gabe
Active Member
So on my bulldog I know the front tank mount is a bit different than the chopper don't know about the other models. So the front mount I noticed shortly after I got it was broken. It is just a vertical tab coming straight down from the frame with a hole in it guessing it's 1/4" thick, but basically just plate with a hole in it. Then there's a "u" shaped bracket that connects the tank to the tab.
Anyway this tab I tried to just tack it together as best I could without tearing the bike all apart, and it broke again shortly after, but in the off season when I had my tank off doing some work on rocker box gaskets, lifters, etc. I rewelded it end to end but added another piece of 1/4" plate cut to the same size as the tab overall and welded all around both pieces, so 2 pieces of 1/4" plate back to back now a 1/2" piece. basically welded all around all edges (I did not weld to the frame itself). Anyway this held for a bit but then noticed the tank is bouncing, turns out the new piece of plate broke clean in half not my welds around it and at the point where the old plate has broken as well.
Here's my idea tell me what you think and offer alternative solutions. My idea lower half of tab that is broken off gets removed. Upper section gets holes drilled (probably 2 side by side) and use 1 or two pieces of stiff thick rubber think exhaust hanger and attach to remaining section of upper tab and to u bracket. I'm thinking a little flex against the constant vibration might be what it needs not making more stiff. .... I don't know what do you guys think?
Anyway this tab I tried to just tack it together as best I could without tearing the bike all apart, and it broke again shortly after, but in the off season when I had my tank off doing some work on rocker box gaskets, lifters, etc. I rewelded it end to end but added another piece of 1/4" plate cut to the same size as the tab overall and welded all around both pieces, so 2 pieces of 1/4" plate back to back now a 1/2" piece. basically welded all around all edges (I did not weld to the frame itself). Anyway this held for a bit but then noticed the tank is bouncing, turns out the new piece of plate broke clean in half not my welds around it and at the point where the old plate has broken as well.
Here's my idea tell me what you think and offer alternative solutions. My idea lower half of tab that is broken off gets removed. Upper section gets holes drilled (probably 2 side by side) and use 1 or two pieces of stiff thick rubber think exhaust hanger and attach to remaining section of upper tab and to u bracket. I'm thinking a little flex against the constant vibration might be what it needs not making more stiff. .... I don't know what do you guys think?
worth.
