Fastback tank-

JCD said:

Hello all-
I just purchased another MK3, hoping for a nice “restored” rider as it was decribed. Sadly, it turned out to be a shiny turd. I definitely have the means and the chops to build it and ultimately save it, but it’s going to get expensive to do it correctly. I have discovered a number of issues that the seller didn’t disclose, and another obvious issue I wasn’t sure how I wanted to deal with- this bike came with Fastback bodywork. Not my first choice, and certainly not correct for the year. The tank and tail section are fiberglass, left side cover and oil tank are steel. Though the paint work is very decent, I’d planned to find a set of tins for a MK3, but seeing the build cost go up and up with the more I uncover with the bike, I’ve decided to stay with the Fastback looks. Frankly, it has started to grow on me. So as i prepared to ship the tins to Brent to paint, the lining on the tank began to come out in large chunks while draining the gas. I begrudgingly purchased a fiberglass tank from RGM and had it shipped directly to Budgore in VT, thinking all the while how smart I am for circumventing an Indian made tank of questionable quality. Wrong again! This tank, when it arrived was delaminating, misshapen, and generally very very poor quality. After going 12 rounds with them, the issue was resolved with me requesting a full refund while they try to suss out the issue with their manufacturer. No time to wait for that to be solved. So, what I am asking, ever so long-windedly, does anyone have a source for a well made steel or alloy fastback tank that won’t open another artery for me to bleed cash into? Or has anyone had a positive experience with one of those eBay tanks from Delhi? Not desperate, but not far from it. The engine and gear box are in pieces on my bench, with the cases out for finishing, frame and those bits are getting powder coated. All the paintwork has been shipped to the painter. This is the last piece of a sordid Norton deal. Thanks in advance!

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cliffa said:

I have no first hand experience of these, but EBay seller “royalchoppers“ seem to have a good reputation. They have a number of Fastback tanks and weirdly the prices are all different. Some of the painted tanks are cheaper than the bare version.

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MichaelD said:

The different pricing is probably because some of the tanks are steel, some are aluminium

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JCD said:

Hello all-
I just purchased another MK3, hoping for a nice “restored” rider as it was decribed. Sadly, it turned out to be a shiny turd. I definitely have the means and the chops to build it and ultimately save it, but it’s going to get expensive to do it correctly. I have discovered a number of issues that the seller didn’t disclose, and another obvious issue I wasn’t sure how I wanted to deal with- this bike came with Fastback bodywork. Not my first choice, and certainly not correct for the year. The tank and tail section are fiberglass, left side cover and oil tank are steel. Though the paint work is very decent, I’d planned to find a set of tins for a MK3, but seeing the build cost go up and up with the more I uncover with the bike, I’ve decided to stay with the Fastback looks. Frankly, it has started to grow on me. So as i prepared to ship the tins to Brent to paint, the lining on the tank began to come out in large chunks while draining the gas. I begrudgingly purchased a fiberglass tank from RGM and had it shipped directly to Budgore in VT, thinking all the while how smart I am for circumventing an Indian made tank of questionable quality. Wrong again! This tank, when it arrived was delaminating, misshapen, and generally very very poor quality. After going 12 rounds with them, the issue was resolved with me requesting a full refund while they try to suss out the issue with their manufacturer. No time to wait for that to be solved. So, what I am asking, ever so long-windedly, does anyone have a source for a well made steel or alloy fastback tank that won’t open another artery for me to bleed cash into? Or has anyone had a positive experience with one of those eBay tanks from Delhi? Not desperate, but not far from it. The engine and gear box are in pieces on my bench, with the cases out for finishing, frame and those bits are getting powder coated. All the paintwork has been shipped to the painter. This is the last piece of a sordid Norton deal. Thanks in advance!

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MarcD said:

I bought this tank from Royal Choppers:

Fit For Norton Commando Dunstall Triton Norvil Cafe Racer Gas Petrol Fuel Tank | eBay

The marks are on top of the lacquer (automotive standard lacquer), which is protecting the paint inside. This could be easily removed by applying any good quality rubbing polish (3M) with the help of the soft cloth and you will see the marks vanishing right in front of your eyes.

www.ebay.com

I emailed with many of the India suppliers and went with this one based on best communication, and free shipping/tolerable return cost. I’m in the USA, and several vendors have Byzantine shipping rates, with punishing return costs.

I’ve also heard horror stories about long “fabrication delays”, customs tie-ups, lost shipments, ghosting vendors, etc. none of that with RC.

Shipped quickly with tracking, quality was reasonable although it needed a little work to fit like I wanted. Had to chase the threads in the fuel bungs/mounting studs, and the shape was much more Production Racer than the glass Dunstall tank it replaced. In all fairness, they did send me pics of the actual tank I received for approval before shipping; that shouldn’t be a problem with a Fastback tank. The gas cap fit correctly and it doesn’t leak.

I’d really suggest buying a raw tank and have it painted to match your existing bodywork. There’s zero chance that a painted tank will match, you won’t be able to judge what’s under the paint (which is of unknown quality and possibly damaged in shipment) and may need to be redone if fitting problems occur.

RC will negotiate as well; contact them and tell them what you want and what you’ll pay.

Best of luck,
Marc

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JCD said:

Marc-
That’s some solid advice and insight. I have definitely stalked all of the sellers on eBay who seem to have these in abundance. RC has great feedback. That is a huge deal and the first step for me to even make it past the advert. Maybe I’ll start some dialog with them. I like that they will show the actual tank that they intend to ship. Negotiations are the easy part. Getting a tank that looks right is the challenge. I’ll keep this thread posted on my progress.
Thanks!

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SteveBorland said:

RC do seem to have a good reputation, but I don't think any of the sellers show the actual tank you will be getting. The same photos are used in many auctions, so all you can do is hope that your tank is as good.
I was pleasantly surprised with my PR tank, having tried a T160 tank several years ago (petrol taps wrongly located, poor paint, tank shape not quite correct, that sort of thing). I chose a steel tank rather than alloy since it's easier to fix any leaks and there seems to be less risk of ending up with a very thin thickness where the welds have been ground smooth.

Good luck with the purchase though.

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Matt Spencer said:

Lumme . n 18 inch backrim .

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SteveBorland said:

RC do seem to have a good reputation, but I don't think any of the sellers show the actual tank you will be getting. The same photos are used in many auctions, so all you can do is hope that your tank is as good.
I was pleasantly surprised with my PR tank, having tried a T160 tank several years ago (petrol taps wrongly located, poor paint, tank shape not quite correct, that sort of thing). I chose a steel tank rather than alloy since it's easier to fix any leaks and there seems to be less risk of ending up with a very thin thickness where the welds have been ground smooth.

Good luck with the purchase though.

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SteveBorland said:

RC do seem to have a good reputation, but I don't think any of the sellers show the actual tank you will be getting. The same photos are used in many auctions, so all you can do is hope that your tank is as good.
I was pleasantly surprised with my PR tank, having tried a T160 tank several years ago (petrol taps wrongly located, poor paint, tank shape not quite correct, that sort of thing). I chose a steel tank rather than alloy since it's easier to fix any leaks and there seems to be less risk of ending up with a very thin thickness where the welds have been ground smooth.

Good luck with the purchase though.

Click to expand...