Replacement steel tank for 72 Interstate

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gpmcbride

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I am looking to find out if anyone has experience in purchasing a repro tank from India or elsewhere. I have a 72 Interstate fiberglass tank that leaks and I would like to purchase a reproduction tank to paint, but do not want to spend the money if the tanks are not up to par.Can anyone help?
 
I purchased one of pakey steel roadster tanks. Didn't fit. Ended up with the emgo steel tank. Fit. Nice tank. I wouldn't mess with the Indian or pakey stuff!! Don't know if A/N makes a interstate tank. If they do. Get one.I have been fussing with a fiberglass roadster tank for 3 years. Many applications of sealer. Wasted time and energy!!l
 
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FWIW, my FG Fastback tank from Burton Bike Bitts has been trouble-free since I purchased the tank new in '08. I sealed it with Caswells before it's first use. Maybe never having gas in it prior to sealing makes the difference in how well the sealer will bond. But based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another FG tank from them.
 
Test for leaks before painting. I had and still have a leaking cap if I fill it. Other than that the tank is pretty nice.
Not the overseas version.
 
I was the one that posted on the candy apple thread.

I have had the tank modified and tested now.

The tap locations had to be moved. They were much to wide out. In the tunnel had to be widen a little to clear my Dave Taylor head steady.

The tank now fits very well.

I have also leak tested it and it is ok. No sign of leaks.

It has a seam along the bottom which I am told is typical of Mk 3 interstate tanks. You can see this on advertising photos of the period. If you look at the advertising photos on the 1974 and 75 Interstates on the Candy apple threads you will see this seam on the 75 bike tank. Not there on the 74. The taps need to be inside the seam line not outside as my tank originally had them. I have no idea where they were on the original tanks.

The cap fitting has been an issue. Holes were too big and the curve which keeps the tank open was very wrong. This took a lot of fettling to get it to work. This was really the only poor quality work on the tank and is a bit messy. The cap fitting piece is not much like the original on my roadster. It can be made to work but when open any Commando owner could tell the difference. closed looks fine.

Several experienced engineers and mechanics have seen it now and agree the tank is well made and well shaped. By the time it’s finished it will have cost $1000 us so not at all cheap. Painting will be on top
 
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Finally got the painting finished. I'm not going to give you the full cost of tank plus paint but I live in a hole in the road these days.

The photos a little shortened. It’s actually perfect shape
 

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I got a very nice sealed painted steel hi rider tank from an Indian company on flea bay fit perfectly extremely well made, great price too. I was impressed.
C
 
Royal Chopper does nice work - out of India. Worth a look, and excellent with communications.

That said, I have always fetched an original Roadster tank when I needed one, or talked to Evan Wilcox for an alloy one. Now on to 3 tanks (old, but original) in house. Lots of issues with older tanks as you know, and God knows I will NEVER again do the Muriatic acid dose (very scary). Found a place in Oregon, U.S.A. that does dip and strip for less than $100.
 
johnm said:
Finally got the painting finished. I'm not going to give you the full cost of tank plus paint but I live in a hole in the road these days.
The photos a little shortened. It’s actually perfect shape
Click to expand...

Your new tank looks great , nice colour choice as well , must feel good to have that particular hurdle behind you ....
 
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