Tri-Z top mount tank project

[bobtdms]

I'm just about finished with my 2 gallon top mount tri-z tank. I thought some people on here could use a little inspiration, or just a good laugh. Before I get beat up too bad for my welds, this is my first time welding aluminum. It comes in at 2 gallons even, and weighs 1-1.2lbs less than the entire stock fuel system w/pump. This is also one of the few things that my camera makes look uglier no matter how hard I try lol!

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[El Camexican]

Laugh?!?! Sheeeet Dude, you’re my new hero!!!

Building a Tri-Z top mount tank is on my bucket list. Picked up a cheesy English wheel, a set of hammers, spoons and sand bag and a few years back just for that purpose, but haven’t had the time or push to get started. Was planning to use 16ga. Steel, but 18 is probably a lot easier to manipulate. I want to be able to paint it and cover my flaws with Bondo. Well, that and my aluminum welding is horrendous on it’s best day.

So take us through this project step by step: Filler neck, cap, petcock, plug removal, fuel line routing, no detail is too small.

I see you used every available square inch of space above the engine, that was my plan as well. Based on other tanks I’ve see they appear to extend a little further under the seat than yours, do think there more capacity to be had there, or are you at the max?

You may not have the prettiest Tri-Z tank ever made, but it’s by far the best thought out and largest I’ve ever seen. :beer

[big specht]

And you made it your self That has a lot of say for it. I cut a 70 tank up to clear a big carb once it looked easy on tv lol. It looked like sprinkler when I was done. But I got and I made it my self it’s a lot cheaper then buying one and you learn a skill when doing it your self too.

[bobtdms]

I'm not the best at documenting my projects, but I did find some earlier pictures of the build.26593526593626593726593826593926594026594126 5942

I started out making models with cardboard and masking tape. I used empty 30 packs of Busch beer for the cardboard(at times the R+D=Required Drinking was staggering) . The first 2 models I made went under the airbox cover, but I was only able to get a max of 1.7 gallons. After I was happy with the capcity and shape of the 3rd tank, I cut the masking tape seams and layed everything out flat to trace my pieces out on the aluminum sheet. Since I don't have an english wheel, I made a wooden forming block to wrap the top around. I'm going to use a stock banshee petcock. The gas cap and bung are just an e-bay china special. The bung is a small enough diameter that I can cut it out and replace it with one that takes a standard atv cap later if I want.
EL, I don't see why there would be any problems making the tank from a thin gauge steel. I think it would be much easier to work with, and I almost went that route myself.
It was a tough call to buy a new welder, I really wanted to buy the last tri-z dynoport exhaust that was for sale instead lol! I hope to make an under seat airbox, and an engine skid with a pipebox for this machine as well.

[El Camexican]

Now that you’ve mentioned that beer drinking is an integral part of the process I’m really interested in doing this!

I was planning to make a wood form to hammer on as well, but using sections of 3/4 plywood in sections like a video I saw. Your block would look good on a fire place mantle with a coat of varnish, nice grain!

Nice work:beer

[Red Rider]

Nice work. When people make these, I realize they’re trying to keep the factory lines of the airbox, but getting a decent fuel capacity is always a struggle. When you made yours, did you consider deviating from the OEM look at all, for increased capacity, or was that not even a concern?

[bobtdms]

Originally when I made this tank, I tried to keep as close as possible to the factory lines. If I look at the tank mounted on the frame with a seat next to one of my complete tri-z's, the top of my tank needs to be 1/2-3/4in taller at the filler neck and have a more rounded front to rear and side to side profile on top.

I plan to revise my templates and re-shape my wooden forming block. Hopefully I can combine most of the smaller pieces into a larger piece of aluminum with less cuts/welds, and more bends. I'll probably make at least one or two more in the next year or so.

After looking over my finished tank, my 18 year old nephew told me that he wants to build one too. Most likely he'll move in with me after graduating in June. His welding is a little bit better than mine. If the plandemic would stop messing with his school, he'll be certified by the time he graduates. He said I could post a pic of some of his welding in class.

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[Red Rider]

Most likely he'll move in with me after graduating in June. His welding is a little bit better than mine.Hmmmm, how will he ever earn his keep around your place?