2nd Gen SV Tank

[jasnmar]

Buy a back-up. Set it on the shelf.

Crash this one until it leaks.

[isaac_]

I'm certainly not going to sit out the Classic on account of this tank, but I do worry a bit about what will happen if I go down right on the "point" that has formed between the two dents. So I'd like to replace it or fix it.

You come over to me and say, "Isaac, watchaya want fer that there spare you've got in yer trlr" Although less hillbilly-ie. And you're on your way.

[Petorius]

You come over to me and say, "Isaac, watchaya want fer that there spare you've got in yer trlr" Although less hillbilly-ie. And you're on your way.

Haha, thanks. I will keep that in mind.

Good or bad idea to try to use a pound of filler in the bigger of the 2 dents, just to get it somewhat presentable? I only have limited experience with filler, never for anything anywhere near this depth.

[jasnmar]

To what end?

It's going to take a few applications, considering the depth.
It's not going to make it crash any better next time.

Body filler isn't really made to fill something like that... It's made to smooth out small imperfections. This is more than a small imperfection.

If you were to pound the dent out and then there were some places that needed a few 16th" to look nice, then yeah, but just filling the dent with filler isn't advisable. In a "mass" like that it's likely to expand / contract different than the tank, and will probably crack and fall out anyway, looking even more crappy.

[nhbubba]

I wonder if it is worth trying to pry some of those out with a pry bar passed through the tank opening.

[jasnmar]

Possible. Some of the creases are fairly sharp. The problem with trying to remove the dent is that you *may* tear the metal where it has already been cold worked.

The sharper the crease the higher the risk. Heat can help reduce the risk of tearing, but now you're trying to work a hot tank, which adds other types of difficulty :-).

[Petorius]

The sharper the crease the higher the risk. Heat can help reduce the risk of tearing, but now you're trying to work a hot tank, which adds other types of difficulty :-).

Hmmm, that gives me an idea. What if I drain the tank, then drop a match in? That should pop it right out, no?

[jasnmar]

Just be sure and set up a camera first.

I *think* carsick has a fire extinguisher handy.

[Sheppo]

but I do worry a bit about what will happen if I go down right on the "point" that has formed between the two dents. So I'd like to replace it or fix it.

Dent it more with a hammer

[Sheppo]

I wonder if it is worth trying to pry some of those out with a pry bar passed through the tank opening.

From prior experience.. it wont be easy. A MC tank is THICK for the reason shown in the photos. You'll have to go in through the bottom ( Fuel pump area ) and use a dull piece of hardwood and a BFH.... Or the same process from the top if you can get to the dents easy. OR go to a bodyshop and have them zap on some of those spines you can attach a slidehammer to. It wont be pretty, just less dented.

[Petorius]

Maybe I should ask this guy for some tips:

1985 HONDA VF1100 V65 SABRE / CAFE RACER

[nhbubba]

Hmmm, that gives me an idea. What if I drain the tank, then drop a match in? That should pop it right out, no?

Dial 9-1.. hover your finger over the 1 key.. then do it.