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/589...sclarkesafari/

http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/589...sclarkesafari/
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 etc

Which 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.