1968 tanks

Tom, I assume that you are referring to wanting a fastback tank (rather than looking to replace it with a roadster etc tank)? You may be either looking for a s/h tank (beware fibreglass in the presence of ethanol in fuel), putting your name down for one from one of the usual suppliers (when they are available) or buying from one of the suppliers from India (I suggest reading the many threads on that subject..!). There is info on the experiences of procuring fastback tanks on the US Norton forums. At least one thread identifies some positive experience and provides supplier names. There appears to be a suggestion that the ones on ebay maybe 'seconds' from the major supplier(s).I am considering conversion to a fastback style for my own Commando and would be interested to hear how you get on.

I have an early Commando with the recessed circular badge pressings and mine is in fibreglass also, I managed to scource a used early steel tank I believe it's called longrange, maybe roadster, but I would like a fastback steel indented tank also, they do seem to be available from India, dunno if anyone has fitted one but I too would be interested in any results, kind regards

All genuine Fastback tanks were fibreglass, the early ones had the circular dimple for the badge. (3 gallons) The Long Range tank was basically a Dominator tank with a base to suit the Commando frame. capacity is 4 gallons. They take some careful fitting to avoid rubbing against the frame and making lots of noise. Also the seat has to have no "ears" to allow it to fit properly. Occasionally these tanks crop up with a cutout in them for police radios

Hi Tom, Due to ethanol and fibreglass congealing in my 1968 Commando carbs, I went through the process of buying a steel tank via e bay from India about 18 months ago. My tale follows;

Overall costs were deemed important therefore a uk supplier was ruled out.

There were no obvious pointers as to the best supplier so I went with gut instinct anticipating to have to undertake some rectification or fettling.

Tank sourced on e bay ordered and paid by paypal, 6 weeks later it arrived packed in an ok but not especially protective manner. To my amazement there was no damage or dents, however to remove internal rust I had to scour the inside of the tank using small screws and rotating the tank inside a cement mixer (protectively wrapped in blankets). The tank was then leak tested and welded at four small points prior to being protectively lined internally. The tank was then painted and fitted with minor fettling and adjustment to seat ears to get the line right. The supplied monza cap was poor, always leaked and was removed. Another was sourced and fitted with much buggeration. Tank now fits, works and for an oily rag bike that spends time on circuits and roads is a completely acceptable replacement.

I am on holiday and away from my photos, on my return to UK in a week or so I will post a couple of shots. I will also be able to work out what the overall costs were in comparison to a UK supplier.

Rgds

Bob

Hi Tom

In the seventies and eighties some of the Rickman frame kits for the Japanese four pot motors used a slab sided steel tank under a glass fibre shell, a similar result could be achieved by gutting you old disintegrating glass tank and turning it into a shell, to cover a basic steel (or even stainless) tank that any sheet metal company worth their salt could fabricate for you. Obviously you would lose some capacity, however it could spare us from another Indian tank groan ;0).

Regards

Katherine Scott