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....

I say chrome it or strip it and polish it, give it a cafe look 

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 

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...

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  

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...



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

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...



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

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....