This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Alloy tank - repairable??

B

BLUDGEONER

Joined Oct 2015
128 Posts | 29+
UK (southeast)
I do know back in the day, we would pressurize the metal tanks with compressed air and sometimes they would pop back into shape. Have not done this with welded aluminum but it worth checking into? Don't think you will get the crease out but might get the dent??? Just an idea :)
 
FE350 said:
I do know back in the day, we would pressurize the metal tanks with compressed air and sometimes they would pop back into shape. Have not done this with welded aluminum but it worth checking into? Don't think you will get the crease out but might get the dent??? Just an idea :)
Click to expand...
Yeah, I did consider that option, but I agree - I don't think it would touch the crease across the weld. I 'm not fussed about dents/scrapes/general untidiness - just like it to be back roughly in shape!
 
cut a bit out, straighten it, weld a panel back in. that is the worst case scenario.

see if Bartels are still in business in london. the other thing is to get a road race paper or better still: old bike mart and have a look in there. those old codgers don't even have a computer but they sure as phuq know their stuff!

regards

Taffy
 
husabutt said:
https://youtu.be/H9JcDvDlwK8

https://youtu.be/VbGq340w-8A

https://youtu.be/OR7bSC2J_as

https://youtu.be/kNsp4hNDwwQ

https://youtu.be/J9mPc3RGJJ4
Click to expand...
Don't think I could afford their rates - let alone postage costs to Japan:D
Good vids though - and has opened my eyes to an idea. Maybe a panel could be cut out underneath/behind (where it won't be seen) for better access, then re-welded after. I think I need to take it to a fabricator. I can't help but think that it's going to cost more than it's worth though!
 
Taffy said:
cut a bit out, straighten it, weld a panel back in. that is the worst case scenario.

see if Bartels are still in business in london. the other thing is to get a road race paper or better still: old bike mart and have a look in there. those old codgers don't even have a computer but they sure as phuq know their stuff!

regards

Taffy
Click to expand...
Exactly what I was just thinking. I was originally thinking it could maybe be drilled and pulled out, but not sure about that due to the location of the crease. I'll look up Bartels - cheers.
 
I was thinking drill and pull too. May want to try the dry ice then heat gun method and see if it pops. Cheap and what do you have to lose?
 
I think that method only really works on thin panels to pop back into shape. That damaged part of the tank is a solid hefty chunk of alloy and the damage is right across a weld and corner. I'm going to drop it off to a local fabricator and ask if anything can be done.
Cheers.
 
Aluminum is very tough to work with when it is kinked that tight. I would section the bad piece out and weld in new panels. It is too soft to do much with a dent puller. Would be quicker and cheaper to weld in new panels. Couple hours of cutting and fitting and an hour welding, done.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
Dirtrulz said:
Aluminum is very tough to work with when it is kinked that tight. I would section the bad piece out and weld in new panels. It is too soft to do much with a dent puller. Would be quicker and cheaper to weld in new panels. Couple hours of cutting and fitting and an hour welding, done.
Click to expand...
That would work ok for me. Any repair would be mostly hidden I suspect. Is there going to be some sort of coating inside the tank?
 
There should be no factory coating. If the welder cant get the welds sealed you might have to coat it to seal it. Not a problem with good welder.
 

Similar threads

W
2010 Fx450 crank no start after engine work
Replies
3
Views
477
waylon
W
F
FE570 low idle issue, outside of the usual suspects! (I think)
Replies
1
Views
418
rikschipp
R
T
Sub Tank - Main Tank Fuel Connect Question
Replies
1
Views
713
TTezza
T
W
For Sale 1995 FE600E in Michigan $1600 with clean title
Replies
3
Views
541
woodsryder
W
C
1998 husaberg 400 gas tank setup with mikuni lift pump.
Replies
5
Views
763
Charper90
C

Register CTA

Register on Husaberg Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.

Recent Discussions