tank dent repair

[mars_bd]

Well, I've finally done it: dropped my ride while pulling into my driveway (er, attempting to pull into my driveway).  One of my roommates parked in my usual spot, so I changed course to put it on the walk and discovered just how wide the Monster's turning radius is.  I slowed too much without righting the bike, found the handlebar's hard-stop and she collapsed on me.  The heavy load in my backpack didn't help matters and before I knew it, I was lying on the ground next to the bike.  I probably could have saved it by goosing the throttle a bit to compensate for the unexpected lean, however my n00bish reflexes didn't consider that option.  Of course, this could have been avoided entirely by charting a better course in the first place.  Turns out my Monster is not as nimble as the mountain bike and she is much, much heavier

Anyway, the armored leather jacket and newly-installed frame sliders did their jobs but I still wound up with a nice tank dent (badge of honor?) from one of the clip-ons; nothing severe but annoying nonetheless.  Is there a reputable shop in the Portland area that works on Ducati tanks?  Is it even worth the hassle/expense?

[ryandalling]

Keep the badge of honor... its cool that way.... but if you call up MotoCorsa.. they may have some places to recommend.

[NEIKOS]

If it's the left side it makes for a nice "placeholder" for the bar when you lock them 

[Tailgunner]

Such a bummer, sorry to hear this happened to ya. I tried to live with a tank dent but could not do it. I sent mine tank to Nate aka Duc Painter (from this board) at Frosty Finishes and he made it really nice, even better than new because he reinforces the hing and seals the inside to prevent rust. Nate has the most experience with it. Do a search for him and contact him for a bid/lead-time.

Welcome. Glad you are okay  -billy

[mars_bd]

Seems the damage was worse than I thought: she's leaking gas at the hinge.  I guess I just didn't notice it at first, but then I may have made things worse later on while tinkering with the airbox.  It didn't seem like the fall was hard enough to cause something like this, however the previous owner did have a couple of "low speed" crashes (i.e. dropped at a crosswalk) and had the tank repaired, so maybe this was an old would re-opened.  Regardless, I no longer have a choice but to fix/replace the tank. 

[SaltLick]

im in the same boat. I discovered that my tank has been previously dented and repaired. Take a look on Ebay, decent tanks go for around 300-400 bucks. To have one repaired and repainted is around $750 with shipping back and forth to ducpainter. Thats if its leaking gas. He does an awesome job ive heard, but for me i just cant afford that much. Im going to fix mine myself this winter....but i have access to someone that welds, and know people that can professionally paint my tank for free. If i didnt have that, i would buy one off ebay.

[MendoDave]

It's best to just get it welded or brazed, then pull out as much of the dent as you can, bondo, sand, & paint. Buy or borrow a cheap spray gun and just paint it yourself. It makes for a good project in the winter. 

[SaltLick]

nevermind, my tank is screwed it does have a gas leak. You can see the wet spot on the tank now. im just gonna buy one off ebay.

[ryandalling]

nevermind, my tank is screwed it does have a gas leak. You can see the wet spot on the tank now. im just gonna buy one off ebay.

I hear you can buy an old honda tank for cheap and just swap em out.  Oh wait... I didn't hear that... nevermind. 

[scott_araujo]

Salty, if you're not too concerned about looks just get some epoxy putty for gas tank repair.  I used this stuff on an old car and it held for years, was still holding when I got rid of the car.  It's a few bucks at good auto stores.  Just drain the tank, dig out the bondo, and knead and apply the putty.  You could probably sand and paint over it but I'm not sure.  Just if you don't want to buy a new tank right now.  I would NOT recommend this stuff for leaky hinges, too much stress there.

Scott

[NEIKOS]

I would think JB Weld would do the job . . . It's strong, it's sandable, and I hear they have a tank repair blend now . . .

[scott_araujo]

I would think JB Weld would do the job . . . It's strong, it's sandable, and I hear they have a tank repair blend now . . .

That's the only trick, must be gasoline compatible.  Apparently bondo ain't

Scott

[SaltLick]

Wow, i called my wifes dad and laid it out for him. I didnt think you could weld a gas leak shut. Guess hes been welding leakin tanks for years. He said all i have to do is wash out the tank real good, bring it over and hell weld the leak, and grind it down smooth so i wont need bondo in the end. Said hell take it to his friends that has a paint shop and well have him paint it and put a nice clear coat on it as well. All free.  I struck the mother load! 

[scott_araujo]

Your father-in-law welds and has a friend who paints?  What are you bothering us for?

While he's at it, ask him to braze the hinge to reinforce it.  It tends to be a stress point and often the first spot to leak.

Scott