Alloy tank vendors - recommendations?

B+Bogus · Mar 15, 2015

I'm looking for an alloy Fastback tank, and at the same time I thought it would be a good opportunity for other forum members to relate their positive experiences.

I previously got a Proddy Racer tank from RGM which I'm more than happy with, but apart from not having them is stock, their Fastback tank doesn't look to be a very close match to the original, and the Norvil version seems to be from the same source (Asa Moyce?).

So, who are the good guys out there?

If anybody connected with EMGO is reading this, how about a steel one?

Matchless · Mar 15, 2015

Andy,

Google Holt Works, he is looking to make a batch of Fastback tanks but needs ten orders before starting. If he can make one with badge recesses I will put my name down.

Martyn.

SteveA · Mar 15, 2015

B+Bogus said:
I'm looking for an alloy Fastback tank, and at the same time I thought it would be a good opportunity for other forum members to relate their positive experiences.

I previously got a Proddy Racer tank from RGM which I'm more than happy with, but apart from not having them is stock, their Fastback tank doesn't look to be a very close match to the original, and the Norvil version seems to be from the same source (Asa Moyce?).

So, who are the good guys out there?

If anybody connected with EMGO is reading this, how about a steel one?

I have had 4 alloy race tanks and a race seat made by Peter Keyte over the last few years. Having a tank made is not a question of phoning, making an order and getting just what you wanted within weeks. Each of my tanks have been about a year from placing a small deposit to collecting the tank. So I have visited Peter once a year at least over recent years.

Peter and I have had a good understanding about the fact I have been working in Italy and can't just pop up to see him, and I know what he needs to be sure of before making a tank. That has helped. Others have waited longer. You need to meet, discuss the project and show you are really serious about it. He has enough to do without dealing with stillborn projects. And I suspect others are the same.

To get my Rickman tanks made I took my frame and left that there for some time. For some race bikes he has a frame or part frame.

As Peter points out, to some degree the metal itself will dictate the final dimensions, he guides it! so if you bought two tanks you would see differences. So don't expect it to look as if it came out of a fibreglass mould....

Peter is retired and may just stop making tanks one day...maybe even soon. And no one is learning the trade from him. So expect things to become harder to get done anywhere. And id someone has to learn and set up a workshop as a business in commercial premises, expect it to get expensive too....I mean EXPENSIVE....

utahnorton · Mar 15, 2015

My contact at Smiths recommended checking these guys out. This is in no way any kind of endorsement but since they are located over the pond in Wales, it might be easier for you guys over in the UK to check them out and possibly let us know what you think about their quality, pricing and delivery. I imagine ordering a new tank just rolling into the spring riding season might not be the best time to order a new tank but I could be wrong. Again...the only thing I know about them is what I've seen on their website but they look pretty nice: http://www.tabclassics.com/

Cheers,

Tom Kullen
http://www.smithsgaugesusa.com

Fast Eddie · Mar 15, 2015

SteveA said:
B+Bogus said:

I'm looking for an alloy Fastback tank, and at the same time I thought it would be a good opportunity for other forum members to relate their positive experiences.

I previously got a Proddy Racer tank from RGM which I'm more than happy with, but apart from not having them is stock, their Fastback tank doesn't look to be a very close match to the original, and the Norvil version seems to be from the same source (Asa Moyce?).

So, who are the good guys out there?

If anybody connected with EMGO is reading this, how about a steel one?

Click to expand...

I have had 4 alloy race tanks and a race seat made by Peter Keyte over the last few years. Having a tank made is not a question of phoning, making an order and getting just what you wanted within weeks. Each of my tanks have been about a year from placing a small deposit to collecting the tank. So I have visited Peter once a year at least over recent years.

Peter and I have had a good understanding about the fact I have been working in Italy and can't just pop up to see him, and I know what he needs to be sure of before making a tank. That has helped. Others have waited longer. You need to meet, discuss the project and show you are really serious about it. He has enough to do without dealing with stillborn projects. And I suspect others are the same.

To get my Rickman tanks made I took my frame and left that there for some time. For some race bikes he has a frame or part frame.

As Peter points out, to some degree the metal itself will dictate the final dimensions, he guides it! so if you bought two tanks you would see differences. So don't expect it to look as if it came out of a fibreglass mould....

Peter is retired and may just stop making tanks one day...maybe even soon. And no one is learning the trade from him. So expect things to become harder to get done anywhere. And id someone has to learn and set up a workshop as a business in commercial premises, expect it to get expensive too....I mean EXPENSIVE....

Your last paragraph is quite pertinent Steve. There are a lot of old boys out there that are doing stuff based on skills they learnt decades ago. And are working with equipment and in premises bought and paid for years ago. In summary, they are often running business that aren't actually viable if you took away all that stuff that's already bought and paid for! Someone starting from scratch would have a massively different cost base... that would be reflected in prices.

Get 'em while you can boys!

gripper · Mar 15, 2015

I have a Bartel alloy tank fitted to my Fastback and whilst it does have a squared off look to it, I'm pleased with it. It holds about 1/2 gallon more than the stock 3gallon fibreglass job. (UK gallons)

mike996 · Mar 15, 2015

I know you said you wanted alloy but FWIW, I have had a Burton Bike Bits fastback FG tank for more than 5 years now with absolutely no issues at all. I DID treat it with Caswells before first use even though BBB said it was constructed with resin suitable for use with ethanol.

Again, I understand you specifically said alloy; I just toss that out there in case the concern is that FG won't work with today's gas.

puffer_nutter · Mar 15, 2015

I'm restoring a Fastback and have looked at the various options. I've seen the Bartel tanks and they are nice but as previously noted, not quite as original. One difference I spotted on the tanks I've seen was the gas cap was centrally located instead of to the right. The tank does not have a recess to accept the standard ceandess fip up cap and so many have a monza cap. Nice but not quite the same.
The best option for fibreglass in the US Seems to be 'Glass from the past'.
http://www.caferacingparts.com/

The only concern might be safety in a collision.
Puffer

phillyskip · Mar 15, 2015

Attached is a pic of my Norton with RGM alloy tank. I don't know if it is still being made or is available,but it fits the Commando beautifully and works very well. It must be made of a "harder" alloy as it is not easy to polish to a high luster......http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q166 ... 933995.jpg

cdafirefighter · Mar 15, 2015

I was on the Legendary Motorcycles website and they offer a alloy fastback tank. It was ridiculously expensive though.

ludwig · Mar 16, 2015

2 threads about alloy tanks on one page .
Amazing what some are prepared to put up with .
Waiting 1 or 2 years for a 1000 $ tank ? ..
Ok , making a very sculptured , shiny alloy tank requires skill and time , but such a tank is also very vunerable .
And if you intend to really ride your bike , dents and scratches will be inevitable , and not so easy to fix .
But if you want an alloy tank for other reasons than show ( weight , rust ..) , painting is IMO a better option .
If you decide for paint , and a not too compicated form , why not consider to make one yourself ?
It is not witchcraft , providing you can weld , and have some basic metal working skills ( or prepared to learn ..)
When I got fed up running out of gas with the 9 liter tank of my N15 , I made a slightly blown up copy with 13 L. capacity .
My memory may be a bit rosy , but I don’t think it took me much more than a week , paint job included .

( this one is steel . Alu is easier to work with )

20 years , and still looking pretty good :

YellaPeril · Mar 16, 2015

^ You sir, have amazing skills.

L.E.N. · Mar 16, 2015

Has anyone considered fuel bladders to place inside of a gutted fiberglas tank shell. I have a Dunstall fiberglas tank that I am loathe to discard. It's been "sealed" but failed again and gummed up the works again. I'm running race gas in it now but that's not really a solution. Beautiful work Ludwig, I would expect no less from you as has been demonstrated here on several other topics. Just wonderful stuff. I am always humbled by the members on this forum.

B+Bogus · Mar 17, 2015

ludwig said:
2 threads about alloy tanks on one page .
Amazing what some are prepared to put up with .
Waiting 1 or 2 years for a 1000 $ tank ? ..

I intentionally started a second thread to keep things positive, but the fact remains that bespoke service requires patience - and money.
Ludwig - and Worntorn :wink:
You both got to where I am now, and you have both produced some stunning work.
It's evident neither of you claim any professional training, but your results speak for themselves - fantastic 8)

For me, money is an object, but being semi-retired my time isn't...
I also need at least four tanks :roll:
I did basic tin-bashing and welding as part of my craft apprenticeship, but it was rather a long time ago.

Time to re-learn those lost skills, although the bar has been set pretty high!

The TIG welder arrives tomorrow

peter12 · Mar 17, 2015

I wholeheartedly agree with Steve A's recommendation of Peter Keyte.
His work is brilliant, did a tank for us in about 10 months as he has a massive waiting list!
We had it in time for the racing season which was originally agreed.
I would have thought he could do any tank although he has been talking of retiring for several years now!!

SteveA · Mar 17, 2015

peter12 said:
I wholeheartedly agree with Steve A's recommendation of Peter Keyte.
His work is brilliant, did a tank for us in about 10 months as he has a massive waiting list!
We had it in time for the racing season which was originally agreed.
I would have thought he could do any tank although he has been talking of retiring for several years now!!

Peter passed 65 some years back. The thing that has kept him going has been the financial downturn! The business rates for his premises have been on hold waiting for a recovery. When the local authority charges the taxes again the economics fall right out of it for him, and he would really be working for nothing! (this is not my supposition it is from our conversations).

It is also a fact that since he uses gas and rods there have been times where he is available to work but BOC have been tardy delivering the single bottles of gas he needs!

Ludwig, you have far more skill than most of us. And I suspect a few trial runs under your belt. Great work. Thanks for showing us.

I also think the steel will be more forgiving to the mallet and leather bag technique than alloy. Am I right?

Maybe whe I am more set up in a retirement workshop I will give it a go, but a wheel is beyond most home workshops.

But I didn't say Peter's products cost $1000. They don't. The trade is you wait. If 'time = money', so does patience. I have not been dissapointed in any of my dealings with Peter.

Peter says his tanks are for painting! And many of them are.

Bernhard · Mar 17, 2015

L.E.N. said:
Has anyone considered fuel bladders to place inside of a gutted fiberglas tank shell. I have a Dunstall fiberglas tank that I am loathe to discard. It's been "sealed" but failed again and gummed up the works again. I'm running race gas in it now but that's not really a solution. Beautiful work Ludwig, I would expect no less from you as has been demonstrated here on several other topics. Just wonderful stuff. I am always humbled by the members on this forum.

I fear you may be chasing rainbows, I had Dunstall fibre glass tank years ago, and like yours it leaked, due to the supplier/manufacturer NOT using petrol resistance resin. I had to get rid of it before the bike caught fire :!:

YellaPeril · Mar 17, 2015

Coat the tank internal surfaces with Caswell 2-part epoxy and it'll be fine with the ethanol. My Rickman CR was done this way and it's been fine for years and years.

bwolfie · Mar 17, 2015

Here is one ready to go, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norton-Commando ... a1&vxp=mtr

SteveA · Mar 18, 2015

Bernhard said:
L.E.N. said:

Has anyone considered fuel bladders to place inside of a gutted fiberglas tank shell. I have a Dunstall fiberglas tank that I am loathe to discard. It's been "sealed" but failed again and gummed up the works again. I'm running race gas in it now but that's not really a solution. Beautiful work Ludwig, I would expect no less from you as has been demonstrated here on several other topics. Just wonderful stuff. I am always humbled by the members on this forum.

Click to expand...

I fear you may be chasing rainbows, I had Dunstall fibre glass tank years ago, and like yours it leaked, due to the supplier/manufacturer NOT using petrol resistance resin. I had to get rid of it before the bike caught fire :!:

The alternative is to put a tank inside your tank, steel inside fibreglass.....It has been done. But of course you will fall short on desired capacity and range.

Alloy tank vendors - recommendations?

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