Gas Cap Base - Interchangeability

[baz]

I have corrosion/rust around the outside of my gas cap base.  I'm going to replace it or have it cleaned and repainted.  The bike is a 2001 900 fuel injected.  Will any year monster replacement base work?

Or maybe it might just be easier to have a shop clean it up and repaint it?  Seems like that would cost more than the $50-$60 for a new (used) gas cap base.

[MotoPsycho]

I'm not entirely sure of the feasibility, but soda blasting it would be better probably than anything chemically cleaning it. Harsh chemicals sometimes etch metals. Soda blasting is pretty gentle from what I've seen. And then powder coat it I stead of painting. It'll last longer. Just something to ponder.

[Rudemouthsky]

I had mine (used one bought off eBay) sand blasted and powder coated by Bonehead Performance in Philly. Mailed it in with a few other parts, got it back within a week. Looks beautiful and they masked off all sealing surfaces and threads properly. There's no one else I would trust as much with bike parts, that is their specialty and his prices are way better than anyone else even while factoring in s/h.

Yes I am shamelessly plugging Chuck @ BHP4 : Bhper4mance@aol.com Tell him Eli sent ya. (seriously, tell him that...I give him a ton of work it carries a little weight)

[baz]

Thanks for the info.

I ended up taking it by my local bike shop, they are going to use their local powdercoat guy to clean it up and powdercoat it silver.  Hopefully its a close match to the silver on the gas cap! (i didn't want to go black like Eli's).  Thanks for the BHP4, maybe i'll try him out in the future.

I'll post pics once i get it back.

[oldndumb]

I had mine (used one bought off eBay) sand blasted and powder coated by Bonehead Performance in Philly.................

Now I see why you recommend Bonehead!

I have a small set up and have been playing around with some of the various powders, temps, and times. As such, I have a fair understanding of the process and can appreciate the quality of those pieces.

[Rudemouthsky]

Yeah, I actually had taken it somewhere else prior, and they tried twice/failed twice due to problems with outgassing. They gave me the part back already sand blasted (and with a chunk busted off the flange area  , and BHP4 nailed it the first time. They also did my heads and barrels after 3 other local companies refused the job, same issue they said; "there will be outgassing and we can't be liable!" or simply; "it can't be done!" well, the problem was I'd already seen it done on Duc heads and barrels several times...came out beautifully...so I knew it could, just that THEY couldn't.

It's important to work with a shop experienced in doing motorcycle parts and have a large curing ovens that are *only* used for same colors, rather than the run-of-the-mill guys who do lawn furniture and industrial pieces all day. You also wanna beware of the Craigslist mob who bought a Harbor Freight gun and compressor plus their kid daughters E-Z Bake oven. You'll be crying later...don't ask me how I know. 

And FYI, "Bengal Silver" is about as dead nuts accurate compared to "Ducati Silver" as I've ever seen. See if your guys either have that color or one that cross references with it. My engine cases are right next to my silver frame (obviously, lol) and they look flawless next to each other. The matte finish is about spot on too. I kinda regret not doing my base in the silver so you're making the right choice.

Here is some more of BHP4's work...

[Dirty Duc]

What color was the cat before?

[MotoPsycho]

I have a friend that made his powdercoat oven out of an old upright deep freeze. He ripped out the plastic inside and lined it with galvy  22ga sheet steel and stuck a heating element out of an old oven in it so he could use the temp controller on the outside. Even had a bungee cord to hold it shut. All of the hundreds of stunt crash cages I seen come out of that oven and never heard of problems with outgassing. I even did my roadracing side panels in that oven, they came out beautiful. I'm not gonna call bullsnot on those guys that said it, but I have a hard time being convinced that it's that hard.

[Rudemouthsky]

I actually agree with you. And tho not first hand I've seen  good looking work done with the cheap HF and Eastwood kits (but they probably aren't built to last.) I think the problem is the epidemic of stupid, lazy, and unethical people more than anything.

[MotoPsycho]

http://sickinnovations.com/sick/ is my friends business. All of the parts listed at one time were done in that oven previously mentioned. He moved down the street from a big powdercoat outfit with serious ovens and he's friends with the owner so he sends all his stuff there last I knew.

[oldndumb]

I think some of the out-gassing concerns are relative to the material. For example, cast or forged supposedly is more difficult than sheet metal or steel/Al tubing. Or, it could be a myth.

Seems to me that if you want to hold yourself out as a powder coating business you should be able to match your competitors' capabilities. Otherwise you are sucking hind tit. 

[baz]

Two weeks later, finally got my tank base back... i guess I wasn't clear enough so they sandblasted and powedercoated the whole base.  That means it now doesn't fit in the tank!  So... away with some 80 grit sandpaper I go... I won't be able to get the inner o-ring groove back to it's original thickness, but a little extra squish shouldn't make the o-ring fail.  On that note, without the o-ring or rubber surround, how tight should the gas tank base be in the gas tank hole?  Does it drop right in?  If so, i have a lot more sanding to do!  It doesn't fit at all right now...





Other than that, it looks great!  The silver is a little off from the stock silver, but it has some nice flecks which look really good, and IMO a little better than factory!  It's a minor detail most people won't really notice but looks good to me.

[jduke]

WOW! Does look good, even if it was by accident.
I would sand the facing down until it fits with the rubber seal. Raw fuel will find a way out if you don't. BTDT.
Maybe sand the part inside the tank too, and rub vasoline on everything. Well, gas cap related...

[MotoPsycho]

No, don't use vaseline. If that o-ring isn't  compatible, it'll eat it up. Use silicone grease. That's what we use on the big centrifuges. Compatible with almost any type of rubber material except latex. Or use KY jelly if in doubt, if it's safe for "stuff", it'll work for that.  But first, I feel it would be worthwhile to sand the groove the o-ring sits in so it can do its job. Second, lube the outside.

[ducpainter]

Vaseline won't hurt the o-ring.