Stripping an aluminium tank

[Nute]

I found a replacement BMW K100 tank of the correct year on eBay close to me and it seems pretty good and was a reasonable price. 
 

I need to strip the paint off of it so I can check if it got any filler in it and get a better look at the lower shoulders as the things seem to always leak there. 
 

BMW used one tank format from 83-86 and then changed in 86 to a slightly different design with a different fuel level sender, a diff size fuel pump and different tank fixing points. The latter type are more freely available and I had also tracked one of those down as I wasn’t sure I could find one of the earlier type. Using it would mean more welding for different fixings and I’ve decided I’d rather use the original earlier design if I can. I’ve picked up the tank but need to strip the paint off of it. I’d rather not sand it off as it’s a pain in the arse.

Anyone got any experience on aluminium with using Nitromores ? 
 

 

[Buckster]

On 18/02/2026 at 16:58, Nute said:

I found a replacement BMW K100 tank of the correct year on eBay close to me and it seems pretty good and was a reasonable price. 
 

I need to strip the paint off of it so I can check if it got any filler in it and get a better look at the lower shoulders as the things seem to always leak there. 
 

BMW used one tank format from 83-86 and then changed in 86 to a slightly different design with a different fuel level sender, a diff size fuel pump and different tank fixing points. The latter type are more freely available and I had also tracked one of those down as I wasn’t sure I could find one of the earlier type. Using it would mean more welding for different fixings and I’ve decided I’d rather use the original earlier design if I can. I’ve picked up the tank but need to strip the paint off of it. I’d rather not sand it off as it’s a pain in the arse.

Anyone got any experience on aluminium with using Nitromores ? 
 

 

The new formula Nitromores isn’t as good as the old one, on the plus side it no longer gives you emphysema. I also hear that Aircraft paint remover is very good but expensive and Jenolite.

 

 

[Vamana Gupta]

On 18/02/2026 at 12:58, Nute said:

I found a replacement BMW K100 tank of the correct year on eBay close to me and it seems pretty good and was a reasonable price. 
 

I need to strip the paint off of it so I can check if it got any filler in it and get a better look at the lower shoulders as the things seem to always leak there. 
 

BMW used one tank format from 83-86 and then changed in 86 to a slightly different design with a different fuel level sender, a diff size fuel pump and different tank fixing points. The latter type are more freely available and I had also tracked one of those down as I wasn’t sure I could find one of the earlier type. Using it would mean more welding for different fixings and I’ve decided I’d rather use the original earlier design if I can. I’ve picked up the tank but need to strip the paint off of it. I’d rather not sand it off as it’s a pain in the arse.

Anyone got any experience on aluminium with using Nitromores ? 
 

 

Have you checked what would a bodyshop charge you...? To have sand blasted with the proper stuff...

[Buckster]

28 minutes ago, Vamana Gupta said:

Have you checked what would a bodyshop charge you...? To have sand blasted with the proper stuff...

Water blasting is better with aluminium.

[Vamana Gupta]

27 minutes ago, Buckster said:

Water blasting is better with aluminium.

Not sure exactly what they use around here...walnut or glass..but it has to be done at low pressure...

[Buckster]

8 minutes ago, Vamana Gupta said:

Not sure exactly what they use around here...walnut or glass..but it has to be done at low pressure...

Glass beads are used with water blasting.

[Vamana Gupta]

Anyway it be something to look at Nute..who knows after you calculate everything...it might be cheaper just to have done...