TAB II Alloy Tank #3

Drop a standard m6 washer on to each bolt, it'll stop the straps compression limiters pulling away from the mounting point.

Decals finally on their way to me! Time is tight so I'll be fitting them myself! Will update as things progress!!

kev said:

Decals finally on their way to me! Time is tight so I'll be fitting them myself! Will update as things progress!!

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I'd do it in an area away from anything that would cause damage when thrown in anger

Stu Bodycote said:

I do it in an area away from anything that would cause damage when thrown in anger

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Nice advice. Noted.

Speaking to Graham at the decal place.....he already said "if you need another...just ask"

LOL!

kev said:

Nice advice. Noted.

Speaking to Graham at the decal place.....he already said "if you need another...just ask"

LOL!

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What are you fitting Kev - the pinstripe and logo set?

If so, let me know. There’s definitely a few must do’s - I fitted it yesterday!

Hey - went for the OEM look but smaller so not round my knees. No colour in the centre section to expose most of the tank. Might change in the future but I'm on a tight timeline.

Any tips are very welcome!

kev said:

Hey - went for the OEM look but smaller so not round my knees. No colour in the centre section to expose most of the tank. Might change in the future but I'm on a tight timeline.

Any tips are very welcome!

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Hey Kev,

I fitted the single narrow pinstripe version - same style though. I take it you got them from The Image Works? Yours may be a bit more involved - wide enough in the striping to develop bubbles if not careful/patiant.

My advice, ring the guys before you start as it states in their guide and ask for the best technique - their online guide to fitting does not cover pinstripe type decals.

- sticker fitting guide.

The decals arrive on flat backing sheet however, I could see no means of applying them directly because of the curvature of the tank and obviously the ends need to be manipulated into place to form the finished decal. I did the following.

- cut out the pinstripe sections, leaving a 10mm border around the periphery (maybe a bit less for yours)

- clean the tank (decal area) thoroughly with isopropyl alchohol - it dries almost instantly.

- manipulate the pin-striping into position, lightly securing with short strips of painters tape as you go. Needs to be positioned exactly, so manipulate until spot on.

- start at a free end, remove any painters tape at that end, lift the decal and peel back the inner protective layer for 6-8” and snip off.

- work backwards towards the end and carefully apply to the tank. I used finger pressure only, you may need a flexible applicator or credit card to avoid bubbles.

- repeat with each length, working forward now as you apply. Take care not to move from the original position or the ends may not match up. You can carefully re-lift short sections from the tank if necessary, to start applying the next.

- I left a short overlap on the single pinstripe which is not really visible. You will likely need to butt the ends up. Cut exactly and apply, or overlap ends and use a new scalpel blade to cut in position. Ask the guys for the best technique.

- apply the Norton logo after the pinstriping is fitted, to make sure it’s in the right spot.

I put painters tape down the top centre line of the tank to aid measurement - to get the two sides positioned the same. Don’t expect fitting to be exact - the hand built tank is not regular in shape.

Do this before you start drinking and remove any objects that you might throw should you be disturbed at just the wrong moment - ask me how I know!

Good luck and let us know what the guys at Image Works say.

Wee update for everyone....test-fitted mine this evening. Don't have a scalpel (Wife is a scientist so can get one...but not at work until Tues!) so will fit properly over the weekend if I can source one.

SUPER happy so far! Looks incredible!!!

kev said:

Wee update for everyone....test-fitted mine this evening. Don't have a scalpel (Wife is a scientist so can get one...but not at work until Tues!) so will fit properly over the weekend if I can source one.

SUPER happy so far! Looks incredible!!!

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I peek a Pikes Peak… I had a 1260, unquestionably the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned.

Yeh. Spot on - 1260 PP. Agree with you, best bike I’ve ever had….by a mile!!

kev said:

Wee update for everyone....test-fitted mine this evening. Don't have a scalpel (Wife is a scientist so can get one...but not at work until Tues!) so will fit properly over the weekend if I can source one.

SUPER happy so far! Looks incredible!!!

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Looking good Kev. Did you ask the Image Works guys for best technique - particularly for joining the ends?

Stephen_Spencer said:

Looking good Kev. Did you ask the Image Works guys for best technique - particularly for joining the ends?

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Hey - thank you. Yeh I did. Scalpel and butt them up overlap 1mm at most.

That's mine done. It's not perfect and I have a couple of issues but it's 99% done and with the time I have....and my skills....I'm happy! When I'm back from the TT I can look at a better/professional job.

Not to everyone’s taste I realise, but looking again at fitting a tank strap to the TAB tank - the one shown below in particular.

Not used to secure the tank obviously, but will protect from the dreaded zipper whilst adding to the Cafe Racer aesthetic - another nod to the past, much like the ally tank itself. Triumph has done the same with some models.

TAB Classics have been approached already apparently and have provided straps for DIY fitting to the 961. I prefer the below strap from Norton Race Parts - maybe replacing the rubber strip with leather.

It will look like the below example. If it looks good in the flesh, it’ll stay. If not I’ll rip it off!

Anybody else interested in this undertaking or am I ‘Robinson Crusoe’?

This is my mates one from his Thruxton.

kev said:

This is my mates one from his Thruxton.

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Looks good Kev - but a little too wide for my liking, in relation to that rather narrow tank. Certainly solves your mates tank protector problem though.

The much wider, shaped tank of the 961 will suit one better I think. We’ll see.

100% agree. It suits the bike with the other bits and compliments it well. I'm not sold on them in general so haven't taken the plunge but would love to see others ideas to get me thinking

Fast Eddie said:

I peek a Pikes Peak… I had a 1260, unquestionably the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned.

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Wee update....PP has gone....stuck with "red" though....

I always liked them on the Thruxton but wonder if the more shapely 961 tank would look as good, and Just wondering how it is going to fit round the oil filler; it's a bit tight there. I think a bit of aluminium foil covered cardboard is needed to experiment.......

oh and I do think Ducatis and Nortons make such very good stable-mates. Ideal for the undecided Rocker/ Rocket Ship pilot.

Clive said:

I always liked them on the Thruxton but wonder if the more shapely 961 tank would look as good, and Just wondering how it is going to fit round the oil filler; it's a bit tight there. I think a bit of aluminium foil covered cardboard is needed to experiment.......

oh and I do think Ducatis and Nortons make such very good stable-mates. Ideal for the undecided Rocker/ Rocket Ship pilot.

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My guess, it will look pretty good on the 961 - much like this example, although closer to the Monza Cap. The cutouts (club symbols) are significant but are personal choice of course (option is for holes only - various sizes, or no cutouts at all).



I see the backing rubber (or leather) and stainless strap terminating at the entrance to the oil filler tube aperture, stainless strap formed nicely to just enter the mouth of the aperture (not simple but doable). Add a fabric or nylon strap section to secure to the underside of the tank.

I guess we’ll know when I give it a go - nothing ventured……..! Doesn’t seem much interest, so little value in approaching TAB to produce one.