Author Topic: My tank thread...  (Read 1854 times)

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Offline babyfood1217

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My tank thread...
« on: February 01, 2008, 01:54:58 PM »
My recent winter break from school actually gave me a chance to start my new tank.  It is still in the early stages, but I will post any and all progress that I can. 

the idea was to stretch the tank length and add some volume.  I'm not sure how much volume has been added yet, but I know it will be more than the tank tank can hold.  I struggled between fiberglass and metal, and I went with metal for the sole reason of safety.  Fiberglass cranks and splinters, metal will crush or bend first.  Most likely to be made of steel, but aluminum would be nice too.

I tried many approaches at this, but found the best way would be to make a fake tank first (outof cardboard) where I could determine the shapes/sizes of metal that I would need.  I kept all the seams rather simple, but when done in metal they will be more rounded.  I needed to plan it with the thought in mind that every piece would be cut from a flat sheet and the least amount of bending would be ideal.

I'm cramped for space, so please bare with the tight/akward photos...

Here is the tank mockup mounted on my frame.  It is still missing a large frontal panel, but I hope you can get the idea.

I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline babyfood1217

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2008, 01:58:25 PM »
I'm building the mockup over my original tank, a rusty but trusty stocker.  The new tank will utilize the original base and will mount using the stock rubber keeper, you just have to reach under the extended portion.

Another forward looking view with the cockpit in view...

I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline babyfood1217

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2008, 02:01:22 PM »
I would like to reuse the original filler/cap, but am also considering using a bolt-in/weld-in aircraft style filler found on so many modern bikes.  It will still be sealed (most likely with POR 15) even though it will be clean and fresh steel or aluminum.

Head on view to give an idea of the width.

I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline jevfro

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2008, 03:01:57 PM »
looks good... Man you are tight on space!  I kinda like the more angular look w/ lines similar to the original.  What will you be using to weld the tank?  Keep up the good work!

Offline babyfood1217

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2008, 03:10:59 PM »
tight on space I know...Luckily, the things I have been working on lately I can remove and take inside.  I was most likely going to MIG it (no access to TIG.)  In my past ponderings I have considered tacking everything together and having a certified welder TIG it together, but I figure I have a little time to plan that out.  I guess I would prefer steel, but aluminum would be nice (no money for that though.)
I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline Spikeybike

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2008, 03:29:47 PM »
very cool idea , if you mig it i would most definatly seal it (POR or Cream)the major problem you will find with mig welding sheet metal is that with nost mig welders you cant turn it down cold enough and you have to go REAL slow (one tack at a time) it's totally do-able just time consuming...

you are always way outside the box ..i like it

Offline babyfood1217

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2008, 03:39:11 PM »
I am contemplating a couple things with this tank however.  My petcock has seen better days, and while I have cleaned it as much as I know how, I'm thinking about replacing it.  I know the obvious replacement would be a good/clean one from a cb750, but I know there are other petcocks out there of good quality.  I have my eye on a Pingel, but I'm not sure what size/flowrate I should be looking for.  Any ideas?

-Chris
I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline Spikeybike

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2008, 03:42:21 PM »
well if it were me i would just rebuild it, the kits are not to expencive , i think i paid $30
« Last Edit: February 01, 2008, 03:43:54 PM by spikeybike »

Offline babyfood1217

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2008, 04:00:20 PM »
Yeah, I like the way they look.  I guess I won't worry about it until it actually starts leaking on me, but I'll source a rebuild kit and be prepared to do that just in case.  good call...

-Chris
I need help moving my project bike from Wisconsin to Seattle, WA.  Willing to pay well.  Contact if interested.

SOHC member: #438

Project: 1976 CB750K
GSXR forks, Monoshock Rear end, 836 in progress, RC51 pipes, custom frame and everything else.

Offline cleveland

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Re: My tank thread...
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2008, 07:48:49 AM »
Looking good!