Author Topic: Gas tank display case, Old Honda tanks are artwork, show them off (Read 9374 times)

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **on:** September 26, 2011, 06:23:50 PM »

OK. yeah the title for this thread is a bit nutty. It is an idea that I have been toying with for a while now. There is a small collection of old tanks that I have picked up over the past year that is destined to be on diplay in my house. This first tank is a 64 Honda CA160. I know that the badge is wrong so dont grill me. This was a quick and dirty clean up with paint and polish then boxed. The case is acrylic and the base will be poplar. I havent finished the base for the display but it will be just a simple black frame with feet.
I want to put a period ad photo for the bike onto the outside back of the box to make it more museum like.
enough with the bla bla.

What I started with.

What I am doing now.

The other tanks I have are for Superhawk and a CB450 1970 I think.

Any thoughts or frustrations with this project please post.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:26:45 PM »

Looks good so if I read that right the picture will be in the back of the case. Looking at that I dont think you would see much of the picture. Maybe a solid color on the back to make the tank pop out more maybe. Just my thoughts I like it though just think the picture behind it is going to be lost.

Matt

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:31:56 PM »

yeah. maybe bottom front. Under the tank rather than in back. I think the next case will be smaller as well.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:39:02 PM »

Hmm not sure about going smaller looking at the pic again and this is just me I dont like how there is 3 inches at the bottom to the tank and maybe inch from the tank to the top but thats just me ( cant remember what the japanese call it funshi or something like everything is balanced lol). Couple of ideas maybe pictures on the two sides and the back(the 2 sides ones could be what the people cant see on the back behind the tank) or just a small picture front right showing the tank on the bike if that makes sense.

Matt

lucky · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:51:27 PM »

If someone had a perfectly restored CB450 and all they needed was the gas tank to finish the perfectly restored bike, would you sell them your CB450 tank?

That is the question.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2011, 08:10:57 PM »

Dont know how to answer that. My first thought is that anybody can find these tanks pretty cheaply on ebay and swapmeets.
I understand the problem with what I am doing. If I needed one last missing clean part for my bike and I found out that there was some dude with that part in a clear box on his piano!! I would be pissed, and figure the guy is a soul-less selfish D bag. But since I am the guy that has the part...na nana na. Just kidding.
This is just another project for me. Just another thing that was thought of and had to be acted upon. If some one on the forum really needed a part of the tank or the whole thing, I would gladly give it up.

I am not cleaning the insides of the tanks. None of the ones I have could be just dropped on a bike and ridden away.

Here are the next tanks that I got from Mrjack55

Greggo · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2011, 10:14:46 PM »

I like the idea! I've got the same tank (late model CA95) in the factory primer, with Honda paper, and old tape covering the holes and I LOVE it. I fully agree that the old tanks are pieces of art.

lucky · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2011, 02:50:24 AM »

If I could find CB450 gas tanks on Ebay I would buy them and sell them.
There are very few left that are worth repairing.

There are some after market companies re making some tanks.

MrGardman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:13:22 AM »

Wow...I like this. Never thought about using a tank as art but I think you really are onto something. To be honest, you may have started something here.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:17:59 AM »

When it comes to old Honda stuff....it seems I am not alone in the insanity.

strynboen · « **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:23:34 AM »

just dont work vith a yamaha tank..think it have lost its soul

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2011, 09:14:03 AM »

That is a beautiful tank!..would look great on my piano.

brettster26 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2011, 10:25:37 AM »

I would put the Picture on the bottom, where that wood piece is. You will still be able to see enough of it and it would give you the look you were going for... Just my 2 cents.

Papa O · « **Reply #13 on:** September 29, 2011, 09:09:26 PM »

What a great idea! Heck I have sheetmetal and uniforms hanging on my walls.
Did you make the display case? If so what adhesive do you use? I have never been happy with how my joints looks anytime I work with plexi.
On picker sisters they painted an old bike gold (everything) and put it in a plexi display case. They sold it too!!!
Your tank has a classic look.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2011, 03:02:07 AM »

I used 1/4" plexi - sanded the sawmarks off the edges with 220 grit - polished edges- joint was glued using methaline Chloride. Bad stuff. It melts the plastic to form the joint rather than just a glue, it makes the two parts......one. savy.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:34:55 PM »

This is a project that I will be hanging above the tank. A little S90 box O stuff before it all gets framed.

Detail of the acrylic box for the original S90 paint can.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2011, 07:05:05 PM »

Huh, that's a use for gas tanks I never would have thought of. I wonder if I could use an old stator as a pull cord for my ceiling fan?

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20, 2011, 08:37:41 PM »

Richard Wollheim-
"An object may be characterized by the intentions, or lack thereof, of its creator, regardless of its apparent purpose. A cup, which ostensibly can be used as a container, may be considered art if intended solely as an ornament, while a painting may be deemed craft if mass-produced."

The tank isnt being "used" as anything. It is use-less, therefore it is art. If you put a stator as a weight on a pull string it then has a function. It would look stupid. Would be a conversation starter though...but not like a gas tank on your piano!! (wifey HATES it there)

RAFster122s · « **Reply #18 on:** October 21, 2011, 12:38:00 AM »

Build a display case that doubles as a coffee table and use mirrors on the sides and bottom so you can see different perspectives from different angles. But the side view of the old chrome sided tanks was the view... Nothing to say you couldn't put the tank on its side in the case.

You could use acrylic or plexi shelves in the case to suspend your paint can near the top of the glass or other things like that...
Just a thought.

It is popular these days to have those kinds of display coffee tables...glass topped of course, displaying various kinds of collectibles.

David

malcolmgb · « **Reply #19 on:** October 21, 2011, 01:12:21 AM »

That looks great, but a real artistic tank in my opinion is old Ducati's from 50/60's.
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ducati_200_elite.jpg
Probably difficult to find and very expensive though.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #20 on:** October 21, 2011, 03:05:16 AM »

No way. The old Honda 'humpback' tanks have the elements that make for fine art.

That Ducati tank is nuts! How would they even produce something like that in any quantity?

malcolmgb · « **Reply #21 on:** October 21, 2011, 04:02:59 AM »

Quote from: FrankenFrankenstuff on October 21, 2011, 03:05:16 AM

That Ducati tank is nuts! How would they even produce something like that in any quantity?

Not sure how but they did, Benelli had a similar tank too, that is Italian 'style' for you.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #22 on:** October 21, 2011, 07:07:12 AM »

Quote from: RAFster122S on October 21, 2011, 12:38:00 AM

Build a display case that doubles as a coffee table and use mirrors on the sides and bottom so you can see different perspectives from different angles. But the side view of the old chrome sided tanks was the view... Nothing to say you couldn't put the tank on its side in the case.

You could use acrylic or plexi shelves in the case to suspend your paint can near the top of the glass or other things like that...
Just a thought.

It is popular these days to have those kinds of display coffee tables...glass topped of course, displaying various kinds of collectibles.

David

I am going to shadow box frame the ad, paint can and the badges all together...I have another Honda can "Scarlet" red. Paint is gel, but if anyone is interested ju$t let me know.

michiganmike · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2012, 01:06:27 PM »

Okay..............I LIKE the tank in the box idea. But now, when completed you MUST invite a few select sohc4 members in your area over for a viewing . cheese and wine type of thing, or Bud and chips, whatever.....It's great to show it off here, but give a real 3D viewing to a view members and
TAKE MORE PICTURES. Post them.

...listening to the first EAGLES LP (Vinyl) as I post.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2012, 01:31:34 PM »

Did someone say BEER I am there.........

lucky · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2012, 03:55:44 PM »

Something bothers me about it.

I still think that a useable CB450 gas tank and especially the emblems belong on an original bike and the entire bike should be on display, not in a case by itself.
It is like people that collect Gibson Les Paul guitars and hang them on the wall to rot,
while many musicians dream that they might be able to own one.
Now the wood for the guitar necks (ebony finger boards) is running out, and the guitar factories threw out many "2nd"s that they are sorry about now.

Right now is a time that because of the economy many people are rebuilding older cars ,motorcycles and may other things and give them a new life. They need these "vintage" parts before they become so expensive that getting any parts will be prohibitive.

michiganmike · « **Reply #26 on:** February 12, 2012, 04:40:05 PM »

Quote from: Mcwilliams570 on February 12, 2012, 01:31:34 PM

Did someone say BEER I am there.........

.....and you're "just down the street" from FrankenFrankenstuff, what ? 300 miles or so. [/font]

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #27 on:** February 13, 2012, 07:17:57 AM »

Lucky - I appreciate your passion, but this tank is junk. The badge is off the blue 450 tank.

Thanks for the interest guys. I actually have the tank going into an art gallery. Will post pics.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #28 on:** February 23, 2012, 06:24:42 PM »

Well boys, here it is in the gallery at last. I built the stand for it hoping to sell it as a package deal. Would be great. The day I dropped everything off I recieved a commissioned build.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #29 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:48:22 PM »

looks great Frankie

wedoo2 · « **Reply #30 on:** February 24, 2012, 04:56:40 AM »

Quote from: malcolmgb on October 21, 2011, 01:12:21 AM

That looks great, but a real artistic tank in my opinion is old Ducati's from 50/60's.
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ducati_200_elite.jpg
Probably difficult to find and very expensive though.

That thing looks like flubber.

apex_seeking · « **Reply #31 on:** February 24, 2012, 05:53:57 AM »

Quote from: wedoo2 on February 24, 2012, 04:56:40 AM

Quote from: malcolmgb on October 21, 2011, 01:12:21 AM
That looks great, but a real artistic tank in my opinion is old Ducati's from 50/60's.
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ducati_200_elite.jpg
Probably difficult to find and very expensive though.

That thing looks like flubber.

Or a melted jelly bean. That's just weird.

Free Booter · « **Reply #32 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:30:43 PM »

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Author Topic: Gas tank display case, Old Honda tanks are artwork, show them off (Read 9374 times)