modifying plastic bike tanks

**RichLees** · #1 3 Oct 2002

does anyone have experience of modifying Acerbis plastic tanks? alternatively, do you know of anyone who does mods to such tanks?I'm considering using a hot-air gun to soften and sculpt the underside of a tank to clear the frame and handlebars better. I'm not altogether sure what the plastic is so I'd welcome input. thanks
Richard

[This message has been edited by RichLees (edited 03 October 2002).]

**baswacky** · #2 4 Oct 2002

Richard,

I'm no expert on the effect that heating has on plastic, but I must admit it sounds a bit dubious. Any chance of using spacers on the tank and handle-bars to cure the problem? Although that may slightly alter the ride geometry of the bike.

**RichLees** · #3 4 Oct 2002

I've tried quite a number of positions and also checked out Chris Scott's installation of the same tank on the same bike: basically it doesn't fit properly. there'll be a significant impact on normal steering lock and, consequently, risk of damaging the tank whenever I drop it. I certainly don't want to wreck the tank before departure, but I REALLY don't want to wreck it out in the desert!
I'll post news on how I get on with the hot air welder ... fingers crossed!
Richard

**onlycookie** · #4 4 Oct 2002

Hi!

What about trying to mail to Acerbis itself???
Maybe they even change the tank or at least give you some hints!!!

Greetings Mel... The Cookie

**RichLees** · #5 5 Oct 2002

thanks, Mel. I emailed them yesterday, but haven't heard back, yet.

**RichLees** · #6 9 Oct 2002

Acerbis sent a very helpful reply: the plastic is reticulated polyethylene (RPE) and its both specialist and risky to work on. I went looking for suppliers of the equipment to work on RPE and one of them put me in touch with a plastic fabrication company in Luton, UK. I'm off to see them tomorrow morning. if they can do what we discussed on the phone ... it'll fit properly!
if they really can do it, and want more fabrication work, I'll post their details here as they may be able/prepared to make plastic tanks/storage/panniers(?) from scratch.
Richard

**RichLees** · #7 14 Oct 2002

the tank now fits and is still fuel tight which is just as important.
anyone wanting plastic fabrication can contact Polyfab at 01582-728878. they don't do mouldings or complex shapes, they got my tank to fit nicely!
Rich