The only thing that shows is the guard, and it usually gets so dirty and beat up you can't tell what color it is.  I painted mine Rustoleum grey and have had no trouble getting it filled. These are ASTM RV tanks, not like today's portable auto-stop propane tanks, and are covered by different rules.

All of those old Westy auto-stop fill valves should be replaced with a standard RV fill valve and 80% valve. They can stick open and are dangerous. BTDT, and it ain't pretty. And, you'll never be able to go back to that fill station!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Vincent Dow
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 11:56 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: LPG tank ... white paint or varnished steel?

I got the tank off my van for the first time. I definitely have to replace
the valve.
I snaded and brushed all the rust off, and it looks awesome. My mechanic
emphatically suggested that I paint it white with rustoleum (brush)
Same for the protectors plate.
But I hate to do it. It looks really cool.

Is there any real bad reason for not leaving it in steel, with several
coats of varnish or other finish?

Steam punk, or good sam club?