Custom builders...a little help.

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Custom builders...a little help.

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Custom builders...a little help. - 4/23/2008 8:34:37 PM

LoneRyder

Posts: 367
Joined: 6/13/2007
From: Fughettaboutit, NY
Status: offline

Trying to do a raw metal tank. I ordered a tank from JP cycles, un-finished of course. The tank was welded down the middle which the mfr did a quick 1 pass grind job on. How do I go about smoothing these weld spots? Grinding one tank I smoothed out the weld only to reveal a nice crack in the tank. I know when you paint you use bondo to smooth it out but what about a raw metal finish? Dont worry about smoothing the welds or what? What do you think? Thanks in advance.

< Message edited by LoneRyder -- 4/23/2008 8:40:31 PM >

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RE: Custom builders...a little help. - 4/24/2008 9:26:52 AM

megawatt

Posts: 297
Joined: 12/7/2007
Status: offline

If you are going with a raw metal finish, I don't see how you can avoid repairing/building up the defective areas with weldment.
The definition of "raw metal finish" to me is uncoated metal. Is that what you intend to do or are you putting a clear coat on it?

(in reply to LoneRyder)

Post #: 2

RE: Custom builders...a little help. - 4/24/2008 11:22:00 AM

steveh326

Posts: 391
Joined: 12/15/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: LoneRyder

Trying to do a raw metal tank. I ordered a tank from JP cycles, un-finished of course. The tank was welded down the middle which the mfr did a quick 1 pass grind job on. How do I go about smoothing these weld spots? Grinding one tank I smoothed out the weld only to reveal a nice crack in the tank. I know when you paint you use bondo to smooth it out but what about a raw metal finish? Dont worry about smoothing the welds or what? What do you think? Thanks in advance.

I used a raw metal tank on a bike recently. Not sure if this is the right way or not, but its how we did it... We had to weld a couple spots so there was enough material to grind back down and smooth out. Had the tank pressure tested (it passed), and then finished smoothing with a little bondo before priming and painting.

(in reply to LoneRyder)

Post #: 3

RE: Custom builders...a little help. - 4/24/2008 11:48:03 AM

LoneRyder

Posts: 367
Joined: 6/13/2007
From: Fughettaboutit, NY
Status: offline

Its going to be a half paint, half bare metal finish with a clear coat yes. I am doing a copper treatment for the graphics with the background of bare metal showing through. Then I will be clearing over that. I am thinking that I will smooth the welds a touch and leave them. Supposed to be raw right? It's either that or I start learning to weld.

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RE: Custom builders...a little help. - 4/24/2008 2:06:56 PM

megawatt

Posts: 297
Joined: 12/7/2007
Status: offline

Sounds slick. Hope it works out for ya.
I hope ya learn to weld no matter what, it's a handy thing to know.

(in reply to LoneRyder)

Post #: 5