Any tips for avoiding paint damage to petrol tank?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Next week I plan to fit the Petrol Cap back on the 500.
I have the modified type fitting with pins and clips instead of rivets.

I'm reluctant to use a load of masking tape to protect the areas is there an easy way to avoid scratching new paint?

TBH I would never make a brain surgeon with my big hands.

[taysidedragon]

I used masking tape on my new paint. Peel it off carefully afterwards and no issues. Don’t leave it on for days though, it gets harder to remove.
You could make a card 'protector' to fit round the tank opening and protect the surrounding area, but it might get in the way of the job.

[AshimotoK0]

I would cut a hole out of a bit of terry towelling and put it over the filler neck.

Bet it's dead hard using the original rivet fixing and peening it over without damage.

Probably why Honda always supplied replacement tanks like the CB500/4 with chrome flap and latch fitted.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I have some of the quite expensive decorators Frogtape but reluctant to use it.
I guess if I tape some cloth in place fastening it underneath as a precaution.

I like Ashs idea of cutting a hole in some thin towelling - a bit like when they do when when you have an operation with a wighted cover with a hole for where they are going to cut you open!

I wonder how much time I will spend searching for the clip when I drop it or even worse it pings into the air instead of clippiing onto pin groove.

Me overthinking and expecting the worst.

[Sesman]

Hi, Ted.

I cut a hole in a towel, then for extra protection one of those plastic food preparation sheets. My missus was not particularly enchanted on discovery 🤔

[Athame57]

Ever since I pulled some paint of a tank with plastic style tape    I've used paper based tape, it is robust enough but if you think you might be in trouble you can wash it off. 

[Seabeowner]

Only just did this last week. Just used rag on the surface. Paint on the two little brackets where to catch fits was too think and the pin would not protrude far enough to get the circlip on. So had to carefully remove a bit of paint the dia on the pin head, so it now looks embedded. Getting the clip fitted you have to be very careful as you are working next to paint. I used pliers with a a narrow blunt nose and all was well.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

This afternoon I fitted the Petrol Cap & Catch - thanks for all the tips it went on fine.

The catch spring was a bit fiddly but after viewing a U-tube video it went on okay - shame the fingers are in the way but enough to work out how it fits.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeJRpfbTRg8

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