Tank Problems

[Jeff]

As of just recently, I've discovered that the PO of my 78 Std did more damage to the fuel tank than I had previously thought. The bike has been sitting outside in the sun for a few days while I wait for a new rear tire for it. During this time... one whole side of the tank started to swell and blister. I was able to peel away what appears to be bondo that did not have enough hardener added so it is still soft. Either that or it is bondo that has softened from exposure to gasoline. Beneath the bondo... I found several large rusted welds and a whole bunch of holes drilled in the tank that were simply covered by bondo.

I knew the tank had some bondo on it covering some small dents but this is ridiculous. LOL A very large portion of the upper right squared side of the tank is almost all bondo.... at least half an inch thick and it is now so soft I can peel it away with my fingernails.

I have a Hirsch Automotive Motorcycle Tank Patch and Sealer Kit coming my way but it appears that this tank might be too far gone to repair. Has anyone had success patching up a mess this bad before? Or should I just bide my time and keep trying to win a better tank on eBay? I've lost on 3 tanks now. I keep getting outbid when the auction closes while I am at work. I don't want to max bid too high and take a chance on getting stuck paying $100-$150 for a tank. I can't afford that much right now.

Any suggestions?

[strom]

Hmmm.. you can try to fix it, remove all the stuff and see whats left.
The better/safer option is a new/NOS/used tank from ebay. There are some nice ones out there
The best option is, that sbd makes you a fiberglass tank using this one as a mold. Its lighter, safer and it doesn't rust. When painted you won't know the difference. Oh, it doesn't hold the magnetic tank bag tho. Look for a small business making car cases or plastic thingies. Or you can do it yourself, it's not such a biggie, just read some literature.

LP

[newmaac]

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...iberglass+tank

here is a link to a post that talks about making a fiberglass tank. I haven't tried it myself. I just saw the post after reading of your dilema.

Good luck

[sixtysix]

Too bad you have a standard, I have 4 special tanks in the garage.

[Jeff]

If a Special tank will fit on a Standard without too much trouble..... I may begin to look at that as an option. At least it would give me something to use until I can replace or resurrect my old Standard tank.

[Geezer]

I've welded up damaged tanks before but if you've never done it, I hesitate to recomend it to a beginner.

It's not dangerous if you follow all the safety precausions.

Geezer