Need Help Identifying This Tank

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 4, 2012 | 10:25 AM

Can't Wait 2 Ride

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 27

Likes: 0

From: GA

Need Help Identifying This Tank

This tank came off of my 1981 Ironhead. It may be original - maybe not. The bike has been sitting for quite awhile and I believe the tank may be beyond restoration. Can anyone identify this and if so, point me in the direction for another tank. I have some ideas ..... just want to know what you guys think.

Jul 5, 2012 | 09:17 AM

Ironhead Dave

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 72

Likes: 0

From: Paris, KY

It looks like an aftermarket Fat Bob tank that was made for sportsters. It is hard to tell from the pics on the size. They are usually about 3.5 gallons and were made to bolt onto a Sporty to give it the big tank look without any modification to the frame. Most of the aftermarket places, J&P, V-Twin, or your local indie should have them.

Jul 5, 2012 | 05:25 PM

shepdog

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 400

Likes: 1

From: se ohio

igot what looks like the same tank on my L84, mine only holds a little over 2 gallons for sure a fat bob they come in several sizes

Aug 2, 2012 | 11:42 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

I'm guessing a bit here, but a pal of mine had an XLS Roadster which had a similar looking tank as stock. It's a long time ago, but it was also two-tone. Ask google!

Aug 11, 2012 | 08:40 PM

Can't Wait 2 Ride

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 27

Likes: 0

From: GA

Thanks guys - I was actually able to salvage the tank. Took it to a radiator shop and had it dipped and re-sealed with Red Kote. Should be ready this week. It will need new paint and now I'm researching what were the available tank decals in 1981.

Aug 11, 2012 | 09:34 PM

IronMick

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,179

Likes: 118

From: London, ON Canada

Get the parts catalog for 79 to 85. It is part number 99451-85A. Any HD dealer, indie bike shop, J&P Cycles, etc. It has diagrams of the decals with part numbers.

Then search eBay, Google, Rick Simpson, etc for the part numbers. Rick's e-mail is rdns@genesco.net He has many NOS OEM decals. He will e-mail you his catalog.