Does anyone in NZ fabricate metal fuel tanks?

[strandedinnz]

I've a DR-Z400SM and it has a teeny weeny little 10litre tank (180km to reserve!), I can get a larger plastic tank but being really vain I don't like the look of them as the colour does not match and you can't paint plastic tanks :-(

So I was wondering if there are any outfits in NZ who can create a larger capacity steel tank, that I can then colour match the paint on and go for longer rides.

Any pointers ?

[imdying]

RS250 Aprilias have painted plastic fuel tanks, most cars you see have painted plastic bumpers, FWIW.

[willytheekid]

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/589841-tank-talk-acerbisimsclarkesafari/

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/589841-tank-talk-acerbisimsclarkesafari/
to get you started (180k to reserve!...so it will get you there...just not back huh lol)
..and imdying is right, you certainly can paint plastic tanks

[strandedinnz]

I asked Clarks Safari tanks about painting the tank and they told me :


Painting the Safari tank will not affect the tank, however the paint will
not adhere to the plastic and will peel off.

Also asked on another forum and got the same sort of replies, stuff along the lines of "the tanks expand and contract more than steel", "the plastic breaths which affects the paint" etc.

Hence my question as to who in NZ can make a steel tank, which can then be properly painted and baked :-)

[hayd3n]

I asked Clarks Safari tanks about painting the tank and they told me :



Also asked on another forum and got the same sort of replies, stuff along the lines of "the tanks expand and contract more than steel", "the plastic breaths which affects the paint" etc.

Hence my question as to who in NZ can make a steel tank, which can then be properly painted and baked :-)

yup cant paint the plastic tank / wasting your time

well technically you can but it wont last due to expansion contractions etc etc
if you've ever noticed a bumper on a car that has been dented/hit the paint just falls off, the paint doesn't bond to the plastic, it kinda grips to the rough surface,

if the plastic is chemical resistant (which fuels tanks are ) how do you expect the chemical paint to adhere?


but you could get the colours done in vinyl and vinyl wrap it

[The Lone Rider]

A one off fabricated tank, will cost you a good $200+ in my opinion. Unless you're happy with a box shaped tank

You would be better finding a tank from something else, and modify the bike/tank so it will mount.

[strandedinnz]

A one off fabricated tank, will cost you a good $200+ in my opinion. Unless you're happy with a box shaped tank

You would be better finding a tank from something else, and modify the bike/tank so it will mount.

Don't suppose you can recommend someone to fabricate one ? Like I said I'm a bit fussy when it comes to looks of the bikes ... OK I admit it I like garage jewellery!! :-) So if I can find someone who does good work I can say what I want and how I want it to look.

[schrodingers cat]

Start doing some research around the hot rod shops. Someone with some english wheel ability.
If weight isn't a real issue get it done in 1.6 - 2mm alloy. It will be easier for them to shape, weld etc and will be robust if you drop it.
Go armed with sketches of what you 're thinking.

[The Lone Rider]

Don't suppose you can recommend someone to fabricate one ? Like I said I'm a bit fussy when it comes to looks of the bikes ... OK I admit it I like garage jewellery!! :-) So if I can find someone who does good work I can say what I want and how I want it to look.

There are a number of chopper shops all over NZ. They can do them.

[imdying]

yup cant paint the plastic tank / wasting your time

well technically you can but it wont last due to expansion contractions etc etcWhich begs the question... how do the OEM get their paint to stick to their plastic fuel tanks?

[strandedinnz]

Which begs the question... how do the OEM get their paint to stick to their plastic fuel tanks?

Double layer tank, inside layer holds the fuel, outside layer is just a skin of a different paintable plastic ?

[dogsnbikes]

I've a DR-Z400SM and it has a teeny weeny little 10litre tank (180km to reserve!), I can get a larger plastic tank but being really vain I don't like the look of them as the colour does not match and you can't paint plastic tanks :-(

So I was wondering if there are any outfits in NZ who can create a larger capacity steel tank, that I can then colour match the paint on and go for longer rides.

Any pointers ?

Contact Terry price at restorations inlimited in Wanganui, He will tell you what you need to know regarding a tank ... Your have too google him but his details are on the por15 website under distrubitors.

[The Lone Rider]

Which begs the question... how do the OEM get their paint to stick to their plastic fuel tanks?

A paint that adheres during the forming of the thermosetting plastic, before it plasticizes.

That's my guess

[carburator]

two words go together custom and not cheap ( ok thats three.. )

chris stanley, custom truck and chrome would be a good place to start..
if chris can't do it he is more likely to point you in the direction of someone
who can..

[HenryDorsetCase]

yeah the typo in the post above: it should read $1200++ not $200+ I would have thought.

[ktm84mxc]

Check out Acerbis and Clarke as these do over size if you don't like the color get a cover made up for it with a route/map pocket in it as these can be invaluable when cruising the back blocks and a hassle to keep pulling it outta ya pocket. An alloy tank will be expensive and time consuming , Acerbis used to axillary tanks that fitted where the rear fender was added about 5 lt mainly used on PD bikes.

[The Lone Rider]

RE: the $200

I've seen hand fabricated alloy tanks that were really well done, go for about $500-600 new.

[Morcs]

180kms isnt too bad.

I used to get as low as 110kms on my drz

[cave weta]

Im - really really old...... and I remember when plastic tanks fist got fitted to MX bikes- I also remember that there was no such thing as Enduro bikes - so we used to soften off the power of a YZ250 or RM250 with flywheel weights and we would 'blow up the tanks' to increase the capacity.
with the tank still fitted to the bike remove the fuel, fill with boiling water to within 2" of the neck and pump in 4-5psi with a hand pump. leave till cool and voila! 1.5 litres extra capacity.

[The Lone Rider]

Im - really really old...... and I remember when plastic tanks fist got fitted to MX bikes- I also remember that there was no such thing as Enduro bikes - so we used to soften off the power of a YZ250 or RM250 with flywheel weights and we would 'blow up the tanks' to increase the capacity.
with the tank still fitted to the bike remove the fuel, fill with boiling water to within 2" of the neck and pump in 4-5psi with a hand pump. leave till cool and voila! 1.5 litres extra capacity.

Is that with a plastic tank?

[cave weta]

Is that with a plastic tank?

Well I guess if it was with a metal tank you would have to heat the water more- but it should work.......:facepalm:

[The Lone Rider]

Well I guess if it was with a metal tank you would have to heat the water more- but it should work.......:facepalm:

I asked, because thermosetting plastics arent really effected by heat once set.

So it would seem odd heated water and some pressure would do anything.

[cave weta]

I asked, because thermosetting plastics arent really effected by heat once set.

So it would seem odd heated water and some pressure would do anything.

in that case you should be able to tell me then why plastic welding doesnt work?
and also how hot water doesnt soften the tank and allow it to take on a new shape ?:corn:

[jellywrestler]

Which begs the question... how do the OEM get their paint to stick to their plastic fuel tanks?

they dont read kiwibiker so don't know that it can't be done!

[The Lone Rider]

in that case you should be able to tell me then why plastic welding doesnt work?
and also how hot water doesnt soften the tank and allow it to take on a new shape ?:corn:

hot water would only work if you had thermoplastic


I'd find it odd if thermoplastic was used for a tank- the engine heat would deform it. But I have no idea whats used.

P.S.

You can weld both, but I believe thermoset plastic welding isn't true fusion welding but more of a filler/brazing weld. The heat doesnt really change it to reform. Extreme heat only degrades it.

[hayd3n]

they are most likely rotational moulded.