1997 Triumph Trophy 900

Q:I have recently embarked on a project restoring a much-abused 1997 Triumph Trophy 900. I drained the tank down and noticed it was rusty inside but it will be in storage until the summer at least. Can you recommend the best way to store it for several months? It’s currently hanging from the rafters in the garage. I’m not sure if I should seal it up or just leave it open to the atmosphere? Stewart Goldsmith

A:If the tank is not too bad I would spray the inside with your favourite rust-proofer (I have always had good results from plain old WD-40) and if you can put it somewhere warm and dry. The airing cupboard at home or boiler room at work, are good if you can get away with it. It should not then matter whether the tank is sealed or not though it is obviously best to keep dust, insects and God knows what else out. If the rusting is significant (though I hope not on a bike of that age) then this might be a good time to line it with epoxy as a permanent cure. I shall be looking at that soon.