Ah the idiosyncrasies of the iron-barrel Bullet - but ain't that why we love them. A true fiddlers contraption no ordinary man can command.
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I'm afraid it's actually tape. Speed tape.We are told the aeroplane wings are glued on . .
You could let that tank dry for weeks and there'll still be enough residue in the metal pores to flash off. The good news is you'll gain about a half gallon extra capacity... the bad is you'll not much care for the looks of the tank any longer.Have emptied the tank, given it a good shake, then upside down and wiped around inside the neck, then sitting in the sun with the cap open. So there's not much petrol left - in fact none at all, just the smell.
Will approach Neil who painted it first - he works in a car body work shop so need to see what he suggests.
Then if necessary look around for a welder who will take it on. And who gives me confidence. The repair must be strong, the tab must be in the right place and aligned correctly, and damage to the paint must be minimised. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Of course, it would be nice if I could glue that tab back on. We are told the aeroplane wings are glued on . . .
That's true enough... most of 'em won't. Be wary of one who says "yeah, no problem."Certain I heard, long ago in the dim and distant past, that most welders just won't go near a petrol tank.
That's true enough... most of 'em won't. Be wary of one who says "yeah, no problem."
They are a problem. People have been maimed and killed by welding on fuel tanks improperly.
If you welder doesn't immediately become wary of the job, go look for another...
Well, in fact Rob was the first port of call, 'Hi Rob, need the services of the best welder in the Scottish Borders.'PS after Neil, next port of call will be Rob in Galashiels - he's the man who invisibly mended a cylinder fin on the XS650 block. Intelligent guy who certainly knows a lot about different welding techniques.
Raymond, it's almost a given that's a "vibration" break. After you get it repaired, I'd strongly suggest you replace the damper rubbers at the front and back tank mounts.... lest it breaks again. I believe Sumo Rubber carries 'em... and they're just up the road from you.
That is interesting. Wonder if Mike and Jerry Heiden buy their tanks from the same source?Not the first time i have seen and heard of the rear mount/bracket of the mikes XS tank breaking off. Friend of mines did the same thing. When comparing an originl to the aftermarket tank the difference in the thickness of the bracket is obvious.