Alum. or steel gas tank and fenders.

[kato_cowboy]

Just wondering peoples opinion on building a gas tank using steel versus aluminum.

Also what mixture or what ever. I went to a supplier that supposidly deals with a lot of sheet metal, and said "Hey I need some 18 gauge sheet metal to build a gas tank and fenders out of."

He says, " Well you want aluminum or steel. and we've got 3003 and 50-- ", and stuff like that.

Wow definently not ready for those questions. I'm asuming those numbers are either alloy mixtures or something along those lines. And when I asked the guy which should work well for building tanks and fenders he looked at me like I just asked him to explain in detail the Therory of a Black Hole.

So If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear.

Aaron

[Gonejunking]

Hi Aaron
3003 & 50xx are aluminum aloys, both weldable.

ask for 16 gauge CRS (cold rolled steel)

[Ernie Ferrucci]

Hi Aaron

Stick with steel, especially for the tank. Some of the well known tank buiders have dropped aluminum for tanks due to cracking problems. That's not to say it's not possible but the steel can take the vibrations on a motorcycle much better. A lot of people use 18 gauge for the top where most of the shape usually is and 16 guage for the bottom for added strength and stronger mounting. I don't know what your plan is but I hope this helps.

Ernie Ferrucci

[Dutch Comstock]

Hi Aaron, As you are first time builder I would also stay away from aluminum. I would make the first one from 18 gauge for the tank and definately go 16 gauge for the base of the tank. After you get experience in tank making you can then make the upper part of the tank out of 16 gauge steel but its thickness will over come you on your first tank experience.For aluminum tanks you will first have to get very good at welding and desiging the tank so that it wont crack.Also as first time tank maker Ron Covells 2 videos on tank building will be a great investment. Dutch