Spun aluminum tanks

[wildbob]

Ever empty out one of those stock steel tanks and see all the crud/rust/etc that comes out? Yuk. So I pulled the trigger on one of these bad boys today.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8x16-CENTER-...-/161273393441

[ckau]

You'll like it! Like you said, removing the corrosion problems of a steel tank is a big plus. Also added capacity and big weight reductions are a plus too.
Don't connect the shutoff directly to the tank. I mounted the tank on top of the rack using a couple of lengths of 1x1 angle. I had to use a 3" length of pipe and a 90* to get the shut off below the rack to access the lever. The length of pipe plus the weight of the shutoff eventually weakened the weld around the bottom bung creating a leak due to vibration. JB Weld fixed it but I had to put in a short length of flexible hose between the tank and shutoff to serve as a vibration buffer.
we all know how bad the carbs are for collecting trash. stuck floats, clogged jets etc. The aluminum tank helps a bunch but go a step further. Use a funnel and drop in a coffee filter when filling the tank. The amount of crud this catches is surprising.

[jmansracerocket]

dammit I want one of these now lol. post pics once u get it installed

[SYCARMS]

Nice tank. I would also recommend using only non ethanol fuel. This will eliminate the water and much of the crud one gets from ethanol blended fuel. Go to pure-gas.org. Once up scroll to bottom of page and click on your state abbreviation. It will list all stations that handle the pure gas.

[jmansracerocket]

this stinks I was almost done fabing up the cargo rack and I already welded and mounted tabs and have the stock tank mounted now I see this nice upgrade and cant stop searching on it lol. I went to there main website and they have a lot of nice options.

[wildbob]

Originally Posted by SYCARMS

Nice tank. I would also recommend using only non ethanol fuel. This will eliminate the water and much of the crud one gets from ethanol blended fuel. Go to pure-gas.org. Once up scroll to bottom of page and click on your state abbreviation. It will list all stations that handle the pure gas.

Yeah, I only run 110 leaded racing fuel..

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by wildbob

Yeah, I only run 110 leaded racing fuel..

lmao! that has to be pretty expensive, Wildbob did u get any options with the tank? internal baffle? Gas gauge ?

[jmansracerocket]

forgot to also ask wildbob did u see a difference in power switching from gas to a high octane gas? Mind me asking how much u pay for it? The higher octane gas like that is usually recommended for high compression engines.

[wildbob]

Well, I mostly use the racing fuel because it's pre-stablized, so it's got a decent shelf life. I think last time I filled up it was $5 or 6 something a gallon for sunoco standard 110 leaded..

[wildbob]

Originally Posted by jmansracerocket

lmao! that has to be pretty expensive, Wildbob did u get any options with the tank? internal baffle? Gas gauge ?

Naw, no options. I usually run her pretty hard, so i stop often enough to let her cool down and have a peak in the tank while she's chilling. I'm thinking that if I really like it, I might put this one on my son's Kandi 90 and get myself another one with a gauge though..

[wildbob]

I did get myself some weld on brackets though!

[wildbob]

I keep telling myself I'm going to save up and get shocks...

[jmansracerocket]

I see the one you bought comes with 2 strap brackets please post pics once you get it installed, this will probally be my next mod on my hammerhead just dropped the seat off today

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by wildbob

I did get myself some weld on brackets though!

u get the brackets off ebay also? cant wait to see this installed, and for shocks ive heard fox and works are the top 2 shocks but expect to pay $1k for a set

[wildbob]

Originally Posted by jmansracerocket

u get the brackets off ebay also? cant wait to see this installed, and for shocks ive heard fox and works are the top 2 shocks but expect to pay $1k for a set

Yup Ebay. One leeeeeeft!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281306877004

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by wildbob

Yup Ebay. One leeeeeeft!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281306877004

ur killing me wildbob !!!

[Reb2973]

I almost pulled the trigger on one of those tanks last week for the gas gauge. Definitely take pics after install.

[jmansracerocket]

im curious how much lighter in weight these tanks are also over stock, I know it depends on how big u go to

[ckau]

Originally Posted by jmansracerocket

im curious how much lighter in weight these tanks are also over stock, I know it depends on how big u go to

Maybe 25% lighter at best. You can easily gain the weight back depending on the steel and hardware used to mount the tank. The attraction is the added capacity, clean fuel and a touch of bling.

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by ckau

Maybe 25% lighter at best. You can easily gain the weight back depending on the steel and hardware used to mount the tank. The attraction is the added capacity, clean fuel and a touch of bling.

I agree, what size did you go with ? im thinking of going with a 8x12 Center Fill - 2.5 Gallon,Internal baffle, and fuel gauge. The stock size tank I feel like lasts a long time for me. So If I can get another half gallon, lighter weight, cleaner fuel, and that touch of bling its a win win. Now I have to redo the rack I was making for the stock tank!

[wildbob]

I'm thinking of getting a piece of 1.5" tube, notching both ends so I can lay it into the existing rack and weld it in place.. Then attach the weld-on tank brackets to that..

[jmansracerocket]

So u have the tank in hand ?? Can't wait to see it installed post pics !!!!

[wildbob]

Originally Posted by jmansracerocket

So u have the tank in hand ?? Can't wait to see it installed post pics !!!!

I have the tracking number in hand. Tanks still in the mail.. I have the mounts, shutoff, new filter, fuel line, but still need to source a length of steel tube.. Plus, gotta spend some time working for Uncle Sam this week, so it might be a while.

[jmansracerocket]

gotcha I bet u cant wait to get it though.

[wildbob]

Tank arrived!!

[jmansracerocket]

awesome tank, can u make a keg out of it

[SYCARMS]

Now that's an idea, make one out of a baby keg.

[x-bird]

Originally Posted by SYCARMS

Now that's an idea, make one out of a baby keg.

lots of 1/4 and 1/2 keg "tanks" on the buggies and jeeps that race up at line.

[jmansracerocket]

wildbob u get that bad boy mounted? Its so dam cold here I cant even go outside to do any work on buggy, nor go in garage to work on mustang!

[wildbob]

-9 this morning here in MA.. Nope, not yet. Trying to decide whether to weld a length of 1.5" tubing to the rack and use the weld-on-tube mounts or go with angle iron and mount the brackets to that.. I'm away for a week with Uncle Sam so no buggy work for me..

[SYCARMS]

Shoot it has finally reached a balmy 26 here in Mississippi. Last night it dipped to 8 degrees.: crying: but thank God my pipes did not freeze.: cheers:

[jmansracerocket]

im sick of the cold, zero degrees here yesterday, need to move a little down south where its not as cold, which equals more buggy time and more activities outside rather then being stuck inside!

[liduno]

I just had to close the slider door, I think it's below 70 out there..BRRR!!!

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by liduno

I just had to close the slider door, I think it's below 70 out there..BRRR!!!

u S%ck lol, shoot some of that heat up here

[wildbob]

Actually I don't mind riding in freezing temps.. Icy air keeping the motor cool, slipery trails, so you're sideways half the time, but I STILL have the stock V-tred tires that came on it (with two years on them).. worthless in the snow.. Trying to get anything done in the freezing garage is the hard part..

[liduno]

Originally Posted by wildbob

Actually I don't mind riding in freezing temps.. Icy air keeping the motor cool, slipery trails, so you're sideways half the time, but I STILL have the stock V-tred tires that came on it (with two years on them).. worthless in the snow.. Trying to get anything done in the freezing garage is the hard part..

Yup, my fingers stop working at about 40.

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by liduno

Yup, my fingers stop working at about 40.

ditto

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by wildbob

Actually I don't mind riding in freezing temps.. Icy air keeping the motor cool, slipery trails, so you're sideways half the time, but I STILL have the stock V-tred tires that came on it (with two years on them).. worthless in the snow.. Trying to get anything done in the freezing garage is the hard part..

lol, I still have the original tires on the rear of the 2004 hammerhead v tread also, The kid barely used it. I wont the change to these when the v treads eventually wear out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CST-AMBU...39a3fd&vxp=mtr

My next mod will most likely be the fuel tank. Then ive been looking into sandblasting and paint.

[jmansracerocket]

u get that bad boy in wildbob

[wildbob]

Naw, I just got home from some military duties, and haven't had a chance to do much.

[wildbob]

Plus it won't fit into the old tank area, so I'm going to get a bit of 1.5 OD tubing to weld to the rack, then use the weld on tank mounts to attach to that..

[jmansracerocket]

how u making out with the tank wildbob

[Reb2973]

I'm to waiting to see some pics. Ready to pull the trigger

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by Reb2973

I'm to waiting to see some pics. Ready to pull the trigger

I will be ordering one soon, along with new round tube steel to make my own rack and tank mount. Just waiting to clear some bills and warmer weather.

[wildbob]

Sorry, been busy with military stuff. Got a section of 1.5" OD tube that I still have to weld to the rack, paint then I'll mount this bad boy. Also, no place to ride in MA anymore, got to look for a new stomping ground for buggy fun

[jmansracerocket]

Originally Posted by wildbob

Sorry, been busy with military stuff. Got a section of 1.5" OD tube that I still have to weld to the rack, paint then I'll mount this bad boy. Also, no place to ride in MA anymore, got to look for a new stomping ground for buggy fun

that stinks riding places are becoming thinner and are making the hobby harder for people. Either way take some pics for us.

[SYCARMS]

That's why you guy's need to join the AMA. They fight for our rights to public land as well as many other issues with Motorcycles and ATV's. It's like $35.00 per year for membership. They send out their letters of info as to new proposals for legislation and regulations. Well worth the money spent.

[jmansracerocket]

wildbob I know your back so want to ask how do you like the spun aluminum fuel tank? and if you wouldn't mind could you post some pics of it mounted on the buggy.

[wildbob]

I like it. I'm not an expert fabricator, so my welds aren't the prettiest, but it's nice. I thought I bought a vented fuel cap but I dunno, seems to pressurize and push fuel when it sits in the sun. vent might work only one way. Haven't gotten to use it but for a couple runs up and down the street. Carb trouble had it sidelined since October. I'll be spending the weekend tuning/camping/riding! It's filthy but I'll post some pics in a bit.

[wildbob]

Oh, and I'm back in the saddle with 200 acres of private land to ride on again!!

[wildbob]

Pics of the tank!

[jmansracerocket]

200 acres sounds like plenty of riding room lol

[jmansracerocket]

nice tank!, came out good if you ask me, I bet a fill up lasts a very long time. From the looks of it your gas cap doesn't look like its vented like you mentioned.