Were there ever steel Dunstall tanks?

MarcD · Oct 29, 2022

I’m having a conversation with a vendor about Dunstall tanks for Norton Commandos, and the question of construction material has tangentially come up.

I have a’73 750 Commando, originally a Hi-Rider, that was fitted with Dunstall tank, seat and rearsets. The tank is fiberglass, and I’m curious if Dunstall ever sold steel or alloy tanks for the Commando (or any Norton model).

I’m listing after those new alloy accurate replicas, but need to convince She Who Must Be Obeyed that “our” Norton needs a $3k upgrade.

Thanks,
Marc in SF

Ian James · Oct 29, 2022

MarcD said:
I’m having a conversation with a vendor about Dunstall tanks for Norton Commandos, and the question of construction material has tangentially come up.

I have a’73 750 Commando, originally a Hi-Rider, that was fitted with Dunstall tank, seat and rearsets. The tank is fiberglass, and I’m curious if Dunstall ever sold steel or alloy tanks for the Commando (or any Norton model).

I’m listing after those new alloy accurate replicas, but need to convince She Who Must Be Obeyed that “our” Norton needs a $3k upgrade.

Thanks,
Marc in SF

Wow so much hope you get taps and cap

DevonNorton · Oct 30, 2022

MarcD said:
I’m having a conversation with a vendor about Dunstall tanks for Norton Commandos, and the question of construction material has tangentially come up.

I have a’73 750 Commando, originally a Hi-Rider, that was fitted with Dunstall tank, seat and rearsets. The tank is fiberglass, and I’m curious if Dunstall ever sold steel or alloy tanks for the Commando (or any Norton model).

I’m listing after those new alloy accurate replicas, but need to convince She Who Must Be Obeyed that “our” Norton needs a $3k upgrade.

Thanks,
Marc in SF

Hi MarcD
This image is from the 1969 Paul Dunstall Catalogue. Might be for Dominator/Atlas and not Commando but certainly an alloy tank.

Google Paul Dunstall Catalogue and there are some pdf files of catalogues.
TAB II Classics in Wales, UK produce a range of alloy tanks including a 'Norvil' type which is similar in shape to a Dunstall tank and at a cost which may be more acceptable to the 'local finance committee'.

Andy

dave M · Oct 30, 2022

I bought an alloy tank for my Commando from 'The Tank Shop' in Scotland a number of years ago. It was a wonderful tank and very reasonably priced. As far as I am aware the Dunstall Commando tanks were all made in fibreglass. There was an earlier and a later model, the later model had more angular knee indents and the top was more rounded at the rear.

SteveA · Oct 30, 2022

DevonNorton said:
Hi MarcD
This image is from the 1969 Paul Dunstall Catalogue. Might be for Dominator/Atlas and not Commando but certainly an alloy tank.
View attachment 100998
Google Paul Dunstall Catalogue and there are some pdf files of catalogues.
TAB II Classics in Wales, UK produce a range of alloy tanks including a 'Norvil' type which is similar in shape to a Dunstall tank and at a cost which may be more acceptable to the 'local finance committee'.
Andy

That is what was called in it's day the 'Motorway' tank. Dunstall would have just bought them in. They were made to fit a wide variety of frames.

I bought a chassis from Rickman in '75 but specified an alloy tank, so rather than one of their fibreglass ones they supplied a Motorway tank.

Were there ever steel Dunstall tanks?

MarcD

Ian James

DevonNorton

dave M

SteveA

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