Oil Tank Covers
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
The oil tank acts as sort of an oil cooler on Softails. I wouldn't want anything trapping extra heat in there.
That said, I wish somebody would make high temp decals that would stick and look good on an oil tank. Something like the crossbones oil tank (although the X-bones might be painted on). I bought one of those oil tank "trademark" decals and it only lasted a couple of days and left a smudge on the tank.
That said, I wish somebody would make high temp decals that would stick and look good on an oil tank. Something like the crossbones oil tank (although the X-bones might be painted on). I bought one of those oil tank "trademark" decals and it only lasted a couple of days and left a smudge on the tank.
I used the decal installation kits from some decal company, there is a cleaning solution and application solution + squegee that will make sure there is no trapped air.
Looks good after 5 months and 6K so far.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 92
From:
Any good Vinyl decals should work fine, the trick is put them properly when the tank is cold and let them dry up for a couple hours.
I used the decal installation kits from some decal company, there is a cleaning solution and application solution + squegee that will make sure there is no trapped air.
Looks good after 5 months and 6K so far.
I used the decal installation kits from some decal company, there is a cleaning solution and application solution + squegee that will make sure there is no trapped air.
Looks good after 5 months and 6K so far.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
I am having a local Indie shop remove the oil tank, clean it up, have it powder coated gloss black, and re-install it for $374. Too much?
I am having mini apes (chimps) installed at the same time.
Danny D
I am having mini apes (chimps) installed at the same time.
Danny D
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 2
From: Central IL.
Yep. There are two bolts and a hose clamp that have to be removed from behind the splash pan. I pull my wheels off all of the time....throw her on a jack and pull them off!
Goos Luck!
Goos Luck!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
Don't be afraid to jump in there and get your hands dirty.
When you are all done you will have the satisfaction of knowing it was done right and done by you.
It's not rocket science. Just turn some wrenches and git-er-done.
The more you know about your bike the more confident you will be in it.
JMHO
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Marysville, OH
Why pull the rear wheel? I just changed the oil tank from chrome to wrinkle black on my 2005 Fatboy (yes, I need to update my sig), and I did not pull the rear wheel. I just put the bike on my J&S jack and took off the seat and splash shield. You can then easily get to the four bolts you need to remove on the backside of the tank.
Yes, the whole process is a little tedious (and messy). Put a towel in between the tank and the seat post for when you wiggle it out and back in (help save you from scratching the tank). You'll be squishing the tank back towards the thick wiring harness to get it out and then back into place.
Yes, the whole process is a little tedious (and messy). Put a towel in between the tank and the seat post for when you wiggle it out and back in (help save you from scratching the tank). You'll be squishing the tank back towards the thick wiring harness to get it out and then back into place.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Why pull the rear wheel? I just changed the oil tank from chrome to wrinkle black on my 2005 Fatboy (yes, I need to update my sig), and I did not pull the rear wheel. I just put the bike on my J&S jack and took off the seat and splash shield. You can then easily get to the four bolts you need to remove on the backside of the tank.
Yes, the whole process is a little tedious (and messy). Put a towel in between the tank and the seat post for when you wiggle it out and back in (help save you from scratching the tank). You'll be squishing the tank back towards the thick wiring harness to get it out and then back into place.
Yes, the whole process is a little tedious (and messy). Put a towel in between the tank and the seat post for when you wiggle it out and back in (help save you from scratching the tank). You'll be squishing the tank back towards the thick wiring harness to get it out and then back into place.
...
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 347
Likes: 2
Rear tire doesnt have to come off to do the job. I did mine with the rear tire still on and the bike on the jack. I forget if I used a ratcheting box wrench or my swivel head curved ratchet. That was definately my least favorite job on the bike to date though
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