Author Topic: Is this tank too far gone? (Read 2906 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** June 29, 2011, 07:28:52 PM »

This tank came on my new project. Inside is nice, but it's beat to hell. Can I fill and bondo this thing back to life?

GammaFlat · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:35:37 PM »

I'm having groin pain just looking at it.

robdrobd · « **Reply #2 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:37:43 PM »

Is there a quicker way to fill that big dent in the front? Can it be popped out?

GammaFlat · « **Reply #3 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:41:47 PM »

You can glue or less likely weld something to the surface and pull the dent out. Pulling dents is an art. Generally slow and easy.. not slide hammer banging where you tend to get puckers. Try to get as close to the ~~original~~ intended shape as possible before using filler. If nothing else, it might be good practice. On the other hand, when do you reach $150 worth of your time doing body work as opposed to buying another tank.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #4 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:42:57 PM »

Want to sell it? I have been looking for a tank to try beating into shape . Have you tried some compressed air? I have also done some metal work using a power washer to expand metal.

robdrobd · « **Reply #5 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:45:31 PM »

Quote from: Frankenstuff on June 29, 2011, 07:42:57 PM

Want to sell it? I have been looking for a tank to try beating into shape . Have you tried some compressed air? I have also done some metal work using a power washer to expand metal.

Franky, I'll trade you for some finned side covers for my 76 750k

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:50:47 PM »

robdrobd · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2011, 07:59:04 PM »

Let me find a replacement tank first. Then you have yourself a deal.

nancy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:06:49 PM »

Terry from OZ put a thread up recently - he had beaten bad dents from a tank - removed the base by splitting the seam welds with a grinder from memory and re-welded back together after hammer work. See if u can find it - or PM him - he is a wealth of info on getting the best result from the worst. Like most Aussies...uhhuummm.
Regards
Mark

famoussas1 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:09:57 PM »

my tank just pooped out due to leaking from one pinhole and another leak on the front of the tank where it was severely bondo-ed. (not
a word). some jb weld gas tank sealer worked temporarily but i have bubbles you can press on and i know its gonna pop soon. never
noticed it lasted the 2 years ive had it, bought a tank tank and time to not match, blue side covers and a green tank

mrbreeze · « **Reply #10 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:35:32 PM »

Quote from: nancy on June 29, 2011, 08:06:49 PM

Terry from OZ put a thread up recently - he had beaten bad dents from a tank - removed the base by splitting the seam welds with a grinder from memory and re-welded back together after hammer work. See if u can find it - or PM him - he is a wealth of info on getting the best result from the worst. Like most Aussies...uhhuummm.
Regards
Mark

Yeah......this sh!t is an art and Terry ain't skeerd to play!!!!.......Don't nobody throw away any old tanks just yet...........they can come back to life!!!

camelman · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2011, 10:44:34 PM »

I've pulled some serious dents (some on curves and creases) by gluing the head of a big bolt to the tank and pulling. Granted, I'm half man and half Greek God, but I've heard mere mortals have had similar success.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:14:58 AM »

Quote from: famoussas1 on June 29, 2011, 08:09:57 PM

my tank just pooped out ....

you said pooped

Radam · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:33:14 AM »

I read over Terry's process and I'm trying to fix a crap tank that I don't care about to see if I have what it takes. I just set up an electrolysis tub last night at my friends shop, so once I get all the rust out I'll see how hard putting it back together will be. Does anyone know what kind of filler rod to use when brazing a tank back together? Here are a couple pics of day 1 of the tank work.

Crappy phone pics but you get the idea.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2011, 09:03:15 AM »

Looks like you're into now dude. I would like to see that metal eye to eye after the electrolysis. It gives a way better view than just looking into the tank. Also curious to see how your braze job turns out. If I were doing this ,I would try to find one of those new style flush gas caps and install cause it seems easier with the tank apart like that. Keep us in the loop.

Radam · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2011, 09:19:22 AM »

I don't have the gas cap, just the flap, so I was wondering what to do with that. This tank means nothing to me and I'm probably just going to give it to my friend after I finish it (if it turns out ok), so I'm probably just going to use whatever I can find laying around. I'm still debating on trying to cut some knee dents while I've got it apart, or just see if I can put it back together and wait to do more when I'm working on a tank I plan on using.
The tank came from this 81 Kawasaki 440 that got totally submerged in my old basement.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2011, 09:33:10 AM »

Seems like a good enough donor!!!

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2011, 09:53:08 AM »

I had 3 of those. UG. put all 3 at the end of the drivway for $100. glad to see them go. One thing I wish I held onto was the belt drive to the rear wheel. Would have been slick as SH!T on my Frankenbike.

stampederunner · « **Reply #18 on:** June 30, 2011, 10:35:12 AM »

I would just put a bigger dent on top of tank and add a set of crash bars and tell people its your stunt bike and see what reactions you get.

robdrobd · « **Reply #19 on:** June 30, 2011, 11:39:56 AM »

Maybe I'll just smooth out the dents and have a funky looking tank

OldSchool_IsCool · « **Reply #20 on:** June 30, 2011, 12:37:36 PM »

Just tell everyone that it's there to accommodate "Little Rob"

Or cover it with a tank bag.

Radam · « **Reply #21 on:** June 30, 2011, 12:50:16 PM »

Yeah, tell people you have to have big balls to ride that bike.

robdrobd · « **Reply #22 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:05:33 PM »

Best idea yet

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #23 on:** June 30, 2011, 02:06:13 PM »

Drill small holes around inside the dent about 2 inches apart, screw in a slide hammer starting at the edges and pulling toward the center. When it is nearly where you want it but slightly under, solder each hole closed with a small torch and some copper mesh. Makes one wonder what may be lurking under those fresh paint jobs doesn't it?

zackblack · « **Reply #24 on:** June 30, 2011, 05:19:30 PM »

Fill it with water and throw it in the freezer!

News:

Author Topic: Is this tank too far gone? (Read 2906 times)

KingCustomCycles.com