Replace Or Repair Dented Gas Tank?

[TheBigB]

Weighing my options on whether or not to replace my dented tank. (Save for later why I insist on this minor cosmetic defect be fixed at all).

Spoke to a local shop who said that for about 300-400 dollars they can fix then dent much the same way you would fix a dented fender on your car. Drill a hole in the middle of the dent, pull the dent out, fill in with bondo and paint. Rather simple and straight forward.

My question is this: Should I be concerned with drilling a hole in my gas tank. My concern is how am I assured that whatever shavings result in the drilling process won't end up in my fuel line. Or am misunderstanding the process involved.

My other option is, of course, buying a new tank. The funds for the repairs are largely supplied by the insurance company so a new $700 tank wouldn't kill my wallet.

The Big B

[ratbike05]

How big is the dent?  If it is not too big, you may want to contact Dent Wizard.  They put a paste on the dent and then use a suction cup to pull the dent.  The paste does something to keep the paint from cracking.  At least that was the way it was explained to me.  I think it is relatively cheap.  I heard around $75.  If you want to replace the tank, you might be able to find one on Ebay pretty cheap.  I see them on there all the time it seems.

[smooth operator]

Not sure,but I think if you drill it you better coat it too. I have a dent in mine too.I think I'll just hve him fill it and paint it unless I see a good deal on a 1st gen tank.

[interfuse]

If money isn't an issue just replace the tank. When I  got my dent repaired the paint shop wouldn't drill or weld onto the tank. So they just filled it with cheese, sanded it and painted it. While it looks great now I'm not sure how long it will last. I'd rather have bought a new tank, but it was cheaper for me to just get it repainted.

[solman]

There are other methods to pulling dents.  One way is to tack weld rods on the dent and use a tool to yank the dent out.  I have always just filled in the dents myself to save money.

[Swamp Rat]

saw a green one on e-bay the other day.

[fritobandito]

You can buy a device called the ding king that pulls out the dent if there aren't any creases in it. Check it out.

[TheBigB]

I will be making trip to the shop this weekend to see what this all entails. The dent is about the size of a half dollar - maybe slightly smaller and simply cheesing it over might be an option and I also considered the "Fing King option.

Yeah, money isn't a real issue but keeping as much of the insurance companies money as possible is always nice.

The Big B

[Red Bandit]

I bought a new tank for an 01B12s at my local stealer for under $500.00, matching factory paint and decals already included. Nearly the same cost as repainting.If they are asking $700.00 for a new one, shop around.

[TheBigB]

Yeah, at $500 I would be really tempted to buy new. The $700 is what I believe Ron Ayers is asking and I have found Ron to be pretty competitive.

I will see what my local stealer has to say.

Thanks,
The Big B

[TheBigB]

I just re-visited Ron Ayers and noticed that they are asking only $412 for a new tank... what was I thinking with the $700.

At that price I will be buying new.

Thanks,
The Big B