I have now received my bare steel fastback tank from india.
I bought it via this Ebay auction http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370807162318? ... 1439.l2649
Why did I choose this vendor? Because he came with a shedload of Ebay sales, some negatives of course but I could see that he made efforts to resolve problems.
The tank took about 14 days to arrive which is quick and arrived well packed in a substantial cardboard box.
The tank is in bare metal and has been sprayed internally with some oil to keep rust at bay. I dont think that getting finished or chromed tanks from india is a great idea as the finish may not be up to your expectations.
Fit and finish: I think that the tank is a preetty good reproduction of the fastback tank. I have fitted the mounting studs and put it on the bike in a fairly rough and ready fashion and the lines seem to curve in the rightplaces and the bottom of the tank lines up with the seat. when I waggle the tank on the bike, I can't hear anything hitting and I'm fairly sure that there will be space for a dave Taylor head steady. A little bit of fettling will be required to fit the fuel cap, but nothing out of order. fuel taps are tiny bit nearer the rear than on the fibreglass tank but only by 3/4" or so.
i will be taking to the guy who will be doing the painting on Wednesday and he will test the tank for leaks. I just need to decide on what shade of green and what to doing about painting the inside.
I have cross posted this from Accessnorton, which has some photos of the tank in its bare steel glory.
Hi Charles, I just wonder…
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Hi Charles' If you have c…
Hi Charles'
If you have concerns about sealants or internal tank corrosion then in the UK use BP Ultimate (As long as you are not in the South West) or give Murco a call to find out where they supply supper unleadedfrom their own refinery.
Apart from anyone still supplying 4* Leaded, my local has stopped, then I believe the above are your only choices for E0. (Ethanol free petrol) I carry a petrol container or two in my car for when I pass such a station.
Remember that many parts of your fuel system will be attacked by Ethanol contaminated petrol, hence I don't use it. (If you haven't lined your tank, changed your petrol taps, fuellines and certain carb parts) On the other hand there are chemical agents you can buy that will help reduce the damaging effects of Ethanol. Finally, don't forget this stuff is hygroscopic, so if in doubt, at least give your tank a good shake up before start up so you are not running on water and Ethanol. (Biggest Spring killer of petrol driven garden equipment) Only when Ethanol exceeds 7% will warning signs be placed on the pumps!
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Charles, as you have a ste…
Charles, as you have a steel tank, it should be fine. and should not need sealing unless there is internal corrosion. If you empty a tank every year or so, you should get rid of any water build up in the bottom of the tank that can cause a problem.
My indian tank is still waiting to be painted.
I want to use my bikes, so this means they will have to be modernised so that they will work with modern fuels and that includes fuel with ethanol, im not prpared to have my riding restricted by only running fuel that does not have ethanol in it.
Previously charles_scouller wrote:
Hi Charles, I just wonder if the tank has proven to be a success in service, i.e. that it has not leaked and has not needed sealing? I hope so.
I also own a Fastback (LR) with an original steel tank and I am told that all original steel tanks will ultimately need sealant.
Since the prognosis for sealants appears to be uncertain, I for one would certainly consider buying a reproduction tank if/when the time comes - if it was sound.
Regards
Charles
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Hi Neil and Charles, thank…
Hi Neil and Charles, thanks to both of you for your comments. I understand your perspective Charles, but I'm also of Neil's school of thought, If I can identify fuel with no or less ethanol than other brands - I'll use it!
Regards
Charles
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Hi Charles, I just wonder if the tank has proven to be a success in service, i.e. that it has not leaked and has not needed sealing? I hope so.
I also own a Fastback (LR) with an original steel tank and I am told that all original steel tanks will ultimately need sealant.
Since the prognosis for sealants appears to be uncertain, I for one would certainly consider buying a reproduction tank if/when the time comes - if it was sound.
Regards
Charles