Topic: Need Advice on Finding a Cafe Gas Tank - CB550

[campbmic]

Hey all! I have a 1975 CB550 cafe racer I'm rebuilding. I'm trying to find a tank solution, and really have my heart set on a tank with knee dents.

I did some measuring and purchased one of these for $60.00 on ebay. It was ~3in. shorter than the original tank but thought I could make it work. Its the look Im going for and Im impressed with the quality and price. Unfortunately, its just too short and narrow for the bike





The original tank had some dents in the front but the interior cleaned up well. I tried putting knee dents in it, but with the already existing dents it didnt work out. So Im worried if I buy a used stock tank I'll mess it up.

I was thinking of trying a CX500 tank. I really like the one I bought but cant find a bigger one for sale. Does anyone have experience with buying a cafe tank recently for a CB550? I can give up the knee dents if I need to as this is holding up the build.

Here's my dream tank, which I believe is a 750 (which would be too long from my research) with hand made knee dents. I like the flatness and the angles in the front.

[carnivorous chicken]

You might try to find a CB500T tank -- have a look, they've got knee dents. I was going to use one on a 550 ages ago but never did, and have sort of given up on the cafe craze myself. Not sure about fitment, but pretty sure it is pretty close or even just right. Might poke around the do the ton page as well. Or maybe Carpy has something...

The 500T tanks have gotten pricey I think but if that's what you're after might do the trick. I've never really been a fan of the DIY knee dents myself, they never seem to look right (this one has a hanging "A" for example).

[seanbarney41]

Have a look at cb200 tanks...very racey   no idea how hard or easy it would be to make one fit...

[newday777]

That red tank is a 750 tank, it was done nicely, probably with a press and die someone made???

I have a 550 tank with knee dents, roughed out by hammer by someone else, it has clear coat on it to keep it from rusting. I got it as is in a parts lot buy.
Someone else is coming this weekend to look at it. I have it soaking in Evaporust to clean out the inside. Like I told the guy that is interested in it, it would look good with bondo filler to smooth out the hammer dents and the emblem mounts, then paint it.

[Stev-o]

You might try to find a CB500T tank --

Yeah, that might look good. Here is a nice one...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404693289556?_skw=cb500t+fuel+tank&epid=1411802012&itmmeta=01K1B989ME3GJ630A61BPRV56D&hash=item5e39998a54:g:VccAAOSweaRlg1qF&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fxSUc2si%2BdRAN9OZCA1aKQ%2Fwnrn6ocCwno%2B%2FGRdToPfAr8E5KOgLvT9GSi79lLddaxTj1S9TEDfiK%2F9ujvi%2FD4ICxlCM1oLLfXLLjI4knlGEknT%2BdR1ZFOPiojaszzpw6t4aHUolBfypaf9iRsNX9u9bnNvLMgtMC5dsTP18fCnt%2BprYgFe1AJr59euHLjLlZLWtLaeqpn3W1GdTgqv0M8Rnu2wZpzpM33o%2F5osFBB4UiPcEE8Vln%2FfgBe8jvUTlCFIWye03NIjZT9lmROESQC7bimI2KxSPtwig00RgnGoA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8iaoemKZg

[campbmic]

That red tank is a 750 tank, it was done nicely, probably with a press and die someone made???

I have a 550 tank with knee dents, roughed out by hammer by someone else, it has clear coat on it to keep it from rusting. I got it as is in a parts lot buy.
Someone else is coming this weekend to look at it. I have it soaking in Evaporust to clean out the inside. Like I told the guy that is interested in it, it would look good with bondo filler to smooth out the hammer dents and the emblem mounts, then paint it.

Newday, how much would you let the tank go for with shipping?

Stev-o, yea I did some more research last night on the CB500T. You have to move the fuel bung on the tank and while I have a welder I do not have the ability to make a water tight weld due to the fact I weld like a 4 year old.

[newday777]

That red tank is a 750 tank, it was done nicely, probably with a press and die someone made???

I have a 550 tank with knee dents, roughed out by hammer by someone else, it has clear coat on it to keep it from rusting. I got it as is in a parts lot buy.
Someone else is coming this weekend to look at it. I have it soaking in Evaporust to clean out the inside. Like I told the guy that is interested in it, it would look good with bondo filler to smooth out the hammer dents and the emblem mounts, then paint it.

Newday, how much would you let the tank go for with shipping?

No idea on shipping as I don't have any information from you.