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Gas Tank Fitting for a Complete Novice

2612 Views 13 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  jaguar
Im the new guy.
Not just new to the site, but new to the cafe dream. New to mechanic work, and new to tools that aren't shaping and joining wood. Please forgive me.

I received a project bike for Christmas and need some advice and help.

Its a 1974 Honda XL350 and runs well. Carb rebuilt and engine revamped. What doesn't suffice is the rusted out gas tank. Its a teardrop and is not at all the style i am looking for; and this is where I need help!
The Xl350 has a very v-shaped frame, given that its part dirtbike, which I need to compensate for with the seat and tank given that any serious welding and frame reconstruction is out of the question. How do I know that a tank will fit if I am buying it online? Is there a system in place for the type of mounting or size or distance between the front holding rubber mounts and the screw mount in the back I should be looking for, or should I just be realizing that I will need to get some help and some machine work to get a new tank to fit?

Any help would be much appreciated, any at all regarding my bike, given that I want a cafe/brat style and all I have seen conversion wise is more of a bobber.

Kohl
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"Cafe dream" really got me chuckling. :)

"Empire desk with casters" had me really laughing. :)

Ya know, I'm very much NOT an old timer here and I'm just scratching the surface of this motorcycle "build" stuff. I'm a damn good wrench but I have a lot to learn about this hobby and I've learned a crapload here reading posts like this one where some newbie comes in looking for good advice, gets said good advice but can't seem to recognize it as such. It sad. However, the responses do indeed add to the collective mass of knowledge that resides here.

While I'm at it, here's a thank you to all you guys that offer REAL advice. You have an enormous amount of tolerance and patience. Me? I'll offer what I can if I know what the hell I'm talking about. If it's wrong and someone corrects me I'll admit my wrong, thank them for the advice and motor on down the road that much smarter.

kohlwebb, if you're still here reading, good. Listen to the advice, act on it, humble yourself, and learn.
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