tank swap

[tjfisher30]

was thinking on taking a standard and putting it on my special any one know if it will fit?

[Ljay40]

Yeah they will we just had this thread somewere
just may not be able to use your idiot gas gauge light
try doing a search on exchanging tanks.
LjaY

[John]

You will need to use the Standard petcocks, and do away with the Octopus, and replumb the fuel lines. You will need to run a vacuum line to each petcock from the nipple on the carb boots, to actuate the petcocks. Watch out for the drain pipe sticking out of the back of the Standard tank. It may interfere with the seat.

[rockjok]

When I put a standard tank on my 79 Special I took the fuel sensor out of the old one and put it in the new one. Had to splice in some wire and re-route since it was on the other side but functioned well. Changed over the locks also.

I had petcock problems that a rebuild helped but didn't solve so I got non-vacuum petcocks and ran the lines behind and under the airbox. Great accessibility and room to add filters without the hassle of working between the carbs.

The seats, both stock and aftermarket, fit very tightly and there is a problem with the drain tube. As I recall the "tongue" under the front of the seat wouldn't fit correctly but the two mounting bolts still hold it securely.

Rob

[Do Lee]

I had to notch out the seat pan where the drain nipple from the Standard tank is to allow the front seat tab "tongue" to slide into place. Still hard to fit the seat due to the shape of the seat but it will fit and stay in place.

[pggg]

I cut my drain tube off flush long ago, does anyones' drain tube actually work? the ones I've seen are always totally blocked solid with a quarter century worth of RUST

[Burly1]

I'm working on the same swap for mine at this time. I intend to cut and plug the drain, and be careful to dry the cap area after the bike has been wet. That should address the problem rather simply. Burl
I am looking for a pristine cap for my 78 Standard tank, should anyone have one available for sale.

[oseaghdha]

Anyone have an extra '79 Special gas cap laying around?

The innards on mine have suffered the ravages of sitting for 15 years capping a 3/4full tank without being opened. The lock and latch are ok, but the round metal part the seal goes around is about to start crumbling away. Pretty much FUBAR.

Looking at it, seems like the three screws would allow that part to come off. Can't take mine apart before I attempt the salvage, due to the rust and rot.

I am hoping to save the outer chrome, because it has an original dealer emblem on it.

So even if I can find a beater, as long as the inside is servicable, I think I can manage to repair it.

[DiverRay]

Burly1,
I would rethink the "plug the drain"!! If that drain has ANY water in it, it could rust through, and that pipe goes THOUGH the tank.
That may cause problems. If you just cut and sanded the pipe at the back of the tank, so it was flush, then the water would just run down the front of the seat and on top of the battery. That is also where any gas that overflows will go, so I think I would try to work in the drain.
Remember, the fill is CENTERED on the standard tank, and if you park on the side stand with a full tank, you WILL lose gas, and it WILL try to go out the drain hole.
Ray

[Burly1]

Good points Ray. If the internal portion of the overflow pipe is in serviceable condition (don't know yet, as the guy who sold me the tank through Ebay screwed me by promising to send the key, and didn't) I'll see if I can find a way to make it work. Maybe rework the hard pipe, so it lays tight to the tank body and goes further to the left and down below the bottom edge. Then I might be able to run a hose to the ground without getting in the way of the seat. Thanks, Burl

[planedick]

Tank keys...

Yamaha still will make you a key for your tank. Get the number off of the lid lock and take it to your dealer. I had to do it for a tank I have and it was $8.

[Yamaniac]

Originally posted by oseaghdha
Anyone have an extra '79 Special gas cap laying around?

The innards on mine have suffered the ravages of sitting for 15 years capping a 3/4full tank without being opened. The lock and latch are ok, but the round metal part the seal goes around is about to start crumbling away. Pretty much FUBAR.

Looking at it, seems like the three screws would allow that part to come off. Can't take mine apart before I attempt the salvage, due to the rust and rot.

I am hoping to save the outer chrome, because it has an original dealer emblem on it.

So even if I can find a beater, as long as the inside is servicable, I think I can manage to repair it.

If there is a salvage yard close to you, that may be your best bet. I think I paid about $20 for a whole fuel cap and key at a wrecker.