Triumphrat

quagmire · 04-14-2006

My painter told me today the bottom of my tank, near the petcocks, is very thin and pitted. He doesn't recommend using the tank. I trust this guy very much. Where can I get a tank? Should I be looking for a new tank (if they make them) or a used one?

If anyone has any leads please let me know.

Peter

DAGAD · 04-14-2006

Hi Quag, 3 imperial gallon tanks for 1970's T120 and TR6 models are rare in England, I have been looking for one for my TR6P for the last 10 years. When you find one, it is either s***** or they want you to pay for it in diamonds!
I would suggest that you fill all the pitting on the outside with lead, as was used when repairs were done by panel beaters.
This will give substance to the outside and then use a good epoxy tank sealer on the inside. I can't offer a make as yours and our are different but I use 'petseal' to great effect.
Of course, the offending metal can be removed and replaced with new, but that is going to be expensive. Then you have got to find a craftsman / woman to carry out this task.
Roy.

Slinky · 04-14-2006

I can highly recommend POR-15 tank sealant, it is a US product so you will have no trouble finding it. I have used it a few times on old tanks and it does a great job and, once it cures, it lasts forever.

Once it is cured it is like having another tank inside the tank. It seals splits and pinholes so I think it will do a good job of reinforcing the metal. You could also use a little underneath the tank with the reinforcing patch that they supply with the kit.

You do have to follow the process carefully for best results. using the cleaner and primer first.

POR-15

quagmire · 04-14-2006

Thanks guys. I have a guy looking for me, but I'll tell my painter to look at the POR-15 stuff.

I talked to Baxter Cycle and they have a few original 1970 TR6 tanks for $450.00. The owner said he would run them thru his tank to clean them and then pressure test them. I'm wondering what the group thinks of this? Is this a reasonable price?

[ This message was edited by: quagmire on 2006-04-14 14:04 ]

ooobaby · 04-14-2006

My experience with Randy Baxter is that his prices are reasonable, but on the high side of what you hear people supposedly getting "deals" on somewhere else. When I try to find those same "deals" they seem to just evaporate into the mist. Baxter doesn't sell junk and he stands behind what he sells. That's a good enough deal for me. After all, just finding the right part in decent shape is hard enough with 30-40 year old parts, so I don't have too much problem with plunking down some hard earned cash when there's no other good alternative. Good luck on your search!

You can also have the tank brazed if you have the equipment or know someone who does. Just don't blow yourself up in the process! We don't want to see no stinking mushroom clouds on the horizon!

[ This message was edited by: ooobaby on 2006-04-14 14:46 ]

jimballard · 04-14-2006

Hi Quag,

You could try Millis Cycle in Millis, MA. He said he had one some years back, still in the box, but it wasn't for sale; maybe he's changed his mind or maybe he was just blowing smoke... I'm sure you've tried Don Hutchinson and Jay Strait at Britec; if not call them. A slim chance would be Al's Cycle in Palmer MA, he's got a lot of old stuff. By the way, what's the chances of having a new bottom, or at least a partial one, welded in??

Just a few thoughts: Jim

quagmire · 04-14-2006

Some people I talked to about putting a new bottom on said welding it up tight without any pressure leaks would be costly, if I could find someone to do it.

Thanks for the local shops, jim. I'll try them after the holiday weekend.

quagmire · 04-26-2006

Just a follow up. I got a tank for $300. My uncle works for a company that builds custom motorcycle tanks and he said someone owes him a favor and can repair my old one. (A little too late as I have already bought another one) so I will have two American spec 1970 TR6 tanks. If anyone is looking for one stripped and ready for paint let me know.