Topic: Cafe/Clubman Tank for CB 350F

[Haoleman]

I know you all have probably seen the CB 350F on Ilovecaferacers.com. There is something about that bike's look that appeals to me and I would like to build something similar.  Big issue seems to be tanks.  I like the look of the tank on that bike but don't have a clue where to find one similar.  Seen several but the price is a bit hard to swallow ($500-$800).  Was wondering how difficult to build one or is it a lesson in frustration?  I've worked quite a bit with FG and epoxy but having to make one lost foam method will require lots of grinding to get the outside smooth.  Unless I could get an order for like 20 of them, making a mold just isn't worth the time but that's all I have in the Winter.  Any suggestions/help as always, is much appreciated.

[mlinder]

Making tanks is an art. 500 bucks for one is pretty cheap, in my opinion.
That being said, it seems to me you could take a tank, and either bang in and shape, or cut out and weld that shape in.
I can't really tell what that tank was in it's first life.

[camelman]

I agree.  I started a couple cafe racers with a buddy, and he had some crazy ideas of what he wanted to do.  Well, we haven't made any of the fiberglass parts we wanted, haven't made any of the carbon fiber parts we wanted, I'm finally getting my bike pieced back together as stock, and I have no idea what he is going to do with his since he lost ambition by wasting time trying to make parts he wasn't capable of making.  The long and short of it is that if you can find those parts in a shape you like, then just buy them.  Unless you are already a pro fabricator, you will hate yourself each step of the way during plug/mold/part manufacture, and your product will look like poop.

Camelman

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

I hope to own an english wheel, hammer mill and some type of welder that's good for aluminum, I haven't decided which because there are so many opinions about welders it's ridiculous.
Once I've procured all those things I really don't see anything I couldn't fab myself. I already have pretty good shaping knowledge from being a wood worker my whole life so it'll just take some practice.

Good luck and let us know which way you go.