Look for a company that does automotive tanks around your area. They don't need to specialize only in motorcycle tanks. Talk with someone who restores old classic cars, they'd know who.
Look for a company that does automotive tanks around your area. They don't need to specialize only in motorcycle tanks. Talk with someone who restores old classic cars, they'd know who.
I second that. My 1960 car needed the tank cleaned and redone, unfortunately it was subcontracted by my mechanic and don't know who, but there are specialists around all over who do that (mainly for classic cars).
Many years ago on a trip one of my friend's one year old Sportster sprang a seam leak. (Obviously "patched" at the factory or the tank supplier)!
He panicked and pulled into a service station, got off of his bike and ran away from the bike
We pulled the tank, drained the remaining fuel and took it to a local radiator repair shop that the guys at the service station recommended
I took them about one hour but they rinsed the tank to remove the fuel (and fumes) the soldered the seam an we were on our way.
(NOTE: The fumes in a tank are very dangerous and should be handled accordingly)!
I will assume that any radiator shop can clean a tank or perhaps can recommend someone that works on the older style metal fuel tanks.
There are several places that specialize in gas tank restoration, if you are willing to spend a little money on the project. I had a revive from the dead project going a few years back that I looked into a few tank restoration places since the tank was in good condition other than a lot of rust inside. In the end I stumbled on another tank for near nothing so went that way. I have done several rust removal jobs with vinegar and it works well, but for heavy rust I have never tried it. Some people use Evaporust and say it is the best thing. I have never tried it.
Radiator shops are kind of a dying breed. Most small radiators are aluminum now and not feasible to repair. The shops that are left around here are industrial focused. Most of the soaking type cleaning processes they use that I am familiar with won't remove rust. If you decide to work with one make sure you talk to them about what you want to accomplish.
I have not used either of these businesses. I talked to them on the phone when I was considering it and they seemed like they were solid. I can't offer any endorsement, but I had links to them saved so here they are. You can talk to them if you are interested. There are many more out there too.
I read to use apple cider vinegar (filled to the brim), let sit for a couple of days, then flush it with high-pressure water, then use a baking soda and water mix to stop the acidity, then use a heat gun to completely dry the tank inside, then use a two-cycle gas swash(due to the gas-oil mix), drain, then fill with regular gas...
Old fashioned Radiator Shop is what you need to find, they have so little radiator work these days they do car and motorcycle gas tanks. My guy cleaned, pressure tested and sealed a set for me, not even expensive.
A Company That Services Motorcycle Gas Tanks?
02-27-2020, 11:49 PM
