Looking for advice

[BrightonGoose]

Hi guys and gals.

Been lurking here a while and always learning something different every time I browse. Im kinda new to bikes but determined to learn the ins and outs of them although I seem to be plagued by bad luck!

Anyway looking for advice, my beloved gs got blown over in windy weather when chained up in front of the house. Clipped the fuel tank in the corner of a low wall and there's a pretty sizeable dent in it. Does anyone have any experience with dent removal or any tips for me?
I'll try attach a picture at some point for further clarification. I have a feeling that a new fuel tank may be needed in the future but anything I can do in the mean time would be ideal.

Thanks!

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[twocool]

Search "painless dent removal motorcycle tank"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOb_CkdZgHc

Stuff like the above...these guys are around and can do some amazing things.  I used to work for a car dealer and the guy would come in once a week and fix up cars in the lot...fascinated me how they did it...never tried myself..

Cookie

Hi guys and gals.

Been lurking here a while and always learning something different every time I browse. Im kinda new to bikes but determined to learn the ins and outs of them although I seem to be plagued by bad luck!

Anyway looking for advice, my beloved gs got blown over in windy weather when chained up in front of the house. Clipped the fuel tank in the corner of a low wall and there's a pretty sizeable dent in it. Does anyone have any experience with dent removal or any tips for me?
I'll try attach a picture at some point for further clarification. I have a feeling that a new fuel tank may be needed in the future but anything I can do in the mean time would be ideal.

Thanks!

Sent from my SGP611 using Tapatalk

[ajensen]

Welcome to the group. In the few months I have been a member, I have learned all sorts of interesting and valuable things. As for dents, so much depends on if the dent in the tank is creased.

[BrightonGoose]

Thanks Twocool, I've made a few phone calls and asked around. 1 guy has come back to me saying he reckons its not repairable, another just quoted me 500+VAT so its looking like a secondhand tank will be the best option...

Am I right in saying the fuel tanks haven't changed much in shape/fitting over the years? My GS is an 05 reg however a tank from other years should suffice no?

[mr72]

'01+ tanks are all the same AFAIK. 2000 and earlier are the old style which won't work with your seat. Good news though since '01+ tanks are far more abundant and cheaper IME (that's what I have on my '92). Way easier to replace the tank than to try and fix the dent, and around here you can get a tank for $100 if you are patient and don't care about color.

Without seeing it, it's hard to say whether it can be fixed easily. Those hot-glue type dent pullers can work pretty well to get the bulk of the dent out. But to PDR it the rest of the way would require access from the back, so depending on where the dent is, this may be impossible. Getting a tool from the fuel filler all the way down into the tank where the dent is may be quite tough.

[Gcook57]

Like someone said in the previous post it depends on how big the den is and if it's creased or not if it's creased you need a new tank or have it repainted even if there is dense in it and they pull it out it will never look like it did from the factory if it's worth it and you have the money and your bike is Worthy just go on eBay you'll find a tank for probably 150 to $200 which is probably the cost to fix and paint it anyway

[BrightonGoose]

Thanks guys i'll keep my eyes peeled. Most of them aren't too bad in price and I don't mind getting the paint done separately.
Here's a pic of the damage for clarity... I didn't think it was too extreme but the reactions are... different.

http://imgur.com/a/81fOw

There's a bunch of stuff I need to sort, like the locks for example. All different keys, ignition key bent and the seat lock is busted.
It needs a fair bit of love but I knew this when getting the bike, just didn't think i'd have to fork out for a fuel tank 

[mr72]

I'd replace that. It's going to be impossible to pull that dent out and make it look right. I mean, if it was a vintage bike you'd cut the tank apart at the pinch weld and hammer and dolly it, weld it back, re-seal and re-paint, but if you can get a replacement, that's way easier.

[BrightonGoose]

Yeh fair enough, at the moment I can't see any tanks within my price range.

Think I'm gonna try get the bulk of it out with one of those hot glue sets and a guy who lives near me says he can fill and fibreglass out the little ones. And as a bonus he does that hydro-dipping stuff which I might consider down the line.

Thanks anyway guys!

[ajensen]

I actually did the hot glue and Bondo thing with an SR500 tank--worked out well.

[BrightonGoose]

The kit should be with me by the end of the week, i'll be sure to post progress pics whether it be good progress or a total disaster!

Think come winter-time i'm gonna dismantle the bike and get the frame and what-not done properly.

[ShowBizWolf]

Good luck BrightonGoose! I'm always interested in seeing progress pics