GPz550 Communication 10/26 Issue. Used Fuel Tank is “Uncoated – The Ceiling is Key” Endoscope and Ceramic Compound

I’m updating the GPZ 550 Communication whenever I get a chance.
Now, to solve the fuel tank hole problem, I purchased a used tank.

You really do worry until it arrives from Yahoo Auctions and you can confirm it.
This time I was able to get an extremely pristine fuel tank and felt relieved.

When you purchase a fuel tank, it’s definitely best to check it with an endoscope.
Also, you should basically avoid purchasing fuel tanks that are already coated.
Coating = rust removal = the steel plate becomes thinner

While some things can’t be replaced, it’s risky to aim for items in poor condition at low prices.

After much deliberation, I purchased a complete set of used fairings on Yahoo Auctions

By “complete set” I mean excluding the upper cowl.

Overall it’s worn, but the condition is pretty good.
It’s not overly slick and shiny, so for me it was in a very usable condition.

An endoscope is absolutely essential to have! Get one right away

With an endoscope, you can visually confirm the inside of the fuel tank properly.
It’s extremely useful and will last until it breaks.
If you’re hesitating, definitely get one.

What’s important with an endoscope is “thinness” and “dual lens”
If it’s thin, you can insert it flexibly and confirm, and with a dual lens you can change the angle and expand the viewing range.
If you stick to these two points when purchasing, you can’t go wrong.

I was surprised at how good the inside condition was, almost like new

Even brand new fuel tanks often have some rust developing.
Since heat is applied during welding, don’t worry even if a new one has some rust.

When I checked inside the fuel tank that arrived, it was incredibly clean and I was surprised.
The burn marks from the spot welds were still clearly visible and it was in excellent condition.

When purchasing a used fuel tank, you should first “check the ceiling” .
The ceiling often rusts more than you’d expect.
Think about it
even if you fill the fuel tank to the brim, it’s difficult to fill all the way to the ceiling.

And if it’s stored outdoors in poor conditions, rust will progress even more.
The fuel tank heats up from the outside temperature, and when night comes and it cools down, condensation forms on the ceiling.
Then rust drips down and gradually erodes the bottom.

Since the condition was good, I’m going to polish it with ceramic compound

A wonderful chemical that can also be used on screens, ceramic compound .

When I get used fairings, I usually polish them with this.
It cleans up so amazingly that having one on hand is incredibly useful.

Also, using an electric polisher I bought on Amazon makes it extremely easy to get clean.
*The ones available now are even better than when I bought mine (；∀；)

Ceramic compound doesn’t have that much polishing power, so using a polisher is just about right.
However, on edges and such, I don’t think you should push too hard.
First, try it on a wide flat surface to learn the technique.

Polishing with a polisher is surprisingly fun (*´ω｀*)

I’d like to work a bit more, but there’s no end to it, so I’ll stop here.
For me, it’s clean enough and I’m very satisfied.
Also, now that I don’t have to worry about the fuel tank, I feel very relieved.

If your fairings are looking a bit tired, just give them a quick polish and they’ll look good again.
*I keep saying this, but basically you’re removing material, so please be careful.