Topic: Keyless Gas Tank Options?

[DaveBarbier]

On the '78 K4 550 gas tank with the flip door and the gas cap under it, what are my options for being able to open the lid without a key or flat object (I know it doesn't require a key, just a key shaped thing).

My current lock is falling apart and full or grit. I have a keyless ignition now with my RFID install so I'd rather not carry any keys.

I'm not against making anything but I'm trying to find the name of those folding metal tab twist things... they look like this crap drawing I just did. It's flat sheet metal and you can stand the part with the holes up to turn it, then fold that part flat when you're done.

[Smudgemo]

What if you took out the retaining clip and epoxied a couple of small rare earth magnets to the door?  Just spitballin' here.

[DaveBarbier]

Not bad, I like that, but I'd still need a way to grasp the door.


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[calj737]

Dzus fastener is what you're thinking Dave.

[madmtnmotors]

Dzus fastener is what you're thinking Dave.

+1

I think these would be well suited for the task.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Dave,

Are you afraid of someone siphoning your gas or adding something to it?  I have been riding without a locked gas cap for years, but I've also had a sidecover stolen at IMS.

[DaveBarbier]

Interesting, not the things I'm thinking of but I like 'em. But it would take a bit more of a mechanism to make work. If the shaft part was flat, I could just epoxy it into the existing key slot. I want to keep the existing latch mechanism because it still works fine and it's designed very well.

Don, nope, not afraid in the least. That sucks about the side cover. On my old CL I forgot to put one of the side covers on and rode around and got gas. Went in to pay and saw that it was gone and I was super pissed. Came home and saw it on the bench, haha.


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[AlabamaCB750]

I've used these on side covers, it might work for you. It would be cool if it went right in the hole the key mechanism is in. Four of them are holding on my windshield right now so I can take it off quickly with no tools. You can get them in various colors, stainless, and even brass. You could also paint it to match your tank color. Their website has a lot of cool stuff on it. Hope this helps.
 www.quik-latch.com

[DaveBarbier]

Those are pretty cool, thanks Alabama.


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[DaveBarbier]

Thanks again Alabama, I just ordered a kit. In my mind it's going to work beautifully!

I'll post back here when it's installed...if it works

[jamesw]

Next week I'm dropping off the oem lock at a 3D print place.

I was then going to adapt either a magnet or tumbler if I could find one that fits.

I'm curious to see how the quick latch works.

[RAFster122s]

A neo magnet can be very strong...delending upon size in thickness as well as diameter.  Several different sizes are often used by radio controlled modelers.

Dave, if you don't carry a key, then how do you unlock a door to your house/apartment?

David

[DaveBarbier]

I don't lock my doors, haha. Some people I know lock their doors when they're home like in the day time, like a Saturday afternoon, that's crazy to me.

[drumstyx]

Looks like this dzus fastener would almost work with no mods even... https://andyw-inuk.smugmug.com/keyword/tank;r1200gs;dzus/

Although, that's probably a lot smaller than I think it is...

[madmtnmotors]

I've used these on side covers, it might work for you. It would be cool if it went right in the hole the key mechanism is in. Four of them are holding on my windshield right now so I can take it off quickly with no tools. You can get them in various colors, stainless, and even brass. You could also paint it to match your tank color. Their website has a lot of cool stuff on it. Hope this helps.
 www.quik-latch.com

Looking forward to seeing how this works. I'm on the verge of ordering one myself just because it looks like it will work quite well. Form and function! I'm even imagining quik-latches for the hoods of all my vehicles...

The dzus fasteners could certainly work, and I was even considering giving it a go, but the quik-latch beat the dzus for fit and finish from what I can see.

Maybe I'll try one of each! 

[DaveBarbier]

It's delivery date is Tuesday and there will only be a tiny bit of welding to the tank. I'll post up pictures of the process. I like the quik latch because it's much more flush and clean looking than the dzus fasteners.


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[Smudgemo]

Next week I'm dropping off the oem lock at a 3D print place.

I was then going to adapt either a magnet or tumbler if I could find one that fits.

I'm curious to see how the quick latch works.

I was thinking of how this would be a good candidate for 3D printing, but I didn't have a need for one.  You could have the model changed from a cone point to something more flat that would engage the tank and house a magnet or some other shape that suits a fastener. 

I get stuff printed from Shapeways.  They offer a bunch of colors and materials like metal.  For the low, low price of $X,000, you could get this printed in 18k gold!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Dave,
I was confused in my old age. By key-less I thought you meant something like an RIFD key-less system -- instead of a latch/fasterner to replace the need for a key.

I like the solution Alabama suggested.

[madmtnmotors]

there will only be a tiny bit of welding to the tank.

I am thinking it can be done without welding. Worst case maybe rivet a U-shaped piece underneath the stand-off that holds the OEM spring clip to mount the post to. I believe I can even do it without rivets. Depends on how close the lid latch finishes in relation to the stand-off on the tank... 

Or maybe a phenolic or plastic block with a counter bore on the underside to recess the nut on the bottom as well as a counter bore on top to recess the upper nut and large enough to receive the latch as well. Make the block big enough to be a snug fit underneath the stand-off on top of the tank. A rivet through the side of the stand-off into the block would insure it stays put, especially if the fit were a little loose.

Just spit-ballin' ideas...   

[AlabamaCB750]

Thanks again Alabama, I just ordered a kit. In my mind it's going to work beautifully!

I'll post back here when it's installed...if it works

No problem. I'm looking forward to seeing how it looks in your fuel door.

[DaveBarbier]

Thanks for the suggestion, I think I may just tack a plate in there instead. Ideas are always good though.

[AlabamaCB750]

 "I'm even imagining quik-latches for the hoods of all my vehicles..."


Same company. Hood latches for cars!

[madmtnmotors]

"I'm even imagining quik-latches for the hoods of all my vehicles..."


Same company. Hood latches for cars!

Yep, I've been looking at all of their options! 

[Stev-o]

Subscribed to see how this works out.

[DaveBarbier]

Dave,
I was confused in my old age. By key-less I thought you meant something like an RIFD key-less system -- instead of a latch/fasterner to replace the need for a key.

I like the solution Alabama suggested.

That would be a little too much electronic-ness for even me, haha. A simple push button is what I'm after.