TAB II Alloy Tank #3

Something else to worry about at the TT!

kev said:

Something else to worry about at the TT!

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10 minute job to take the tank off Kev prior to a big trip, rather than worry about it. Worth checking battery and terminals whilst it’s off also I guess.

Think I would have noticed if my frame was worn there, although not certain. All hand built, probably not all exactly the same in that area. Worth a check though.

TonyA said:

Hello TAB 2 gas tank owners ! I wanted to report a rubbing point on my tank . Its rubbing on the frame tubes that come up from the swingarm pivot. It’s deep so it’s been rubbing a while and now I will be going back to the OEM red nylon tank. So heads up !

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Shouldn’t be too difficult to fix this up Tony.

Worth contacting TAB for advice and to inform them that there is a potential problem in that area.

Stephen_Spencer said:

10 minute job to take the tank off Kev prior to a big trip, rather than worry about it. Worth checking battery and terminals whilst it’s off also I guess.

Think I would have noticed if my frame was worn there, although not certain. All hand built, probably not all exactly the same in that area. Worth a check though.

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Literally just came back from Stu so I'm confident everything will be fine

The area in question between frame and TAB tank can be seen with the tank fitted. Tony’s was obviously in contact. Mine has a 2 mm clearance.

Hand made - all different. Worth a visual check.

Perfect - will take a look tonight. Assume that's near the pump assembly going by the bolts?

Couldn't help myself....loads of room. More than 2mm....closer to 4/5

Also - Nice wee pic of Stu's fancy fuel pipe connector upgrade!

TonyA said:

Hello TAB 2 gas tank owners ! I wanted to report a rubbing point on my tank . Its rubbing on the frame tubes that come up from the swingarm pivot. It’s deep so it’s been rubbing a while and now I will be going back to the OEM red nylon tank. So heads up !

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Wouldn’t you rather just massage the areas on the tank for clearance?

NorTriDuc said:

Wouldn’t you rather just massage the areas on the tank for clearance?

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Massage ?

TonyA said:

Massage ?

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Oh you mean pound it in where its touching.

TonyA said:

Massage ?

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I guess NTD means adjusting the profile of the tank in the problem area to provide clearance - aluminium shaping hammer, or similar. Then ally welding if the abrasion is quite deep, or use a fuel tank repair kit.

Should do the trick - you’ll have that beauty back on in no time. Maybe more quickly than screwing around swapping fuel pump etc back over.

Good idea to inform TAB though Tony, so they can avoid making this error on future tanks and maybe check stock items.

kev said:

Couldn't help myself....loads of room. More than 2mm....closer to 4/5

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How far forward are your front tank studs in the frame mounting holes ? I may have room I can work with.

TonyA said:

How far forward are your front tank studs in the frame mounting holes ? I may have room I can work with.

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I'll get a pic for you later today. I'm not sure TBH as Stu/Motorvated was the last guy to have the tank off!

NorTriDuc said:

Wouldn’t you rather just massage the areas on the tank for clearance?

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I think it may be possible, but the close proximity of the area to be “adjusted” is quite close to the fuel pump flange, so could possibly distort it, or even worse crack the weld.

cliffa said:

I think it may be possible, but the close proximity of the area to be “adjusted” is quite close to the fuel pump flange, so could possibly distort it, or even worse crack the weld.

View attachment 119935

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It was probably my tank bag being strapped down that pushed the tank against the frame.

cliffa said:

I think it may be possible, but the close proximity of the area to be “adjusted” is quite close to the fuel pump flange, so could possibly distort it, or even worse crack the weld.

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The frame is just kissing the tank. Plus it’s not rigid mounted so as Tony said, it’s possibly caused by his tank bag.
I would still use a body hammer to provide more clearance. It won’t take much.
You could also use a wooden block or dowel rod and make clearances. Just make sure whatever tool you use, that it doesn’t have a flat or sharp edge.

Put some modeling clay on the frame where it contacts the tank, install the tank and check for clearance.

Large assortment of quality decals on this site - reasonably priced.

Includes multiple versions of the Norton tank decal for the TAB tank owners that might be seeking a replacement. No pinstripes though.

Not sure who has access to amend the Alternate Parts List (Cliff/Jerry?) - what appears to be a good alternative for the listed fuel pump spigot/setup. Posted on FB.

Listed:



Billet aluminium alternative:



Motorvated alternative fitment- Stu may want to provide part numbers so they can be added to the Alternate Parts List.

New edition for my 961.
My original tank started to deform somewhat last season when fuel was in it. It resin seemed to go a bit “wavy” on the top, left side of the gas cap. My original tank was supposedly signed by S. Garner as were the original SEs brought into Canada. So I’ve been thinking of the TAB tank option. This would help with the fuel issues that seem to crop up( tank deforming, paint bubbling, fuel tank surface rust, etc).
I decided to try to paint the tank myself. Rattle can option. And I decided to go the decal option for the pinstripe and Norton logo. I sourced the decals through Image works(?). I think thats the name of the company. I believe they might have been the original supplier of the decals for the oem tanks. I could be wrong though.
I started out dry fitting the tank on my bike to check fitment. It seemed good.
So next was scuff the tank. Then clean the surface..lots.
Then 2K epoxy primer. 1500 and 2000 grit wet sand that.
Then high build primer. Wet sand that off. Or a good majority of it.
Then another couple of coats of 2k epoxy primer. More wet sanding.
Then the colour coat. 4 coats. It is supposedly a Jet Black , black. Who knew there were different blacks?
More wet sanding.
Then the decals…… this was super challenging for me. The pinstripes on the first side werent too bad. Because Im not having to match anything except a basic natch to the original design. But the second side , having to match the first was a bit of a bugger. And the pinstripes come in one strip. Meaning you cut the ends to match up. If that makes sense.
I rough mounted the tank back on the bike to get the “Norton” logo aligned to match the side cover lettering. Again the decals were a bit of a challenge to get the backing off without the decal coming with it. Then positioning the Logo decals to match up side to side.