Topic: Streching a 550k gas tank?

[Jay B]

I've got a '77 550k that I really love to ride, so it's become an ongoing project for me. (should change my avatar) I like the look of the older 550 tank with it's chrome filler cap, but as you know, those tanks come up a couple of inches short of the seat when mounted on a '77-78 frame. I've got a perfect and really comfy Travelcade seat on it so I don't want to mess with that.

Here's my idea. I've got a fairly nice older style tank in the garage. I was thinking of buying another beater, figure out where to cut it and slip the back half or whatever over the back of the existing tank and weld it on. Of course I'd have to blend the two together where they meet. Obviously this strech would be cosmetic only, no increase in fuel capacity.

Anybody tried this or have any thoughts why it wouldn't work? TIA

[FunJimmy]

Should work fine, but a lot of work for nothing IMO.
I guess that's because I like the tank you already have tho.

Post some pictures with the old smoothie for us.

[Kong]

Should work fine, but a lot of work for nothing IMO.
I guess that's because I like the tank you already have tho.

Post some pictures with the old smoothie for us.

Yep, good advice.   Really, don't do it.  There are a zillion tanks in this world, go find one you like just like it is and then busy yourself with devising and fabricating innovative mounts for it.

[nokrome]

stretch it!!!

[nokrome]

sorry, forgot to add the pics

[Jay B]

Very cool. Wouldn't need that much strech tho. Looks like a lot of work to do it that way.

[Kong]

Well, it looks like you already got started.  Did you somehow index it before you cut and added the sections or did you use the consistency of your filler sections to keep it even and eyeball and tabletop it to keep it straight?

[Anti-Johnny]

this looks super clean! You need to start taking orders!

[Gaither]

Nochrome

IMHO

Streching one of these tanks takes a LOT of guts, talent and skill.

They are like 1940 Fords. There ain't a straight, flat place on the outer surface of 'em anywhere - just one continuous, constantly changing, curved surface.

'Looks like you've got it going your way. Hats off to you!