Motorcycle Fuel Tank Restoration ( Honda TL125 70's)

This restoration WAS supposed to be 10mins long but the project is so full of cool steps and details i couldn't leave them out. So i hope you'll sit back relax and enjoy another Really Random Restoration from me :)
This weeks restoration is of a late 70's Honda TL125 tank. A proper little vintage gem. As you can see the tank is very battered and bruised it is full of dents filler and rust but nothing we cant sort out on this channel.
First step was the unboxing which i tried to make as fun as possible haha. Next up was to start some serious work. Yet again DEOX C came in very handy for removing all of the rust and gunk from inside the tank. Once this was done all tank openings were left sealed to prevent any crap building up inside again.
Then it was off to the blasting cabinet to remove all traces of rust and paint. halfway through i had to stop and grind most of the filler out as i didnt want to put too much stress on the compressor and ruin my blast media with lots of unwanted body filler.
After blasting it was very clear to see i had waaay underestimated how bad the tank really was. it was rippled and just crazy bent up but after a few hours with PDR rods, the knock down tool and a coffee it was back in reasonable shape and able to be body worked.
The next stage was to etch prime the tank so that i could leave it overnight without the fear of any moisture in the air starting to rust the tank. Next day i started to fill the dents and get it straight and true again this took hours to complete and there were so many lines that has to be addressed. Its actually one of the worst tanks ive had to deal with. But after this stage the tank was completely straight so straight id have been happy to paint it gloss black just to prove it ;). but anyway....
Onto the high build primer and wet flatting stages now to remove any last pits from the surface and we are all good for the first layer of paint. After the initial layer of paint its back to the bench for some serious time measuring and marking out the placement of logos and paint lines.( Ive sped this section up considerably for you guys as. )
After marking out and masking up it was back into the booth for the painting of the red and black sections. Once dry all the masking was peeled off and the Honda badges were offered up to there precise position on the tank.
Then multiple coats of clear were applied to finish the job. once The paint has aged for around a week and been fitted back onto the bike i will be flatting the clear down and buffing back to a glass like finish.
I know this video is a bit on the lengthy side but i tried to cut it down as much as possible without losing any important stages or processes.
If you like what you see and have any ideas for the channel or would even like to donate something to restore to the channel please get in touch. :)
And as usual if you liked the video please like share and subscribe and help the channel grow.
Really Random Channel

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey Guys, As you have probably noticed already i have updated the channel name and logo. The channel is no longer Really Random Channel it is now RRC Restoration. Just incase you were wondering why the water marks in the video still say Really Random Channel. Enjoy.

[@1234567demon]

Vğ

[@owensmith1258]

I like your content. You have helped me out for sure. What pressure do you spray at? I have a Kawasaki fuel tank I have to paint.

[@davidhv8682]

Great job, an old trick that I was taught to fix fuel tank dents was by filling it with water and putting it in the freezer, the ice expands and solves 85% of the work. Greetings from Spain

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for your comment and tip, ill be sure to try that one out :)

[@rasmus9895]

For cars I've often seen people using boiling water on dents. The heat expands the metal, making it likely to snap back into its original shape.

[@Ultra54able]

You could easily blow the seams out doing that.

[@ZPDSurvival]

Great Idea. I am going to try that out.

[@cvcoco]

@@rasmus9895 In my experience, hot water softens the metal, making it easier to work with hammers, thats all. I never had a warm dent magically pop out that way.

[@sootylum]

I’ve watched all 6 videos of the restoration and its some of the best work I have ever seen.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey guys! Im glad to see you like this latest restoration. Im happy to announce that i have recently made a purchase of a new project and i will be bringing you a series of videos based off the back of that project ;) The reason for this post is to ask you for some feedback on whether you prefer these longer style videos showing processes from start to finish or would you prefer shorter videos showing less detail? I look forward to your comments. RRC

[@whocares6698]

Already voted for the longer videos

[@Oberkommando]

Longer videos are the best. If I find some part of the video to long I can always double tap fast-forward 10 sec. The longer vids are best. PS I hope the "purchase" was some old bike or car since I have some in my garage I would love to restore but don't have any know-how. Yo da best

[@RetroHax]

Really nice job on the motorcycle tank, I have nearly finished my restoration tank and will soon upload it. Great job bud.

[@RRCRestoration]

RetroHax Thanks very much. I look forward to your restoration ;)

[@DonnaMSchmid]

I definitely vote for the longer videos! For those who want to spend less time viewing them, they're welcome to speed up the video to 1.25, 1.5, or 2 times the normal playback!

[@mymechanics]

Amazing restoration! I'm very impressed with that design you made, like it came out of the factory.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thank you very much, My years in the body shop come into play every now and again haha ;)

[@mymechanics]

@@RRCRestoration experience always pays out ;-)

[@badlarry172]

praise indeed

[@Maestro_Modeller]

Great work, brings back memories. I was 12 when my father taught me to ride a motorcycle, it was a 78' Honda TL125.

[@mainmast8955]

never let the good enough be the enemy of the perfect.

[@rabbitsaddle7078]

Omg mate that is some serious quality skilled craftsmanship. My father was a panel beater and painter in the 60's he would love to have seen your work. I enjoyed the whole process start to finish. A credit to you

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thank you very much for your kind comment :)

[@whittyglover8948]

Start to finish videos. The speed up are at the right spots

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for the comment. Glad you like the editing its taken me ages to try and strike a nice balance with it :)

[@adamsedlak7308]

You may not see this comment but i really need to tell you that this hard work you've made is just incredible. Fantastic job mate.

[@RRCRestoration]

Itry my best to keep up with all my comments and reply to them all, its the least i can do ;) Thank you for your kind comment :)

[@jonsmith8582]

You have the patience of a saint , so much prep, great job !

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much :) Bigger project coming soon ;)

[@schuur10]

2 Important things with this master piece, don,t be angry or affraid if it wont work at once and have patiënce. It was nice to see the whole program with your skills to get each step further to a top finish ! I Like This!!

[@opticaltrace4382]

Lovely job. Must be so satisfying pulling that tape off!

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for your comment. Its actually a mix of satisfaction and dread in case you have either masked it up wrong or a piece of tape has slightly lifted and you've got paint int he wrong place haha.

[@adven0018]

Really great result. It was very satisfying seeing the green pin stripe tape being pulled off. And the clear had no visible orange peel. Awesome job!

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thank you very much for your kind comment and im glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Tasagraf]

Great job again :) I'll prefer 20-ish minutes videos with cool details of course ;)

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much :)

[@jessegoddard6197]

Very nice job. I’m working on restoring a 74 TL125 right now. Good to see the examples of work you’ve done. Excellent reference. Thanks for the video.

[@808v1]

I wish I could hand-sand that quickly in real-life.

[@chrisbleurgh7425]

Tell me about it. Prepping sucks total ass.

[@warrenmichael918]

if my hands moved that fast, i would use them for something else and it doesnt involve a piece of sandpaper !! LOL

[@StoopidMonkeysMomma]

Hell I wish I could tape off and stripe that fast lol

[@swishersweet3756]

I don't find the length of your videos to be a problem at all. I personally enjoy seeing as much of the actual work as possible. I'd rather be doing but when you can't, watch.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for leaving a comment and letting me know ;)

[@min_nari]

Finally i can see the legendary sand blasting chamber in action! Thank you

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha no problem at all ;)

[@badlarry172]

was getting withdrawals so had to watch probably one of my favourites of your oldies didn't disappoint. ta again

[@leslieshirley1126]

stick with the long one's. I'm about to start a restoration on a 1972 Honda CB350 however my skills and resources are not very good. Great vids keep em comming😎

[@Dylan-ug6jp]

My gosh, this tank is a Beauty! Such skills and craftsmanship are top notch, loved every step of your work, and the paint is simply mind blowing for the accuracy and the attention to the finest detail such as the black strip, my best compliments, thanks for sharing these works of Art with us.

[@stefanode7402]

This is what you call high quality craftsmanship. Bravo!

[@furbarator]

I can only speak for my self.......I really enjoy the longer videos with more processes. I would love to see what you would do with a full Hot Rod to play with, I bet it would be fantastic when finished. The Honda tank came out beautiful and looks like it came right off the show room floor. Thank you for sharing your time a talents with the KZbin community, very enjoyable.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thank you very much for your feedback and kind comment its very much appreciated :). Check back soon i have a big multi video project coming up ;)

[@fraserp2377]

The amount of time and love that goes into this blows my mind. Great job.

[@Barbacito]

YES!!!! YESSSS!!! CLEAR COAT ON!!! GLOSSY FINISH EVEN UPON THE ADHESIVE! Ok, perfection totally acheived... I have no words, except thank you

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thank you very much for your kind comment :)

[@josephdgleason]

Still one of my favorite videos that have been done. The attention to detail and the difference from the original to end is amazing. Well done!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much :)

[@robertappleyard7053]

Hope. You've given the owner of every dented motorcycle tank hope. Thanks for the video (and the hope).

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey thank you very much for your comment :) i haven't came across a tank yet that i couldn't save ;)

[@stickerswa237]

Always wanted to do panel and paint when I left school but all the rubbing and fiddling around put me off it so I got an apprenticeship as a mechanic. Loved every minute of mechanicing but always did my own panel and paint (weather the car needed it or not hehehe) and now at 61 I am still getting my jolly's watching these sort of videos.... Job well done!

[@eatenkate]

ahhh that paint job is a treasure to behold. And i love the longer style videos, so satisfying to see the process, with just the right amount of explanation.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you and thanks for the feedback glad you enjoyed it :)

[@natemorton5575]

Why did you put it in the vice without anything in between?!

[@RRCRestoration]

Theres no need to put anything in between as the tank is in bare metal and its clamped onto a seam so there is zero chance of any damage occurring. Thanks for your comment.

[@webchez69]

This tank is F---ing ridiculous!!! The only thing I would have done differently to get the initial dents out.... Fill it with water, and lay it in a tub of sand to stabilize it while you worked with the "paintless" dent repair tools..

[@toddfraisure1747]

I had one in Anchorage for a couple years. Tried racing it motocross but I was to heavy for it. Still they were great bikes but not quite a YZ. You brought back some great memories. Thank you!

[@carrcohol]

I watched this on 2x speed, so I feel like I could restore a crushed motorcycle in like 45 minutes.

[@brollona3948]

It's amazing how much work it requires to repair tank.

[@landmark4928]

I wasn't like in it through the midway until the very end out standing job great great work .

[@beruseruku2975]

4am and I’m watching this instead of sleeping, totally worth it.

[@Mapex800]

Чётко....

[@me-cq7wv]

Boy that sander booth saves a lot of work for you.

[@stevenhill6214]

You made a really excellent job of that! The result DEFINITELY justifies the many hours it must have taken to complete. As for the 385 dislikers...i just don't understand them.

[@georgestewart1325]

Love the skills and seeing that being turned into a work of art was amazing..

[@montucky406]

Love casting these videos up on the 70” plasma. Very relaxing. Good work.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for your comment and im glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Thiago-uh5mz]

It looks like the Ultraman color scheme. Beautiful.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :) Im convinced that Honda used Ultraman as the inspiration for the paint job on these bikes.

[@andrewwilson8317]

Nice work. For bike tanks my tip is to make a dummy frame from bits of scrap tube and plate. Allows secure holding of tank by its mounts to work on it. I also use a big sandbag to support when not on the dummy frame. Nothing fancy,heavy duty farm sack full of builders sand. Tanks are tricky to stop rolling around when trying to bodywork!

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for the comment and the tips, I like the sandbag idea :)

[@patreich3637]

I could watch this all day long. Super job.

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@427walrus]

Ha ha I can smell the filler when you started mixing it. Excellent work as always. 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha im the same when i see anything to do with filler and paint, Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@cookiecrumb3456]

Fast forward ⏩ hand sanding is soooo satisfying.

[@gregholley7579]

Really only one word... "WOW" that is beautiful. Nice work!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much for your kind comment :)

[@SSmith-fm9kg]

Sweet! I custom painted motorcycles (hobby) in the early 70s, while in the USAF, stationed at Luke AFB near Phoenix. There was an automotive hobby center on base that had a pro paint booth and filtered air. Fun times. When this video started, with the camera mounted to the razor knife, I suddenly heard the theme from "Jaws" in my head.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, thanks for sharing your memories with the channel :) Im glad you got a kick out of box opening i rather enjoyed it as well :)

[@rameshd1366]

Incredible restoration and paint job, fantastic

[@mikerogers6742]

Great to see such time, effort and patience spent. Job well done.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@RHUK81]

I love the descriptions you include with your videos. They're informative and fun to read! Cheers, and keep up the excellent work!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, Glad you like them! :)

[@RicoSnakeOff]

Isso não é trabalho,isso é um dom divino,parabéns.

[@1946supermotomc]

Splendid! The owner will have something to work too .Well Done !

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :), I actually managed to buy the bike from the owner and i have fully restored it if you have a look at my other videos you will find the full restoration ;)

[@gustavoserra5514]

Excelente trabajo, amigo. Mucha dedicación y un resultado extraordinario. Saludos desde Córdoba Argentina

[@realtalk6573]

I found your channel today and your work is absolutly stonishing and great! Very very very much respect is coming to you from germany! All thumbs up!

[@unenthusiast]

Engrossed start to finish. I’ve got a Honda tank to do. Will be lucky to get one colour on it smoothly!

[@fynbo1007]

Very beautiful result, just love it. Thank you for sharing your amazing video. God bless you and your family

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much for your kind comment.

[@COOPSTOP]

Wonderful work, RRC, keep up the smoothness, those lines, those curves. So beautiful...

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

You got my thumb up in the first 20 seconds with the box opener cam! That was fun! In my head, I heard the Jaws theme. Dah-Dum! Dah-dum!

[@davesearches4950]

Amazing work. Crazy amount of work, but really good.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@awsomemustang]

quick tip , use a really flat piece of wood or acrylic with regular sheet sand paper gets it flatter than the velcro block which has a bit of softness to it

[@godislove201]

I cant believe people have the nerve to give you a thumbs down... Jealous ass wipes. Excellent craftsmanship!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you for your kind comment :)

[@andrewlarson6805]

That is an amazing restoration great job I'll admit I'm not a fan of a paint job but I also gave its a restoration and odds are extremely high that was the factory paint job required I can tell you're very talented I would have loved to have seen what you would have done if you had free reign over that

[@UKPete]

Fantastic job, Perfection!, satisfying to watch also thanks!.

[@Marcspix.]

Wow! Great instructional video! Thanks for your hard work mate! I learnt a lot....and avoided some mistakes i could have made.

[@DIOSpeedDemon]

I remember those tanks in the 70s. I used to go down to the Honda shop as a kid and just look at the new bikes. I believe the TL 125 came with a blue tank and then the next year a red one? Oh by the way at the time, a brand new hondal TL-125 out the door price was $600. plus tax of course.!!

[@theupscriber65]

I bought a bike with a CRUSHED tank on the left side. It was heavily creased, but it didn't leak. I was afraid straightening it out would create a leak so I filled the softball sized dent with spray foam which I shaped, then fiberglassed over for strength and finally filled and finished. Three years later and no one has ever noticed.

[@lindsaymerritt975]

Lovely job mate.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@airbrushingbynick6071]

Hi dude. Very handy video which helps me as a newbie in tanks. Sort of. But one thing is that I was shown not to put filler on top of Etch primer due to heat generated and courses moisture underneath primer and will eventually rust. But this is the way that I would have done it though.

[@RRCRestoration]

Hi again. The only way you will get moisture under the filler is if the surface already has moisture on it. applying filler over etch primer is perfectly acceptable if you know what your doing as the etch primer is as it says physically etched into the metal so there will be no problems with adhesion or feathering out of you have applied all the materials correctly. In normal circumstances yes you always want to apply filler to bare metal but there are exceptions ;) ( Nearly 20 years paint and body experience and no filler or paint failures to date :) )

[@airbrushingbynick6071]

@@RRCRestoration. Cheers for the info. The mistakes I've been making is small repairs. Very difficult to hide. The best way in future is to skim the whole side. Otherwise you end up putting 40 million coats to hide em. I don't have the facilities to bake so like 2k primer gotto be air dried. Some people say to base over etch and others say prime over etch. It's seems to be just experience. Keep up the good work. Velly interlesting.

[@davidrobins4025]

Beautiful job. You are a craftsman.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much for your kind comment :)

[@ArifKhan-hl1kn]

bravo amazing job. it was so satisfying to see when you was reveling the black stripe

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@mrbrown2186]

Looks amazing! I personally would have made some fibreglass moulds of it before the painting stage and made repro copies, there's a big market for them as originals are harder to get hold of nowadays. My dad used to do that with beetle wings and bootlids. They came out great.

[@103apartment]

I liked. It seams we missed a few steps. The fine sanding the clear coat. Unless you do such a great job and don’t get the orange peel

[@rodneymounsey4168]

Nice job, love that the shop is so clean!

[@martincarlberg9671]

For us who just love the video but not is so in to it, you should lay a textframe for what you using. An examlple, is it just water when you sandpaper it, what grit and so on. Like a bakingshow! 😉👍

[@chickencurry7642]

That final layer of tape that you untapped....ohhhh.. SATISFYING🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it ;)

[@72hourbob61]

1st rate job on this tank. The only place I have seen any this good is when I was a kid working at a Honda dealer and put them together new and ever year when I go to the Barbers vintage fest./Museum.

[@MrTocalino]

What a beautiful work..... I enjoyed the whole process.

[@RRCRestoration]

Im very glad you liked it :)

[@shedenvy691]

Awesome work i wish i had a spray booth.i am in the process of restoring a 1982 ts185 looking forward to the tank and plastics.

[@JamesCouch777]

Excellent job 👍. I hope my next job turns out half as good.

[@JoeyP322]

Absolutely incredible talented work !!!!! Awesome!!!!

[@luispedromiguelprieto6528]

Obra de arte,lo e visto ya 5o6 veces y no m canso d verlo👍😱

[@nikolaosberatlis3942]

Great job. Enjoyed watching it.

[@yarkymoguel9360]

Los odiosos siempre van a odiar, sigue con el buen trabajo, y genial video aún si fue más largo de lo que pensabas valió la pena!

[@anttosuhonen2900]

through the fire and flames goes well with the primer sanding

[@kukkimonsuta5342]

You're an artist. Very nice.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@faerieSAALE]

A job well done and one you can very proud of my fellow HONDA lover!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you im glad you liked it :)

[@Bigjoelifts15]

Excellent work mate 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@ericbyers9554]

I had a tl125 the only bike i had bran new and the paint probably that good new i could watch pros work all day

[@jeroendenhertog4975]

I would love to see this very nice tank on the bike!

[@RRCRestoration]

If my buddy gets his finger out and restores the rest of the bike ill gladly put up a few pics of the finished machine ;)

[@WOG13B]

How could anyone give this the thumbs down??? Very jealous people behind those keyboards. Excellent work mate..!!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you for your kind comment :)

[@paralaxfox8165]

Even knowing it was impossible went there and did it!

[@000Trauma]

This is an S tier restoration

[@baldcreations8044]

Good job mate you are a proper talent and a joy to watch

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for your kind comment and im glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@tonyross2947]

AMAZING job mate

[@indianatone218]

excellent ive a xt 250 yam tank to do but it will be done with rattle cans ,wow i admire yourwork and attention to detail ! greetings from wales UK

[@helioalmeida132]

belo trabalho na verdade uma obra de arte

[@codygonither]

Good job man i dont have words to say ..... thats(awesome) clean work

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@lassei4659]

And when you wetsand use a mild dish soapy solution. Keeps the residue from sticking to the papir ;)

[@RRCRestoration]

Hey, Thanks for the comment,That is what the solution in the spray bottle is ;)

[@lassei4659]

@@RRCRestoration thought it was that. Btw, what about using 2k clear on the filler neck of the gastank. 👍

[@MBIKES21]

Fantastic job, well done.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)