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3 1/2 g Fat Bob tanks / OEM NOS ?

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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 08:22 AM
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Default 3 1/2 g Fat Bob tanks / OEM NOS ?

Hi every one,
just wanted to ask y'all a Question, these Tanks are on ebay right now there listed as OEM NOS . . . what do you all think, are these OEM NOS ? or do you think just a good re-paint, they don't seam to have any stickers or markings from the factory !?!? and they are not original packing , there asking 1600 $ hmmmm


if the are OEM NOS looks like from 1983 . . .


right side inlet looks OEM ( NO Filler neck insert)


too bad they don't have a better photo so that you could see the inside sealer condition . . .


looks a little suspicious with out any stickers or factory markings . . .re-paint ?
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 09:00 AM
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Can't help you verify, but I'd think for $1600 the seller would send you as many good pictures as you asked.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by joe12rk
can't help you verify, but i'd think for $1600 the seller would send you as many good pictures as you asked.
$1600??? Wow!!!
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 10:14 AM
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I do not think these are OEM gas tanks. OEM tanks use a 5/16" bolt at the top and bottom to secure the tanks to the frame. The mounting holes in those tanks look like they are either 3/8" or even 1/2" in size. V-Twin sells replica tanks that have the larger hole size.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by AJSHOVEL
$1600??? Wow!!!
thats what i thought ! & no oem packaging ! hmmmm . . . .
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by panz4ever
I do not think these are OEM gas tanks. OEM tanks use a 5/16" bolt at the top and bottom to secure the tanks to the frame. The mounting holes in those tanks look like they are either 3/8" or even 1/2" in size. V-Twin sells replica tanks that have the larger hole size.
thanks for your observation , looking closer at the filler inlet, don't the OEM tanks have bare metal around the filler to prevent gas fumes from bubbling under the paint ? theses seam to be painted all the way to the edge of the opening . . .
 
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by troy montoya
thanks for your observation , looking closer at the filler inlet, don't the OEM tanks have bare metal around the filler to prevent gas fumes from bubbling under the paint ? theses seam to be painted all the way to the edge of the opening . . .
The OEM tanks on my 84 FLH have the paint right to the edge (almost like those in your pics); the OEM tank on my 78-1/2 FXE does not and is bare metal around the top edge.

The other issue that I see with the larger holes comes with mounting them. Looks like the lower tab will rest on the front cylinder head. You can push them all the up and tighten them, but eventually, gravity, time and vibration will shift them down.
 

Last edited by panz4ever; Oct 29, 2021 at 10:41 AM.
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 11:10 AM
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all right heres a partial answer to my question . . .


on the left , whats being offered on e bay, in the middle ,my 1984 oem tanks, on the right my 1983 oem tanks on my FXDG . . .you'd think for 1600$ they could use a digital camera , so you could make it easier to decide weather to buy or not when you can clearly see the items for sale ! thanks for your input , but i think i gonna pass on these. . .
 

Last edited by troy montoya; Oct 29, 2021 at 01:59 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 01:38 PM
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my shovelhead had only 3900miles on it when i bought it in 2017....when i replaced the top engine bracket cause it cracked in three pieces....the tank still had

the chalk marks on the underside (factory QC checks?)
 

Last edited by old mago; Oct 29, 2021 at 01:42 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2021 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by panz4ever
The OEM tanks on my 84 FLH have the paint right to the edge (almost like those in your pics); the OEM tank on my 78-1/2 FXE does not and is bare metal around the top edge.

The other issue that I see with the larger holes comes with mounting them. Looks like the lower tab will rest on the front cylinder head. You can push them all the up and tighten them, but eventually, gravity, time and vibration will shift them down.
I think your right about the holes, i would imagine the after market tanks use bigger holes to compensate for poor fitment issues . . .
 
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