Tri Z top mount fuel tank *PICS* UPDATE: Final pics on page 4.

[jsimonh]

Well I decided to make a top mount fuel tank for my Z. The project started about a week ago with me using cardboard to design the tank. The goal of using the cardboard is to keep as many straight lines as possible. It took about 30 min or so to come up with this design. It should hold around 1.5 to 1.75 gallons.

I'll post some more progress here in a little while.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Pict0009.jpg

[Cody]

Wow.. Looks like your serious about this. Good luck dude.

[Red Rider]

Won't fuel soak right through that cardboard? :lol:

[jsimonh]

Won't fuel soak right through that cardboard? :lol:

No, I'm going to use Kreem or Red-Kote on it.:rolleyes: I'm not sure how to put gas in it yet though.:crazy:

Anyways....... I've been doing alot of grinding on it and will have some pictures of it in a little while. I forgot my camera when we did all the metal welding/cutting so I don't have a detailed account, but the pictures will speak for themselves.

[Billy Golightly]

Sweet...I'm borrowing an old Klemm (I believe thats what it is) tank right now to make some templates from where I can make one too.

[Aussieduner]

I looked at a Z for sale the other day and it had an aftermarket tank installed up top,i may be able to go back and take a pic of it.

Aussie

[jsimonh]

Here is the tank before I did some serious grinding on it. I wish I would have had the camera to take pictures of the actual building:( . I have made more progress today and will post pics later. Hopefully this coming Wenesday I will be able to put the final welding on it. I also ordered some Red-Kote for it today. I'm starting to get really excited about it!:w00t:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture009.jpg

[Dusty]

man that things looks nice...i have the zinger top mount on mine....

[jsimonh]

man that things looks nice...i have the zinger top mount on mine....

Thanks. I have the Zinger top mount on mine at the moment. I thought I would like it, but I couldn't get over the way it just sticks up through the airbox cover. It is still better than the stock setup, but I'm really hoping that this will pan out.

[bluevetteguy]

I kinda like how the fuel goes under the seat. Its different. I felt like an idiot though when I asked the guy I bought it from where the gas goes. Mine is the only tri-z I've ever seen in person. Is there any benefit to putting the tank where its "supposed" to be? Or is it just cosmetics?

[Yamahauler]

I kinda like how the fuel goes under the seat. Its different. I felt like an idiot though when I asked the guy I bought it from where the gas goes. Mine is the only tri-z I've ever seen in person. Is there any benefit to putting the tank where its "supposed" to be? Or is it just cosmetics?
You dontn have to worry about the fuel pump for one thing, they are known to screw up.

You have more room for differant shocks (piggyback resivours, banshee shocks, etc.

You have a less restricted air flow if you run a open K&N or something along those lines.

[bluevetteguy]

I see, some very obvious reasons that I didn't even think about. I've got a different fuel pump on mine so I guess the previous owner had that problem.

[MTS]

Did you put baffles in that tank so the fuel dont slosh around and foam? cause if you didnt that can give you as many problems as a fuel pump..lol

[Cody]

Did you put baffles in that tank so the fuel dont slosh around and foam? cause if you didnt that can give you as many problems as a fuel pump..lol

I hope you thought about that dude. Because it could be a pain.

[ATCWRENCH]

Did you put baffles in that tank so the fuel dont slosh around and foam? cause if you didnt that can give you as many problems as a fuel pump..lol

not saying that is a bad idea, it is rather a good one, but when was the last time you seen baffles in a 350X tank, 250R, 200X, Tecate tank?

[Yamahauler]

not saying that is a bad idea, it is rather a good one, but when was the last time you seen baffles in a 350X tank, 250R, 200X, Tecate tank?
They have a hump in the middle, dont they? Where it goes around the frame...I would think that acts as a baffle.

[ATCWRENCH]

They have a hump in the middle, dont they? Where it goes around the frame...I would think that acts as a baffle.

to a point yea, but that is mainly there so the tank doesnt sit so high on the frame. that hump really doenst even come into affect until fuel is about level with it.

[Billy Golightly]

I dont think the baffles will be much of an issue as long as your output for fuel is at the lowest point.

[ATCWRENCH]

I dont think the baffles will be much of an issue as long as your output for fuel is at the lowest point.

I ride pretty aggresive and I have never had a problem with frothy fuel in a gravity fed tank.

[Billy Golightly]

Me neither. If the tank held 5 or 10 gallons I'd say put baffles in it just so the fuel sloshing around wouldn't shift weight and adversly effect handling but that small amount of fuel isn't going to make any difference.

[jsimonh]

Me neither. If the tank held 5 or 10 gallons I'd say put baffles in it just so the fuel sloshing around wouldn't shift weight and adversly effect handling but that small amount of fuel isn't going to make any difference.

I don't think a baffle is going to be needed. At least I hope not! Anyways its about 6:45am here and I'm heading out to put the final welds on it. I should have some more pics up tommorow or Friday. I'll try and get some with the tank on the Z, so you guys can tell me what you think about it.

[Jeb]

I've got a top mount tank thats just a rectangular plastic tank under the airbox cover. I've had the Z since '01 and never had a problem with "foaming".

Great project jsimoneh!!

[Kintore]

Here is the tank before I did some serious grinding on it. I wish I would have had the camera to take pictures of the actual building:( . I have made more progress today and will post pics later. Hopefully this coming Wenesday I will be able to put the final welding on it. I also ordered some Red-Kote for it today. I'm starting to get really excited about it!:w00t:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture009.jpg

Can you post more pics? I want to the see the cap and the bottom. And everyside possible, Im really interested by this.:naughty:

[250SX]

both of my aftermarket tri-z tanks have baffles in them. stock tanks have alot more capacity plus they have a deeper sump so they don't need a baffle.

[CHAINSAW]

Mine doesnt have one, and Ive never had a problem at all.

[jsimonh]

A little update.

All the welding is done and most of the grinding. I'm pretty much at a stand still untill my Red-Kote comes in. I plan on doing the coating before I do any of the putty and painting. I wouldn't want to ruin anything or have to be super careful when doing the coating.

No pics of it on the trike yet, hopefully real soon.

Kintore the neck of the tank is just 2 inch steel pipe. Alny pipe cap will work, but I'm not sure what to use yet.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/IMAG0054.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/IMAG0052.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/IMAG0053.jpg

[jsimonh]

I had a little trouble with the Red-Kote. I put it in (1/2 quart) and then realized that the neck and the drain tube both have small necks that extend into the tank. I couldn't get the excess out so the drying time has been very long. Today everything was set, but it is not completly dry yet. I went ahead and cleaned it up and put a layer of primer on it. I think its looking pretty good. I'll post more progress later.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture011.jpg

[crackshot]

orange county choppers!

[kloby]

I find it mildly funny when people ask where the gas goes. :lol:

[Cody]

Wow dude. That is really nice. Maybe you could start making them for people.

[Rm250RF900R]

Looks awesome :w00t:

[MTS]

i hope the red coat didnt seal off the peckcock hole...that would suck.

[Billy Golightly]

steel instead of aluminum...whats it weigh?

[jsimonh]

steel instead of aluminum...whats it weigh?

PLENTY! LOL:lol: It's pretty heavy compared to a normal tank, but it isn't all that heavy. I'm hoping it will help me keep the front end down a little!;) I'm not good enough to build one out of aluminum yet. Maybe I can take this one down and see if someone with those skills can copy it.

On the petcock hole, I stuck a piece of rubber all the way through it to keep it from getting clogged. It seemed to work because the hole isn't clogged:p .

[Dusty]

i member you said you had the zinger top mount....would you be interested in selling it....or you keepin it for another Z.....

[jsimonh]

i member you said you had the zinger top mount....would you be interested in selling it....or you keepin it for another Z.....

I've got the Zinger setup on it right now. If this ends up working as good as I'm hoping, then I will be selling it. I have several other parts that along with the Zinger tank will probably be going on ebay.

I will probably put the stuff on here first and take offers for it then ebay the rest.

[jsimonh]

A little update. The first pic is after the first layer of black paint. The second is after 3 coats. The paint is just rattle can Rustoleum, but it seems to work pretty well. The sides came out smoother than I thought they were going to. I'll be putting the decals on pretty soon.

More pics will be coming later.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/IMAG0058.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture.jpg

[Cody]

SWEET. You prolly could put that sucker on ebay, I know. YEA RIGHT! LOL.

[Red Rider]

The paint is just rattle can Rustoleum, but it seems to work pretty well.Jsimonh, nice job on the build. That thing looks like it's built like a tank, probably weighs as much too. :lol: When you're refuelling, make sure you don't spill gas on your Rustoleum finish, because it will soften the paint & then scrape/rub off.

[jsimonh]

Nothing else to do really.... On Sunday I will be able to mount it on the Z and see how it's going to look all done up. I think it is going to be pretty sweet, but it's hard to tell without it actually being on the trike. I have to say that I'm really proud of how all the work is paying off.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture013.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture015.jpg

[kloby]

Better be sure and post some pics .... - nodz - :)

[Yamaha Tri-Moto]

looks pretty sweet man

[twgranger]

Looks nice. You should have maybe had it powder coated though. Just dont spill any gas on the paint and you should be ok.

[Darius1502]

Really looks trick!!

Nice job!!

[Cody]

The black looks great, even better with them stickers. Good job.

[toyota200x]

The stickers look cheesy........ :p

[Darius1502]

The stickers may look cheesy to the 'youngsters'...this is the 'old school' look!!

[Cody]

I thought the stickers looked real good man. There not "cheezy"

[kloby]

I agree, i like em - nodz -

[jsimonh]

The stickers look cheesy........ :p:crazy:

Everyone is entitled to their opinions:rolleyes: .

I had only planned on using the Yamaha ones, but it was just to much black. So I used stickers to break up the boring color. It is going to match my fenders very well, and I think it will look good. I thought I was going to get pics of it on the trike today, but I bought some clear coat car paint to put a protective layer over everything... so it will have to wait untile tommorow. You guys really got me worried about spilling gas on it now.:eek:

[toyota200x]

Well keep us updated. Can't wait to see it.

[jsimonh]

Here is the final product.

Let me know what you guys think.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture002.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture001.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture004.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture005.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/jsimonh/Picture003.jpg

[Yamahauler]

Sweet...How much fuel does it hold. Looks pretty good.

[Bryan Raffa]

hey that look real good :naughty:
you did a very nice job on it!!!
way to go now you got me thinkin about one :crazy:

[bondoboy]

I don't know if I would put automotive paint over the rustoleum. In my experience, automotive paint can lift uncatalyzed finishes.

[edog]

Oldschool look,I like it.

GOOD JOB

[Billy Golightly]

Looks very nice and well done. Hows the difference in handling and overall feel with the original tank gone?

[jsimonh]

I think the paint will be alright, I hope:eek: . I haven't rode it yet except for around the yard so I don't have a report on how different it is to ride:wondering . I think the capacity is around 1.75 gallons:confused: . It seems to hold more gas than the Zinger tank, but I'm not completly sure how much more. Anyways it was real fun to do and I hope the paint stays on. I guess only time will tell.

[Yamaha Tri-Moto]

I Want One.

[Cody]

Makin me want one and I dont even have a Z.

[Jeb]

Great job on the finished product! :beer

[toyota200x]

I actually like the stickers now that it is on the bike. Looks very bansheeish.

[Stu-Pedasso]

Looks great and all. {I'm not trying to be a dick} But why are the edges always squared - off - on all of these Tri Z Top Mount Fuel Tanks?

[Red Rider]

I'm no expert at fuel tank fabrication, but I would guess there are at least 3 reasons:
1. It's easier to make a sharp-edged bend, rather than a gradual, rounded one.
2. These tanks already hold too little fuel, and rounded edges & corners will only eat up valuable space inside.
3. It's easier to cut out flat, geometric shapes & weld them together.

[jsimonh]

I'm no expert at fuel tank fabrication, but I would guess there are at least 3 reasons:
1. It's easier to make a sharp-edged bend, rather than a gradual, rounded one.
2. These tanks already hold too little fuel, and rounded edges & corners will only eat up valuable space inside.
3. It's easier to cut out flat, geometric shapes & weld them together.


For me (the average do-it-yourself guy) the only way was to make it flat as possible to make it easier to weld. We did try and rouund the sides a little and the front end is rounded some. If you look at the pictures from the back, the bottom is alot wider than the top.

All in all Red Rider hit the nail on the head with the above post.

[MichiganRedneck]

man, i think that looks great!

[xtremez]

I did not like it till you had it on the bike and it looks damn good!!!!!

[crackshot]

I looks great. Now about that gas cap. I think the hose clamp and the way the gas cap is attached it taking away from the full beauty of the tank.
Not knocking your work, the tank looks fantastic. I almost thought it was factory! Just giving some input.

[jsimonh]

I looks great. Now about that gas cap. I think the hose clamp and the way the gas cap is attached it taking away from the full beauty of the tank.
Not knocking your work, the tank looks fantastic. I almost thought it was factory! Just giving some input.

I agree, but when you use 2 inch pipe there isn't a whole lot of options. My choices was what I used, a 2 inch plug(that wouldv'e looked okay but had no way to put a breather in), or a cast iron pipe cap. The cast iron pipe cap just didn't look right to me so that rubber one was my only option. I'm gonna keep looking, and maybe I can find something down the road. My advice to anyone that may try this GET YOUR GAS CAP AND NECK FIRST! When we built it we didn't think we would get as far as we did and was not prepared to put the neck on. We were making such progress though so we didn't want to stop. We had an old diesel tank and used the neck and cap off it, not knowing that the caps would be limited.

If anyone has any ideas on what to use I'm all ears.:wondering

[crackshot]

Maybe lathe a chunk of billet, tap it and make it look dandy!
Lathe down a nipple on top for splash tube.
If you have access to a lathe or know a someone in a machine shop, It is possible. Still a great looking tank.

[jason85atc250r]

this will be a lttle spendy but get a quick fill gas tank piece (mite be called a dry break also) like the pro GNCC guys used on the honda trx250r's. it's on the big 4.0 gallon trx tanks. you just drop your gas can with a special end onto the tank. the flap opens and the weight of the gas can opens the valve on the gas can. lift it strait up and both things shut and you dont spill a drop.

it fills the tank real fast i think it took under 20 seconds for the Gncc guys.

[Wickedfinger]

Very trick indeed. I was thinking the same thing as jason85atc250r - try and mount a dry-break system for the tank. If you perfect that cap issue - you should really consider selling them on a custom basis. I think it looks that good.

[maggiesboy]

the tank looks great! I need one now, my wife says thanks:D