Topic: where to find a tank and seat for a cafe?

[Stert]

hi guys.
i am new to bikes, i just finished a first gen camaro and was looking for a new priject and decided to build a cafe racer.

i just picked up a 1974 cb750.

what i wanted to know is where can i find some aftermarker tanks? i want something more aggresive than the stocker. i am also looking for a seat.

thanks for any help

[mlinder]

http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/home.html
http://www.cb750cafe.com/carpy.php
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=cb750+cafe&category0=

Or make yer own stuff, which a number of people here do.

[Jinxracing]

Lots and lots of posts on this topic, but here's a good place to start:

http://www.motorcyclebodywork.com/

Lots of mixing and matching of tanks from different models too...I'd search through the forum if you're looking for other ideas. Lately I've seen a couple of early-80s Suzuki GS tanks going onto CBs and they look pretty good! In my (admittedly limited) experience, very few tanks are a direct bolt-on; if you find a tank you like, you'll have to do whatever it takes to make it fit.

[slarty-bart-farst]

Cool tanks but $$$$$

http://www.thetankshop.com/

[Sweep]

I bought Carpy's dunstall style seat for my build.  Excellent piece from a great guy.  He has them listed on ebay usually and priced at around $150.

[WJL75]

http://caferacingparts.com/  has some good seats, but you have to double check all measurements.  

Also note that in some states, Fiberglass tanks are not allowed on the streets.

[Stert]

so most tanks will not be a direct bolt on for my bike? if so, what is involved in fitting a tank? i dont want to get in over my head, since i have never done this, on a $500 part.

thanks for all those links. i see a few that i really like.

i wasnt expecting them all too be $500 or more. i may just take my tank to detroit choppers (or whatever the local chopper place is here) and have them stretch my tank and add knee cut-outs.

oh, and i will check on fiberglass tanks in michigan. thanks for that! not like there are inpections in michigan or that i would ever get caught 

thanks for dealing with a novice.

[ProTeal55]

i wasnt expecting them all too be $500 or more. i may just take my tank to detroit choppers (or whatever the local chopper place is here) and have them stretch my tank and add knee cut-outs.

Bring your tank to Detroit Brothers and see what they come up with (they build sick ass bikes)..

[WJL75]

What kind of tank style are you looking for?

If you are going for a Cafe style, there are a few threads about putting knee dents in a stock tank.  Just get a deadblow hammer and some bondo.  Pound the hell out of the tank and bondo to smooth it out.  It is as easy as it sounds.  I now have two tanks done that way.

If you can weld, you can stretch an existing tank, or do just about anything to it...its only metal, if you screw up, pound it back into shape.

[Stert]

do you have a link to that thread. i may try that out! i have no welding skills. i have always thought about taking a welding class up at the community college tho. maybe this will be the motivation i need.

i will check out the detroit brothers too if i cant end up doing it myself.

thanks guys!

[WJL75]

Here is the link where it is discussed.

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=18507.0

Deadblow hammers can be found at an ACE hardware or similar.  Mine cost about $12  (its orange and filled with sand). 

[ProTeal55]

Make sure u get some good ear protection when pounding on a gas tank.
It's LOUD !

[Rhonda750F]

I'm assuming your in the Detroit metro area???  Once you get your bike going there is a group of riders in the Michigan area that get together for cruises and what not.  Join the mailing list for more info on happenings in the Michigan area.  Search for the thread "who's in michigan"  
For a cheap seat, you could easily modify the stock seat add or cut foam from it to form a nice cafe style seat.
Good Luck!
Paul Z.






PS. Go Pistons!!!  

[Stert]

thanks for all this. i have a deadblow hammer already. i dont think i have bondo tho.
i dont think i will be pounding away for a while. its my first road bike so i will be too busy riding it.
i will be sure to wear ear protection. i am a drummer, so i have some laying around  =)

yes, i am in the detroit area (plymouth). ill join the mailing list. and the pistons are manhandling chicago!

[Stert]

i just thought of another question: do you recomend taking the tank off the bike to hammer? i wont be having it painted for a while, so should i even bother taking it off?

[bgfootball67]

I would take it off the bike, make sure you out line the area you want to hit also as it helps make each side uniform.  I though that was the hardest part.

[tmht]

i just thought of another question: do you recomend taking the tank off the bike to hammer? i wont be having it painted for a while, so should i even bother taking it off?

Yes. Otherwise you run the risk of messing up the rear mounting rubber, the tab it attaches to, and the tunnel on your tank. It takes 30 seconds to take it off.