Damaged Tank Project

[Patmicg]

So i thought about it and I really really want a large capacity tank on my Nightster. I've decided to buy a 5+ gallon tank for a non-EFI bike and then chop out the bottom of one side and take the bottom from a EFI tank and weld it to the bottom of the large tank. And im going to do the same thing on the other side of the tank for the special fuel line hook up.

So 2 things:

1- does anyone here have a damaged tank they are trying to part with? I'm trying to make this a relatively cheap project but i have a feeling the welding may be pricey.

2- Does anyone see any problems with this plan. I think as long as the welder is good then there shouldn't be a problem with leaking and im planning on buying a fatster tank made for a carbed bike so im pretty sure the mounting wont be an issue.

Thanks in advance for any input or advice!

[MonkeyMouse]

Rather then ruining a perfectly fine EFI tank why not use and external fuel pump? Or I think its Roland sands possibly who makes an aftermarket in tank fuel pump.

[Patmicg]

RSD is notorious for being way over priced, and i dont wanna invest that kind of money for something im not 100% sure will work. So im looking for a old and damaaged tank to get from someone and then yes i will be ruining a good tank but it will be a cheap fatster after market tank which is much cheaper then a HD tank

[MonkeyMouse]

Yeah I forget who exactly made the one but it was around $400 which I agree is wicked expensive. I honestly think that going with an inline fuel pump would be your best bet for an aftermarket tank. How ever I don't see why your idea wouldn't work just fine.

[Tin Man 2]

There are now after market tanks available for FI bikes.

[Bob F]

Wouldn't just adding a tank from a custom be the easiest in the long run?

[Rebel Jon]

Wouldn't just adding a tank from a custom be the easiest in the long run?

+1...Try to find a 4.5 gal off a Custom and bolt it right in and hook up the fuel lines. Then all you need to worry about is painting it to match.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-DAVIDSON-2007-Sportster-4-5-Gallon-Gas-Tank-f-i_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem20af4e8f19QQitemZ1403 80114713QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Sportster-883-Custom-Gas-Tank-Silver-NO-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem56393fad24QQite mZ370327661860QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessori es

[hedcase1200]

I was originally going down a similar road with my N, but wanted a ~3 gal tank in a different shape than stock that I could do a custom paint job on without ruining the stock tank. I was going to get an older carbed tank in the style that I liked, and then cut/weld the EFI mounting plate to the new tank. I ended up getting a great deal on another used Nightster tank, so I took the easy route.

I'd say that if you are up for it, you should NOT take the easy route and try to adapt the tank you want. I bet it's not as hard as it sounds, and in the end you'd be stoked on a surely unique solution. The easy solution usually sucks in the end anyway. That being said, I'd get on eBay and start looking for lightly damaged tanks. I got a steal on mine, and since I was painting it anyway, I had a bodyman pull the dent outta it and prime it up at little cost. Good luck, and keep us posted as I'd love to see what a 5 gal tank looks like on a sporty.

[jesse85]

There are now after market tanks available for FI bikes.

Who makes them???? A link would be great..

[Patmicg]

I already have a 3.3gal tank and a 4.5 gal tank im looking for a custom style tank thats real unique. Or something that will make it look like a fat bob. I wish they made dove tail fenders that had the ECM cut out

[JimGnitecki]

Your SEAT's front end will no longer fit. How do you address that, since neither a 3.3. nor 4.5 gallon stock seat will then fit?

Jim G