Triumphrat

GySchmit · 11-09-2012, 08:06 AM

Another option is to have your Tank (and related Tins/Plastic) Hydro Dipped with a Carbon Fiber Film. Looks Great, Less Time & $.

" SDthruxton " he did this to his Thrux and it looks FANTASTIC!

Here is his thread on it.... http://www.triumphrat.net/club-cafe/...n-project.html

Burgandy25 · 11-09-2012, 12:51 PM

Your kidding me? Thats not real carbon fiber on his bike? That would fool me!

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Motorcycle.com Free App

LukiSevenAce · 11-09-2012, 09:45 PM

I can get the contact info on the Atlanta company doing the aluminum tanks (and other parts too.)
Will post it here in this thread? Or, make another?

I've known the family for a number of years now, we're all members of GABMA (the group which puts on the British in the Blue Ridge events (near unto 30 years now.)

It's not a 'company' per se, but two brothers, and other family members who do the work.
Looks like nice work, and the prices were quite good.

I'd like one, with maybe a gallon or two extra room in it.

Keep an eye out for their contact info (tomorrow.)

Askari · 11-09-2012, 11:46 PM

Some interesting advice. Like the idea of the lookalike film.

I used to work in the prosthetics industry and used a lot of CF for sockets. If you are going to make a tank and using CF you are obviously after weight saving you are going to need a vacuum pump.
As for a mould why use the standard tank, let the imagination go.All you need is some from work card, timber. thin steel to form the hollow for the spine and to get the locking lugs and bolt holes aligned. Then use plaster of paris to form the shape you want. To save using tons of plaster just use a block of anything that is samaller than the tank and build on it. Surforms, flywire, wet and dry, spoons etc can all be used to shape. If you f--- up just add more pop. Even if you went the conventional shape and moulded the tunnel tight to the frame top tube you would get a big increase in fuel capacity.
By using eva socks under and over the cf you vacuum the resin in and this way get a very smooth finish, long as your layup is good.
If you are going to hand lay then you will need to make a female mould, lot more involved.
As for fuel and its effect just add a liner that comes in liquid form, like you can get for rusted tanks.
Carbon fibre is actually a lot cheaper than most realise, it is the old supply and demand scenario, lot more of it about these days.

GDCobra · 11-10-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro-Racer

.... There is a shop in Japan (CarbonDry) which makes a CF shell that fits over the stock tank. I've always thought that was a cool solution for those who want a high tech looking tank, but don't have very deep pockets. And you have no leak worries.

/M

I've always thought the beauty of CFC is the weight saving, I've never seen the point of using it to add weight. I guess if you're not interested in weight then you may as well go down the CFC looky-likey cling film stuff.

reflectedstatic · 11-10-2012, 10:02 AM

It's been done.

A pretty solid write-up: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/fo...hreadid=145975

You can also build a plug from foam, laminate on top of it, and then dissolve out the foam. That won't leave a super-slick surface if that's what you're after.

Burgandy25 · 11-10-2012, 11:43 AM

I would do it to save weight and increase fuel capacity, I would be worried about the heat resistance of the CF being right above the engine, with fuel in it.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Motorcycle.com Free App

LukiSevenAce · 11-11-2012, 08:29 PM

As promised, here's that info on the custom made aluminum tanks out of ATL:

Classic Custom & Cafe Motorcycle Parts
Motorcycle Alloy Parts and Alloy Tanks
Johnn - 404.550.6114 or Dass - 404.550.4460

Mind you, I've not purchased anything from they (yet.)
As well, I have no connection to them other than our mutual membership in Greater Atlanta British Motorcycle Association.

I've seen the many things they fabricate and have been impressed with the quality and finish. They do good work and are quite proud of it too.
As long time members of GABMA (the club which puts on the "British in the Blueridge" event every June), they're well known and respected by everyone in it.
Nice folks.

Johnn has one a number of prizes in the Show at BritBur over the years.
In fact, it's a family affair- their children win too!

[I don't know if there's some rule about passing this on here - in the least, maybe they could become advertisers. Apologies in advance for bending the envelope.]

Checkers · 11-11-2012, 09:01 PM

There is a gent named Evan Wilcox who makes beautiful aluminum tanks in Nor. Cal.

http://www.wilcoxmetal.com/

That said I don't think the stock steel tank is that heavy. A new aluminum tank is going to run you a around a grand and save 3-4 lbs. Lot more fragile than steel as well. You could keep the steel tank and lose a 3-4 lbs by running a lipo battery like a Shorai. Cost would be $160. That leaves you $840 for more farkles. Just a thought.

luckyduck · 11-12-2012, 12:53 AM

Question: Why would you want to do this?

I can see two reasons:

1. The tank would be lighter weight.
2. You appreciate the aesthetics of CF

My answers:

1. The tank is not all the heavy to begin with. I can lift off the tank, filled to capacity with fuel and its not heavy at all.
2. CF looks ugly on a Bonnie (IMO).

My recommendation: If you want to increase fuel capacity just have a custom tank made out of steel. This time, have it made without the ugly seam in it.