Fireflake blue again

Are the steel tanks the same on the early 70's roadsters 750 & 850?

I don't think steel tanks came in until 71, but someone correct me.

Dave

so 71 and up 750 & 850 steel roadster tanks are the same?

DogT said:

I don't think steel tanks came in until 71, but someone correct me.

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1972 according to the parts books except for Fastback LR and Interpol tanks, however the majority of 750 Commando fuel tanks were still f/glass until they were eventually phased out during 1973. The 850 models usually had steel tanks.

What is a good steel roadster tank worth? I was thinking about buying one that is good and painting it blue and selling my newly painted black one. I'd hate to stripe a new paint job down just because of the color unless black ones aren't sought after very much. My bike must be a MK2 because the left side cover does not have a recess in the lower rear corner. It mounts like the later one shown by L.A.B. It is fiberglass too.

Genuine Steel tanks in need of cleaning and paint go for around $600, if you can find one.

Reproductions less, but with questionable quality.

L.A.B. my vin is 315513

I see RS paint can supply....be interesting to see what their's looks like..

http://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-us/shop-p ... 9&26518=on

57ringo said:

my vin is 315513

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So, it's either a Mk2 or 2A, unfortunately it isn't possible to tell exactly which model it is from the serial number. Use the battery tray information I gave previously to identify the model.

Anyone tried these Duplicolor Ocean Blue Sparkle Metal Specks rattlecans.
Looks like paint shade could be similar to Fireflake Blue ??

Rohan said:

Anyone tried these Duplicolor Ocean Blue Sparkle Metal Specks rattlecans.
Looks like paint shade could be similar to Fireflake Blue ??

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I think Dave (Dog T) used that paint on his 'S'?
Looks like a good alternative for those with basic facilities. Does it require a clear topcoat?
Having had around half a dozen fireflake blue original panels & tanks pass through now, it's safe to say there's more than one 'correct' colour, but they're all close.
The can colour looks pretty good, but until seen in the flesh it's hard to say definitively.
One thing that I have noticed is that the fibreglass ones have all worn through to silver in places and show that the clear (gelcoat?) layer is very thin - the steel stuff seems more resilient, although they fade more readily.

Yeah, that's what I used on mine. It does require clear coat to make it look shiny. I put about 8 clear coats on the side panels and they turned out pretty nice looking, I didn't put enough clear on the tank and it's not so hot plus it's wrinkled up anyhow, fiberglass problem I think. Different batches seem to be different colors too, my side panels are a different hue than the tank because I did them over, but the MetalSpecks is a good cheap alternative to a real paint job. If I did it again I might take it to a shop and have 2 pack clear put on it or buy the one time can of 2-pack that's available. The silver color is not bad for the rear fairing too. The metal flake is certainly not as big as the original though.