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Message started by oceantransistor on 01/21/13 at 11:28:56

Title: Gas Tank Repair
Post by oceantransistor on 01/21/13 at 11:28:56

The bracket that bolts my gas tank to my frame near the seat broke. It's a clear snap from the base of the tank. I'm currently holding it in place with gaffer tape but this is obviously a temporary solution. Is it worth welding it or just buying a new one? Any ideas?

Thanks

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by Dave on 01/21/13 at 11:42:40

I have no idea what your bike looks like......or what you want it to look like.

Welding will booger up the paint, but could be had pretty cheaply. A good mig welder may be able to weld it without damaging the paint on the top of the tank - but the bottom will be burned within 1/2 inch of the weld. Have them put a wet towel on the visible side of the tank before they weld.......and Oh Yeah.......take precautions to get the fuel and vapors out before welding. You can weld a motorcycle tanks safely - drain the tank, remove the petcock and cap, air it out for a few days and/or use a blow dryer to air things out. If you smell gas when you stick your nose in the tank....air it out some more.

Good used tanks on eBay are $ 100 plus for nice ones......dented ones are much cheaper.

Original factory tanks from the dealer in your original paint scheme...they are very expensive.

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by newriverjunkie on 01/21/13 at 14:40:00

I just replaced mine when this happened...course mines becoming a bobber so I wanted a different look anyways. Here's the link so you can see a pic of the tank.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1356020679/0
Look towards the bottom of page two.

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by SALB on 01/21/13 at 20:17:43

Just the excuse you needed to change the color of your bike! ::)

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/22/13 at 09:38:14

Brazing is strong stuff if its done right,

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by Dave on 01/22/13 at 10:22:22

322D2B2C31360737073F2D216A580 wrote:

Brazing is strong stuff if its done right,

Brazing however requires a torch......and will burn a whole lot of paint away. A MIG can keep the heat very localized and only ruin about 1/2 inch of paint.

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/22/13 at 14:12:39

& thats correct to a point, A proper for the job sized tip on the torch with a properly adjusted flame & some wet rags to halt the progression of the heat thru the metal can limit the size of the "wound" created by the brazing process. Considering the location & given the above mentioned caveats, I wouldnt hesitate to braze IF I had a torch but no MIG. If I had a MIG, Id do that,, I dont have a MIG, I DO, however, have a torch and a drawer full of brazing tips.,

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by Dave on 01/22/13 at 18:09:13

JOG:

Not sure what the OP might have available.....He hasn't been back.

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by Boofer on 01/22/13 at 20:46:56

373B3D39362C2A39362B312B2C372A580 wrote:

I would have used bungee cords. Thanks for the tape idea. ;D Find a small shop and ask the oldest guy there--probably the only one there -what to do to be safe and save paint. Then listen.

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/23/13 at 10:35:15

13282532232F343229212C33400 wrote:

JOG:

Not sure what the OP might have available.....He hasn't been back.

Yeaaaa,, seems to be a common problem with some folks.. folks who may or may Not actually exist,,

Title: Re: Gas Tank Repair
Post by triumphleroy on 01/23/13 at 10:50:15

Back in the fifties I used to fill the tank with water; then roll the tank till the spot that needed brazing would be on top with an air bubble directly under the part that need brazing would be. This method would prevent most paint bubbling and help to prevent explosions. Hard to find welders that can and will braze a fuel tank in today's" LAW-SUIT Happy World"