Spectra Premium Gas Tank - do I need to paint or clear coat it?

Clear coating is not a bad idea.
They are galvanized though.
I just re used the pad off my old tank, it was in good condition.
They are a bit tricky to get off, but a wide putty scraper and some muscle will do it.
I then used contact cement to glue it on the top like the factory did.
Definitely use a pad between the top of the tank and the trunk floor for reasons mentioned earlier.
My spectra tank fit really well, i would definitely buy another one.