products Used in this video:
Sand paper bit.ly/467S7xC
DC Super Shine One Step Cut and Polish bar bit.ly/49wW69R
DC Super Shine Blue Finishing Bar bit.ly/3udKEjj
DC Super Shine Heavy Cut Buffing Wheel bit.ly/47tuZL0
DC Super Shine Flannel Finishing Wheel bit.ly/47ocEiE
Liquid Metal Polish bit.ly/3sohoWF
DC Super Shine Kits bit.ly/40AdhmI
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Safety Gear
01:30 High Speed Sanding 400 Grit
02:11 High Speed Sanding 600 Grit
02:21 High Speed Sanding 800 Grit
03:48 What Sander/Polisher Do I use
04:30 How I do the top of a tank
05:17 How I do the Bottom
06:00 Cutting Step
07:41 Working In Sections
09:38 Tank Ends
10:10 Talking Compound
11:30 Polishing the top
12:31 Finishing Step
14:20 Lighting and Buffing lines
15:40 Flannel Rags
Video: Jack Sliter
Editing: Jack Sliter
Facebook: / dcsupershine
Instagram: / dcsupershineofficial

[@Steff320i]

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

[@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.

[@caker65]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)

[@paulborg9609]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching Paul! :)

[@detailersgarage]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Glad I could help! Thank you for watching!

[@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.

[@Neilvy04]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated :)

[@joeshelfoon3194]

Great job and thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@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

[@AndrewMayer-zz4bv]

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

[@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!

[@justinsmith4095]

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

[@michaelguthrie2723]

Again Dennis so much information. Thanks 😊

[@DCSuperShine]

👍 thanks for watching!

[@gaimartin]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks :)

[@TheKAKA1977]

Thank you friend, for valuable tips, big hug.

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching

[@cindysalinas9752]

Great product. Awesome

[@DCSuperShine]

thanks for watching

[@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

[@lfcfan4557]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Thank you for watching

[@ajbang5723]

Excellent video

[@DCSuperShine]

Thank you very much!

[@kevinfox5068]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial Kevin Fox UK England

[@michaelmello9510]

Great job

[@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!!!

[@mustangeddie3383]

Loving the background music

[@DCSuperShine]

Lol 😂 thanks for watching

[@jimomalley6737]

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

[@DeaDEye.21]

Thanks Dennis ✨💯💪

[@DCSuperShine]

You bet

[@vernon207]

That’s cool thanks

[@DCSuperShine]

Thanks for watching

[@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!

[@cumminscowboy3869]

I am doing some tanks this weekend. I have a detail company. Is this something I should do if I’ve never done it or should I learn on my own stuff before. I’ve buffed and waxed but never this.

[@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

[@southofheaven7060]

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

[@PilotsLoungeFishing]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jessielopez821]

How long do it normally takes to polish?

[@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? :)

[@carolpuente4911]

What sanding machine do you use

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@DynoDieselWagon]

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

[@TowMan127]

🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[@DCSuperShine]

thanks for watching!!! :)

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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 🤷‍♂️

[@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!

[@elvinas159]

What rpm do you use on polishing?

[@DCSuperShine]

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

[@sambadcock1427]

I’ve got the same DeWalt polisher you used in the video, using 6inch menzerna wheels due to polisher being “rated” for 7inch, what size wheel are ya using here??

[@DCSuperShine]

Hey Sam, those numbers are if your using grinding wheels. Nothing to do with polishing. :) I only run 10 inch airway wheels. And on occasion on my 3500 12 inch for certain applications. Hope this helps

[@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

[@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???

[@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

[@leomarcofferi2568]

Algum brasileiro aí pra traduzir a explicação qe ele falou

[@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

[@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

[@petercrisp8314]

What about the straps

[@DCSuperShine]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@gregkeller80]

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

[@DCSuperShine]

Lol ya for sure!!!

[@michaelkay3565]

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