So I'm at the point where I am thinking about what to do with the Purple gas tank...I was thinking of doing it a matching Anthracite whic is the same color as the various motor covers and wheels, figuring that color would keep the bikes overall color theme equalized and matching. However recalling my youth and the 125cc Hodaka Combat Wombat and its glorious Chrome Gas Tank, I'm thinking perhaps Chroming the GS's tank would be a nice Splash of bling (The only bling on the bike), though who knows...
So school me on why I should or shouldn't evn be considering this....Some pics for your decision making/comments on this....
(http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/46745/2257302240073478356S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/46157/2642246020073478356S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/44287/2905294200073478356S600x600Q85.jpg)
I say chrome it or strip it and polish it, give it a cafe look :thumb:
Quote from: centuryghost on October 12, 2010, 03:08:31 PM
I say chrome it or strip it and polish it, give it a cafe look :thumb:
The more I got to thinking about Chroming it, the more I started to like the idea thinking it would give it that Cafe look? There really aren't any dents in the tank at all, none that I'm aware of, there is 2 pencil tip sized chips in the paint on the side of the tank but I doubt it created a ding, who knows though? so I think it could be Chromed easily?
And for the record, I am not a fan of Chrome, I laugh at all the accessorized, chromed out pigs I see on the road that seem to be the chariot of choice for every RUB, but the more I think about Chroming it, the more I like the idea, Argh!#$%
Or I could just strip it and polish it and leave it a rough semi chromed finish? Good back up plan Centry, thanks.
Or just go with the overall plan and try to stay away from straying from my original vision, mind you most of that vision is just in my head and not a concrete plan....
Oh Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.....I wonder roughly how much to Chrome the tank?
Pick up another tank. Chrome the one that's in the best shape. Color match the other with the engine. Swap them back and forth depending on how you're feeling... :woohoo:
I know most of you on here don't like nor watch American Choppers but......They once did a bike with a chrome tank and I was like Nooooooooooo! But tell you what, with the right color scheme and accents it looked awsome!
One vote Yeh! er Yes Chrome!
There's a couple bad parts about chrome: first it's actually pretty heavy. Second, it's blinding to yourself and other drivers. Third, any exposed skin will be sun burnt after a long ride.
If there isnt any kind of body filler (Bondo) on the tank, you could get it powder coated in a "chrome" finish. It would be resistant to gas, scratches, and rust.
And for the record, i love new chrome. But it's a pita once it gets even a little old.
Is that a Yeh or a Nay?
Why do chrome? Everyone does that.
I say go for gold leaf with platinum accent stripes.
See I was afraid of that so I did not mention going to extremes. Why not go Brass or Copper? Still 1 vote Yeh!
Quote from: JB848 on October 12, 2010, 05:47:38 PM
Is that a Yeh or a Nay?
That's neither, just my opinions and a couple options.
The one thing that i would NOT do is strip the paint and try to polish the bare steel. Polish doesnt hold up that long and you cant get clearcoat to stick to bare steel either.
Big Rich, my Powder Coater, who did the Frame and other parts on this bike wouldn't Powder Coat the Gas Tank when I asked, saying he doesn't like the results of PC'ing Sheet metal products, especially Gas Tanks...He stated he hasn't been happy with the few ones he did and wouldn't recommended it to future customers, I was gonna have it PC'ed the same color as the Side Covers, Wheels, Valve Cover Ecetra..
I don't mind the actual pit falls of Chrome, just wondering if it would look cool or not, Hum :confused:
ADIDAS, Im pretty poor...
Nathan, see above....
Brass or Copper kinda, IMHO, would make people think I was purposely trying to go the Custom, CHopped HD's, dont wanna be lumped into that group, not with a Suzuki foundation at least...Its a different story on a period correct/current day RAT HD or Triumph Chop, not really appropriate here, IMHO.
Eastwood sells a product called Nylac, I've used it will great success on keeping polished Aluminum looking like the day it was polished, no yellowing, no cracking, no oxidation, no fading....Steel is just harder to polish and never, IMHO gets the right POP when done.
I know a guy that will be more than happy to PC a tank:
www.thepowderpro.com
What about stripping all the paint and using a gun bluing kit? Just like the stuff on rifle barrels.
Quote from: Big Rich on October 12, 2010, 06:14:37 PM
I know a guy that will be more than happy to PC a tank:
www.thepowderpro.com
What about stripping all the paint and using a gun bluing kit? Just like the stuff on rifle barrels.
I like the Blueing idea....
How good is your Guy for Powder Coating? I would have him do it Anthracite, same as the engine and assiociated other parts that are PC'd that color.
Hopefully this picture will help convince you that chroming the tank is probably the best decision you could ever make...
(http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2249_20100925061638_L.jpg)
A chrome tank isn't really the same thing as everything on a harley being chromed, I think it kinda fits the theme. I also vote for finding a newer style tank to chrome. It'll definitely flow a lot better with a newer style tank.
Well Fry there is always "Hot Pink" with a mohawk if you're undecided :cheers:
Quote from: tt_four on October 12, 2010, 06:20:13 PM
Hopefully this picture will help convince you that chroming the tank is probably the best decision you could ever make...
(http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2249_20100925061638_L.jpg)
A chrome tank isn't really the same thing as everything on a harley being chromed, I think it kinda fits the theme. I also vote for finding a newer style tank to chrome. It'll definitely flow a lot better with a newer style tank.
The shaped changed? This tank has no filler, and no dents so it will take a finish good. I'm not against the chrome, just trying to get opinions. Damn that Buell is sick...I ride/rode a XB94 for a couple summers, wasn't all that impressed, with most asspects of the bike, but boy does that look good.
See..what did I say! In the right colors it looks awesome! tt_four is counted as the second Yeh!
Wonder the price on Chroming the tank? Any rough estimates?
Quote from: Fry on October 12, 2010, 02:56:22 PM
125cc Hodaka Combat Wombat and its glorious Chrome Gas Tank
(http://i51.tinypic.com/256dzsz.jpg)
What a cool looking dirt bike!
That was my 1st 2 stroke, 12 years old...Almost bought one this year to restore, decided to spend time and money on the gS, but boy do I have memories with that bike....
er two legs and an arm?
Quote from: rock_rebel on October 12, 2010, 06:33:31 PM
Quote from: Fry on October 12, 2010, 02:56:22 PM
125cc Hodaka Combat Wombat and its glorious Chrome Gas Tank
(http://i51.tinypic.com/256dzsz.jpg)
What a cool looking dirt bike!
Now you're talking!
Quote from: Fry on October 12, 2010, 06:34:37 PM
That was my 1st 2 stroke, 12 years old...Almost bought one this year to restore, decided to spend time and money on the gS, but boy do I have memories with that bike....
Now that's just silly on a dirt bike come on! Notice the not hidden tie wraps....um..er not for show!
Quote from: JB848 on October 12, 2010, 06:36:01 PM
Quote from: Fry on October 12, 2010, 06:34:37 PM
That was my 1st 2 stroke, 12 years old...Almost bought one this year to restore, decided to spend time and money on the gS, but boy do I have memories with that bike....
Now that's just silly on a dirt bike come on!
Hush your mouth, that's full on glorious factory finished of 70's origins......I owned that model, I wont get into how many great memories I had on it.
[/quote]
Now that's just silly on a dirt bike come on! Notice the not hidden tie wraps....um..er not for show!
[/quote]
It would be silly without it!
Off topic, but a good friend of mine gas that tank on a hard tailed CB360 - totally fits it too. Has custom pinstripes around the gas cap and everything.
While i havent had anything powdered yet, Ive heard from a LOT of people that the guy does great work. Real nice guy, feel free to call / email him.
I just may...Or to stay true/loyal to the guy that did my recent stuff, I will talk to him again and get a more detailed opinion of why he won;t and see if he'll reconsider....If I go PC'd, it will be the same color as the Side covers, valve cover, starter cover, Triple clamps, handlebar mounts and wheels, Anthracite....
if you do go shiney, please for the love of god get the newer tank to make shiney
it will mate to the seat better
but this is just an opinion
Quote from: werase643 on October 12, 2010, 07:08:50 PM
if you do go shiney, please for the love of god get the newer tank to make shiney
it will mate to the tank better
but this is just an opinion
Can someone post a 95 tank next to a "Newer" style tank....I didn't know the changes styles and would like to see it.
Ok Chrome on a dirt bike? PLEEESE
I vote nay. Chrome works on that dirt bike because there are a lot of chromed accents to go with it. Chrome can look neat, but you need something to tie it in with the rest of the bike.
Course take this with a grain of salt - I really love subtlety in design, so no "pop" for me!
try.... www.gstwin.com
to see a pic of the 00-09 tank
Crap! 1 official Yeh! 1 non-official (Gallop Pole) Yeh. And one ney sayer anti chromatite.
Score:
1 Yeh
1 Nay
at first i was gonna say its easy to talk you out of a chrome tank. cause your not a hoodrat right? or a thug? but then i saw that buell, and it looks pretty freaking awesome. so if the rest of the bike is black, except a few accents, then its tight. but too much chrome makes you look like a drug dealer or pimp. at least to people who dont know what a GS is. :D
Quote from: gregvhen on October 12, 2010, 09:39:42 PM
at first i was gonna say its easy to talk you out of a chrome tank. cause your not a hoodrat right? or a thug? but then i saw that buell, and it looks pretty freaking awesome. so if the rest of the bike is black, except a few accents, then its tight. but too much chrome makes you look like a drug dealer or pimp. at least to people who dont know what a GS is. :D
Humm that's a "Gallop Poll" Yeh?
So if we do like the News Orgs
3 Yeh
1 Nay
MSNBC, CNN, CBS,ABC, BBC declares a winner.....Fox News waiting for the real results..tune in later!
anti chromatite.
God Damn thats some funny S right there, Krameresque
Well, though the tank will be later on the to do list I am glad I asked for advice, it certainly has given me a lot to think about. Hell, I didn't know the tank shape changed, though it doesn't appear to be significant?, I need a side by side to see it clearer.
Anyway, I am gonna get the lead out starting Friday night hoping to have the new clutch installed, side covers and gaskets installed, the motor buttoned up, lower fork legs painted, new races and steering stem bearings installed, TC installed, forks put on, touch up scratches on newly painted wheels, and get it into a roller form, hang the wiring harness carefully routing and hiding as much as possible (All of it) which will leave me 3 main things to take care of, Gas Tank, Wiring for LED Plate, Rear LED Directionals, and Rear Brake lights, and jetting the carbs....Hopefully I can get most of this done by Sunday.
Pics to follow.
Thanks again guys
Quote from: JB848 on October 12, 2010, 08:51:53 PM
Crap! 1 official Yeh! 1 non-official (Gallop Pole) Yeh. And one ney sayer anti chromatite.
Score:
1 Yeh
1 Nay
I guess you missed the first reply, or do I actually have to say "yeh" :flipoff:
Quote from: Fry on October 12, 2010, 06:24:08 PM
The shaped changed? Damn that Buell is sick...I ride/rode a XB94 for a couple summers, wasn't all that impressed, with most asspects of the bike, but boy does that look good.
The shape did change, they look pretty similar from the side, but from the back/top they're a lot more round, plus they made the top/front a lot wider. Here's two different pictures of the newer style tank...
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4177407057_d3d5594480_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/4572383785_c23c784333_z.jpg)
The buell is definitely an acquired taste. It has less power than you'd expect for a 984cc bike, but it puts out twice the power of the sportster the motor was pulled from, so Erik Buell definitely has some skill with the resources HD let him have. The bike is a ball to ride though if naked streetbikes are your style of riding. Does look sweet with the chrome tank though!
I think the chrome tank would look good if the headlight bucket and shock (is that possible?) matched to balance it out. Either way I'd be interested to see a chromed tank on a GS!
-K
Powdercoat the frame!
I'm old, but I don't even like the glare I occasionally get from the gauge trim rings. Can't imagine how much you'd get off an entire tank...
That buell has what I call "negative bike" going for it. Like if you took a pic, and the negative of the film is what a bike should look like, that = negative bike. In other words what you expect to be shiny chrome/other bright color is black and what you expect to be flat black is shiny.
Cool.
Buddha.
There's no way to know for sure, but I feel like the bright tank might not be too bad because it's out of your line of sight. Your helmet would probably block most of the glare. I'll have to pay attention next time I'm on the GS whether or not I can actually see the tank without intentionally looking down at it.
From what I gather, there're a lot of options with chrome beyond the simple shiny chrome. I'm not a gun person, but a car guy I used to hang out with was and he had all these fancy gun finishes on some of his parts, and they looked really awesome. Here are the few I could find:
http://mahovskysmetalife.com/Metalife%20Finish%20Page%202.htm (http://mahovskysmetalife.com/Metalife%20Finish%20Page%202.htm)
http://www.3me.us/finishes.htm (http://www.3me.us/finishes.htm)
You could have it blued ("gun metal") for a really unique look, or case hardened:
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn162/lethur/full-westerner.jpg)
Just some thoughts. You should maybe find a gun website and talk to those people. They know about every possible metal finish under the sun...even the most exotic is no more expensive than standard hard chrome.
You can also have it single plated. That is just a single layer of chrome. That will give it a brushed aluminum look to a decent shine based on how much its polished. That is opposed to the normal decorative chrome which is copper, nickel then chrome plated, or triple plated.
Where are you located? If in NJ I know some people.
Try this before chroming. I'm all for flat black. I like the nostalgic hot rod look. You can rattle can it to see what it looks like and if you like it you can do it professionally and even ad pinstriping.
If it not what you like you can go chrome.
www.alsacorp.com offers a ton of really interesting paints, including some faux chrome that is amazingly accurate.
i wonder if it could be aurora-cised
(http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/1063/img7627ip8.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z100/spike8808/PROTOMATRIX07OILSLICK-2.jpg)
(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss337/speedstar-racing808/F22_aurora3.jpg)
if you make your tank out of aluminum it could be done.....amazingly
OK we are now looking at guns??? Really weird?
3: Yeh
1: neh
Officially (all poles are subjuct to a + or -of 3%) GSTWIN.com does not officially endorse this pole and is not bound legally bit it parcipatants.
oh yeah! do something crazier than chrome, go for some exotic finish!
The finish on those guns looks kinda cheesy. I still vote for chrome.
Quote from: tt_four on October 16, 2010, 06:39:21 AM
The finish on those guns looks kinda cheesy.
i was thinking oily but i guess it could look like a weird cheese
a note on "gun blueing" .. even the best blueing jobs on barrels need constant care... eg oily rag ... otherwise the barrels will still rust.. the blueing is just there to cut down on shiny bright bits.. not as a surface protector .. so wanna be oiling your blued tank up all the time?....
another finish alternative is "parkerised"... kinda really fine stipple effect.. but again.. oil it up
oooh.. going back to the chromey/shiny kind of thing.. what about that metal polishing circle patterny style like you see on some fuel tanker trucks... you know... on the back end of the tanker trailer?
and.. those guns... air pistols... ummm... nah i wont go into my personal views on the style of owner vs the style of product
Your talking about a sort of diamond pattern or small circles ground in lightly, then each succesive row of circles overlaps the other by half and you continue that pattern.? I could do that....
As of right now Chrome is not an option, not due to like/dislike, but I just don't wanna pay...I will try polishing it myself, if I dont like the results, it will be getting painted Aranthacite like the powder coated bits.
Quote from: Fry on October 17, 2010, 05:18:39 AM
Your talking about a sort of diamond pattern or small circles ground in lightly, then each succesive row of circles overlaps the other by half and you continue that pattern.? I could do that....
As of right now Chrome is not an option, not due to like/dislike, but I just don't wanna pay...I will try polishing it myself, if I dont like the results, it will be getting painted Aranthacite like the powder coated bits.
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/killercans/kc/killerchrome.htm
Quote from: Fry on October 17, 2010, 05:18:39 AM
Your talking about a sort of diamond pattern or small circles ground in lightly, then each succesive row of circles overlaps the other by half and you continue that pattern.? I could do that....
yeah thats the one... :thumb:
only just noticed your avatar too... :icon_eek: hahahahah mad!!