RAYWOOD TANK MOD

[05chop]

RAY You talked about a tank mod that you where going to do this winter.How much more fuel are you going to have?Would like to see a pic when done! 05chop

 

[Raywood]

Yep, I'm tired of running low on gas with all the long distance runs I do out here. I want to retain the stock tank mounts. With a new tank I would most likely have to cut them off and re-weld on the frame.

So I figure that if I cut the tunnel out of the tank to be welded back in later I won't have to touch the frame.
With the tank I want to cut the gas cap bung out. Then cut the tank down the middle. Then if you can imagine, I want to spread the front of the tank out about 2 inches only in the front, this will give it a better look with the wideglide front end. Then roll the whole top out about an inch on each half. This will give me the angled sides like the newer tanks have. Then get a piece of 14ga sheet and fill in the opening. A hole will be cut out for my new gas cap I got from Covingtons and placed higher on the tank to take advantage of all it volume.
Figure it will give me at least another gallon. That's a big difference with my little 3.4 gl tank!!
My brother will weld it all up for me. He did a lot of sheet metal work on his BBC. Will probably have a radiator shop dip it in nickel to seal the inside. That was what the Independent Tanks shop said they do to theres. I guess it cost a bit though.

Will post pics as we go along.

Thanks,
Ray

 

[Gas Man]

Who's doing the work Ray?

 

[Raywood]

Who's doing the work Ray?

My brother will weld it all up for me. He did a lot of sheet metal work on his BBC.

My brother is a welder by trade with the Boiler Makers Union. He mostly works on steam generators welding in all the tubes.

Later,
Ray

 

[skully]

Ray, have you thought of using a K9 tank, on the chopper. streach it, plus have a little differant style at the same time. i have all ways wondered how close they would be to fitting.
Dave

 

[Gas Man]

Ray, Eric at Choppin Steal has done a few tanks too. Just food for thought.

 

[Raywood]

Ray, have you thought of using a K9 tank, on the chopper. streach it, plus have a little differant style at the same time. i have all ways wondered how close they would be to fitting.
Dave

Yeah I have. Haven't gotten around to asking BDM if the tank will fit the frame mounts. Probably not though cause don't you guys have a three point mount vice four? I ordered another tank from Coast Choppers in San Diego when I was there but they wanted $370 for a raw production tank.
Altering mine is free.

Gas, thanks for the hint but again doing mine is cheaper.

 

[FatDog]

That's sounds really cool Ray, cannot wait to see the finished product.

We will definately need some progession pics as the work goes along.

 

[Reaper]

Ray,
I think you will be real happy. My tank is custom as you have seen in the pics I have posted in the past. I guess it will be me, and you with Bigdog bikes with the custom tanks.:2thumbs:

 

[Gas Man]

Ray, I meant sending it out... but I think I have saw pics of your brother and his welding. I'm sure you two can do a good job.

 

[LDO]

Yeah Jerry can/will do a fantastic job but you'd better have a few days to kill if you come to see him Ray!

Remember that 'one-hour' visit that brought us home after dark?

 

[KnotSo]

When will this project commence Ray?

 

[P8RIOT]

When will this project commence Ray?

He's been COMMENCED on it for well over a year now - unless you mean when will he really cut metal. :roll:

 

[Gas Man]

I'm betting Ray won't do it right now... they're under water and water/electricity don't mix.... :lol:

 

[KnotSo]

NW BDM owners all live in the high ground. We are all high and dry.

 

[Rick]

Don't mean to hyjack a thread but has anyone looked at the bottom of the gas tank on the '08's? They have them all covered on the bottom. Salesman couldnt tell me why adn I couldnt take the k-9 I was looking at apart but strange why they boxed them all in this year. Any one seen this or have any info as to why BDM would box the bottom of the tanks all in???

 

[GymRat]

Nice custom tank Reaper, did you have it made special. I've been wanting to change mine almost from day 1. Any information you can give me would be appreciated.

 

[PROFLYER]

Gymrat, where are you at in CO? PM me if you're up north like me....

 

[Raywood]

Hey guys, would appreciate if you would let me know if you see an old Chopper/Ridgeback/Coyote/Mutt tank laying around unused at your local shop or dealer. Can be all wrecked/beat-up. I just need it to cut a section out of it to finally get my tank mod done. Been talking about it for 2 yrs now so may as well get started.

If you happen to see or know of a wrecked bike or just a plain tank that is no longer needed please let me know.

Chopper tank only. K-9 and other tanks won't work.

Getting fed up with running out of gas. I think it was only 11 times this year!!!!

 

[Artie]

Ray, you don't carry a flask with you? Maybe a camelback will do the trick! Great idea, I've run out twice in 3 months!!! Thinking about storing extra fuel in the frame!!! Hmmmmm!