Finally had some time to get around to some of my smaller projects. (Still need to get to some of the bigger ones though...)

I picked up these two cans a few months ago for $5. For the moment I only painted one since I not not figured out mounting I figured I'd use the beat up as a template.

The painting was done after I cleaned out the old diesel. There was almost no rust inside but I still rinsed with MEK and screws/washers until clean. I also found two small holes in the one I randomly picked to repaint, the other was fine. I welded the holes and got to painting.

Here are some comparison shots. A before and after bead blasting in a way.



A little primer...


And of course the blurry one is the finished shot.


I'll take some better pictures once the paint is dry and I can fully assemble it. Next time I have a batch of parts plated I'll probably send the lids. I was thinking yellow zinc but I usually have black zinc done. I guess it depends on what I have done next.

Have they ever came up with a spout that didnt drip? When I was in we referred to them as donkey (richards) and even when new, the things leaked diesel. Very annoying.

Right on! My dad has a half dozen of old jerry cans sitting in his quonset hut. I visually inspected a few of them and they were rusty on the inside. I kind of feared the worst so I never used them but if you saw some results with MEK and loose screws then I'll try it.

Thanks for the idea. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

What kind of paint did you use? I've found the canned spray paint hardly effective when they're in contact with other hard surfaces. The paint typically scrapes right off.

I've found whatever paint is used by the makers of the German Style Jerry cans was the most effective for wear & tear.

Good job. i thought about cuting mine in half and rewelding it to make it about 2.5 gallon jerry can. The big x is making my idea challenging to make it look right.

Are you talking about making them taller or fatter Recon??? The NATO cans are two halves welded together so it should be fine. I see what you mean about the corrugated "X" though......a little tricky to line that up.

Fwiw 2.5G/10L cans are available...
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA055-1.html

You can also find them in a short can configuration. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

For paint I used some knock-off Rustoleum enamel paint and primer. I've used this stuff before and it seems to hold up pretty well. I have no illusions though, I'm not expecting much. I'll see how it goes for awhile and I might try some lacquer based paint on the other for comparison.

Oh, and as far as rust goes, these were almost clean on the inside. If your cans are rather rusty I would still do the MEK as well as follow it up with some motorcycle gas tank sealer. I've used the stuff from Caswell Plating with much success.

I was wanting to make it shorter to make it a little easier to handle. I rather have 2x 2.5 gallon ones than 1x 5 gallon.

Thanks for the link. i am going to look into it. the funny thing is the dimensions they give almost as big as the 5 gallon.