Topic: Virtues (???) of a Fiberglass Gas Tank

[jeepastx]

Can anyone out there help with the pros and cons of a fiberglass gas tank? Are there any special considerations, coatings, liners, etc. that should be considered?

[mystic_1]

Some Pros:

Light weight
Looks cool (usually)
No rust


Some Cons:

Fractures rather than dents in an accident
Ethanol fuels attack some fiberglass resins



Some of the gas tank liners on the market will work on fiberglass tanks.  Concensus around here seems to be to avoid the Kreem kit as lots of people have had bad results with it.  I have a fiberglass tank myself that I will be lining at some point, I plan to go with one of the two-part products as reviews seem favorable on them.

mystic_1

[runutz698]

Montesa's used fibreglass tanks for all there bikes up until the 80's, they are light strong and all round good  looking tank. As far as lining the tank goes you can use the metal tank repair kit but you need to leave out the cleaner?? I am pretty sure that is all you need to leave out. Then the kit works can't remeber it has been that long. If not Solo Montesa in spain makes the correct kit for lining the inside of the tank so that it doesn't fall apart with any type of fuel!!!

[Flying J]

Pro: Cheaper.

Con: Same as stated above

[Old Scrambler]

They cost more to paint.......and you need to have the gel-coat properly prepped or the paint will just slide off.  If you are looking for a custom tank.....look into the vinyl resin tanks.  No need to line and they are much easier to mount with add-ons.  If you want to move the petcock, just plug the hole with vinyl and drill a new hole. They take a lot more abuse than standard fiberglass.

[jeepastx]

Now, what's the difference between vinyl resin and fiberglass?