We have a 2000 LT80. Last year the decals on the gas tank started to lift and bubble. After I priced the factory replacement decals, (and had a cardiac arrest), I bought a FactoryFX set of generic Suzuki stickers. After completely cleaning the surface of the tank I put the new stickers on; after 5 days these began to bubble and lift too. I can only guess that fumes are migrating through the plastic and causing the problem. Has anyone seen this problem and is there any way to cure it?
Thanks

 

My .02? The gas isn't permeating your tank. Never heard of that.

Odds are the surface wasn't as clean as you thought.

Here is the best method of cleaning the surface - plastic or metal:

1) Go to your local Auto Paint Supplier and get a can of 3M wax and grease remover.
2) With a clean cotton cloth, thoroughly clean the surface with the 3M.
3) Mix a teaspoon of Tide laundry detergent in 2 cups of very warm water. Run over the area with this solution. If you don't want to do steps 1 and 2, do this several times. Tide works wonders at removing grease, dirt and such from parts.
4) After the item has dried, use a squirt bottle filled with water and just a tad of dish soap to spray the area
5) Apply your decal to the wetted area, and use a squigee to remove all air bubbles and water/soap solution.
6) Run a hair dryer over the decal (not too close) to completely set the decal.

If you do the above, that decal (unless the decal is defective) will never give you a bit of trouble.

 

tape em on with duct tape

 

I bought a 2003 LT 80 for my daughter and they came off before the 3 month warranty was up, but they wouldnt cover them. We bought some Suzuki So Be graffics from our local dealer for like 35.00 buks or so, they have holes in them so your tank can breath and allow them to stick longer, they have been on all season, and looks good too[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] They the only ones I have found, and the vented holes do help! Good Luck!

 

My friends have the same problems on their dirtbikes. The stock tank decals are a thick vinal with slots in them to allow the fumes to escape. My buddy actually made his own tank graphics. He used a sheet of black number plate sticker (I believe) which is about 5mm or so thick and has slots cut in it. Then he had vinal flames made and cut slots in those and put them on. Seems to hold up so far.

 

Thanks, guys