| Author | Message | ||
     Fed |
Would you guys trust a fiberglass fuel tank? I have a 03XB9S, 98S1W, and a Triumph Thruxton. I’ve seen a Fiberglass fuel tank, way cheaper than an aluminum one which can be had for 1,100 euros, for the Triumph but had reservations about using fiberglass in case I crash. Then I realized the S1W has a form of plastic tank. Am I worried about nothing or should I stay away from the fiberglass one? | ||
| Spiderman |
wellllll I restored a Norton that was well into is late 30's and the original fiberglass tank was still holding strong, no leaks, flaking etc. The pointed edges toward the riders seat were a bit chipped and the paint a tad oxidized but it's fuel retention was 100% NOW If I were to race the bike I would get aluminium, but if it were mostley a street machine, I wouldn't be weary about it. I would however make sure the quality were up to spec! | ||
| Slaughter |
I'm restoring a Norton fiberglass tank for a buddy's Triton he just imported. That POS tank was a poorly-constructed aftermarket tank. It is un-repairable. We are going to pull a mold off of it and construct one from scratch. Seems some of the aftermarket tanks do not use quality fuel barriers on the inside and the fuel WILL attack unprotected fiberglass!!! Yeah, it still holds fuel but you can flex the sides of it with a light press with a fingertip. | ||
| Fed |
it would be only for street. this is the company that makes the tank. waddia think http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/triumph/bonnev ille2001-06.htm | ||
| Woody1911a1 |
they say not for street use because it can crack in an accident . so it won't break in a racing accident ? my '67 has a glass tank and has held up well . they do say : Can I use pump gas in your racing fuel tanks? Modern pump gas is pretty crappy stuff. It contains a load of oxygenizers, fuel injector cleaners, ethanol, ketones and other additives that can wreak havoc on a fiberglass tank. Even though we use a high-end aircraft quality vinylester sealer on all of our tanks, it is possible a reaction may occur between pump gas and the tank liner. We therefore recommend that anyone planning on using pump gas in any of our tanks first coat the inside of the tank with a fuel tank liner like Kreem, before putting gas in the tank for the first time. Heavily dilute the first-step cleaner in the Kreem kit, as it contains heavy ketones (MEK) that will destroy your tank. It is designed to remove fuel residue and varnish from a used tank. A quick rinse will do, do not let the solution stand in the tank, drain and flush with plenty of clean water. Step 2 is the tank conditioner, since you're not working on a rusty metal tank, just swirl the solution around for a few minutes, drain and flush the tank with lots of clean water. Make sure the tank is completely dry before proceeding and follow all manufacturers instructions with step 3, application of the liner. looks nice though  | ||
| Slaughter |
Seriously though - contact somebody making legit sealants and explain what you're trying to seal/coat. Pro-Seal brand polysulfide sealants are pricey but the WORK. There are a few stocking distributors around. Bergdahl is one who sells in less-than-gallon quantities and they're knowledgable about end uses. Just don't expect it to "heal" a tank that the fiberglass has been eaten alive. http://www.bergdahl.com/Aerocat%20A.htm | ||
| Dwardo |
Based on the chatter I hear from other Norton owners, there are a lot of Nortons with fibreglass tanks that have had trouble caused by the new, improved "gasoline". My own Commando has a steel tank but the Imron inside the fuel filler is soft and lifting and I can only think it is the gasoline. Personally, I wouldn't use a fibreglass tank these days. | ||
| Fed |
thanks for the advise everyone. i guess i'll have to spring for the aluminum tank.........have to find someone who sells them less than $1,800.00 USD............. | ||
| Crashcourse411 |
I believe the liner is called Tank Cream. I have used it to seal aluminum and glass tanks on race cars and you can get it at some NAPA part stores or through Eastwoods (restoration catalogue). It is for sealing gas tanks, radiators or other resivours. We used E85, M85, 110 octane, and other without leaks. Just make sure the resin on the glass can handle the liner some epoxies don't like it. So do some testing. |
