The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Frame => Topic started by: Martin on 24.03. 2020 19:07

Title: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Martin on 24.03. 2020 19:07
Hi, do you have any experience with indian petrol tank? Is there a difference in manufacturer? I do search for one for A7 plunger. Until now i have not been successful to find the original one.
Martin
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: BigJim on 24.03. 2020 20:20
In general am pleased with the quality and price. I did need to adapt the petrol feeds and put a liner in it to stop the rust tho. If you can get an original in good condition that's best but almost certainly expensive. Mine was for a swing arm frame.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: beezermacc on 24.03. 2020 22:45
They vary in quality. I have a few and they are all slightly different because they are hand made in small quantities. If you are lucky you will get a good one which looks almost identical to the original, if you are unlucky it will be ill-fitting etc. I have heard of people who have complained successfully. Ebay tend to uphold in favour of the buyer if you can demonstrate that the tank is not  fit for use.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Rex on 25.03. 2020 11:40
And when that happens it appears that some sellers either refund your money or send another tank as it's not worth sending the duff one back.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Seabee on 25.03. 2020 17:38
I bought one for the Road Rocket. The quality was okay, but the tank bottom was different and the chrome is very thin! Keep it well waxed to prevent rust through.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: BSA_54A10 on 27.03. 2020 10:38
Hi, do you have any experience with indian petrol tank? Is there a difference in manufacturer? I do search for one for A7 plunger. Until now i have not been successful to find the original one.
Martin
Probably around 2000 makers and around 30 different vendors
If you go through one of the bigger vendors then you might be lucky
If you are going to pay peanuts then do not expect to get a quality product  and do not complain if it is trash.
There used to be quality reproduction British Bike tank makers but now that all make custom tanks for Harleys because they will pay what it is worth for a hand made tank.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: paulmbsa on 28.03. 2020 09:03
I have had two, if you want to ride the bike and have it look good there okay, but will never pass as concourse, you can tell they are repro but my bikes get used and they look tidy, you get what you pay for they are 1/2 the price of having yours chromed
I am happy with them for what I paid
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Minto on 02.04. 2020 02:21
I'll let you know what mine is like if it ever gets out of India. This global lockdown is messing with my head.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: groily on 02.04. 2020 08:51
Not the best picture quality, sorry, but this one has seen a lot of use since, I think it was, 2012.
It's not doing badly. Some tiny pinpricks in the chrome, which is certainly thin, but still half-decent from a couple of yards - and would be better were I a washer and polisher of things. I have been very happy with it, for a non-correct but reasonably up-together and hugely reliable bike. Not rusty inside. 
I'm sure the shape isn't spot on, but don't know/care in what respects, and it fitted easily on this swing-arm bike. Taps were run through all the various threads, and a new flat strip under the tank knocked up to accommodate where Mr Singh had placed the holes, and never a problem. Get what you pay for on these imho, and I happily paid and got, from a trader in the UK.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Rex on 02.04. 2020 10:14
An Indian Ebay seller who seems to get a lot of praise for his workmanship is "Pummy".
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: manxman on 02.04. 2020 12:09
I have a few tanks from "Pummy" and they are solid and  good chrome.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: edboy on 02.04. 2020 22:09
i bought one for an a10 plunger and it was perfect in my eyes. sorry cant find a picture
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Joolstacho on 02.04. 2020 22:59
Putting a liner in a new tank is in my humble opinion, a mistake. Inevitably it will delaminate and fail sooner or later, then it'll be a nightmare to clean out.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Tomcat on 03.04. 2020 07:11
I bought a tank from vintageindiaautoworld13@yahoo AKA khanmoussin2010 and now have 2 tanks that won't fit on an A10
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Minto on 15.06. 2020 01:01
I ordered my tank from royalwheels2018 way in advance of this global lockdown back in February, and have still not received it. I have been told it's been sent, then it's being held at airport, then they'd received it back, then they were going to refund, then they said they'd sent it, now they say it's ready to send but are asking me to buy another item from their Ebay shop so that they can post it!, I've told them to refund my account and have now heard nothing from them since. I know there are some decent Indian tanks and sellers out there but these lot ain't.
Avoid
Jase
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Klaus on 15.06. 2020 07:26
Hi Jase,

if you had payed with Paypal you can get your refound with no problem. Contakt ebay and they will sort it out.
I have ordered 2 years ago parts from India they have never send, and I get my money back from Paypal.

cheers Klaus
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Minto on 27.06. 2020 20:58
Hi Klaus
I eventually got a refund from the seller, then a week later one came up on eBay in this country, just waiting for it to arrive.
Cheers
Jase
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: SteveH on 09.12. 2020 02:06
After failing to dodge a Dodge making a sudden dodgy right hand turn in right in front of me  *eek*, I now need to fix my 1952 A7 Star Twin. And my left thumb, bruises etc etc.
Can anyone recommend a good supplier of a replacement tank, from India or elsewhere. Someone who got what they ordered and liked it.
And the fork shrouds that hold the headlight & mudguard stays (I think we can straighten the mudguard).
Thanks, Steve
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Greybeard on 09.12. 2020 14:03
After failing to dodge a Dodge making a sudden dodgy right hand turn in right in front of me  *eek*, I now need to fix my 1952 A7 Star Twin. And my left thumb, bruises etc etc.
Can anyone recommend a good supplier of a replacement tank, from India or elsewhere. Someone who got what they ordered and liked it.
And the fork shrouds that hold the headlight & mudguard stays (I think we can straighten the mudguard).
Thanks, Steve
Bad luck. I'm glad to hear you didn't suffer anything too serious.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: RoyC on 09.12. 2020 15:35
Had my tank for four years now. I had to run a tap through the tap holes, other than that over the moon with it.

Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: muskrat on 09.12. 2020 20:00
G'day Roy.
Love the green & gold badge. I thought they were only for the SS.
I had a new set arrive only a few days before the fire  *sad*
Cheers
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: trevinoz on 09.12. 2020 20:26
Is the tank unrepairable, Steve?
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: RoyC on 09.12. 2020 20:44
G'day Roy.
Love the green & gold badge. I thought they were only for the SS.
I had a new set arrive only a few days before the fire  *sad*
Cheers
It is the SS.
1958 A7 shooting star
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: edboy on 09.12. 2020 23:49
made in india
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: RoyC on 10.12. 2020 11:55
Yes, made in India.
Ordered my tank off ebay and it arrived from India.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: edboy on 10.12. 2020 19:24
its a great looking bike roy. i bought a petrol tank a few years ago from india and it was a perfect fit and finish. its a shame the authorities prevent them being made here in uk. business rates , high rent etc.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Dave on 13.12. 2020 15:45
This is really good advice as I'm looking for a tank now. One thing has hit home is there is a big difference in price on ones that look the same.

Makes sense that you get what you pay for.. Pummys are more expensive now I've found him on tbay but not a problem if there superior. Has anyone any recommendations or thoughts on a ally tank you don't need to worry about the chrome or paint then? I'm struggling to chose what tank I want as its a bit of a mixture on my bike build as it is, with a B frame and A10 engine.

Dave
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Swarfcut on 13.12. 2020 17:15
 Dave  You may be better sourcing an Indian Tank from a UK based supplier. The small print on some of the Delhi based websites hints at import duties and other taxes which may bang your bargain into the not such a bargain price range. If the tank is a poor example, more chance of sorting the problem with a UK source.

 How did other folks get on? Not well in some cases reading previous posts.

 Swarfy.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Dave on 13.12. 2020 18:22
Dave  You may be better sourcing an Indian Tank from a UK based supplier. The small print on some of the Delhi based websites hints at import duties and other taxes which may bang your bargain into the not such a bargain price range. If the tank is a poor example, more chance of sorting the problem with a UK source.

 How did other folks get on? Not well in some cases reading previous posts.

 Swarfy.

Hi Swarfy,
You cold be right and I've seen the import tax on them but thought their maybe a loop hole. I'm not really that keen on getting one from overseas hence why I'm still looking. Now I know people have had tanks not even sent is a worry! I will have a good think, as concentrating on lots of other jobs at the moment. I've got a bare metal original tank from a A65 as a last resort for now, while I keep looking and save up.

Dave
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: MrShifta on 28.01. 2021 20:36
My Gold Star tank finally arrived from Royalwotsit in India, It has taken many weeks and lots of false dates and promises.  After chasing them up againl they said a week last Monday they would ship it.  to my amazement it arrived on Friday. Air frieght Delhi to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to East Midlands Airport and a local delivery service to Sutton on Sea. Sent by DHL.  I looks very good but not fitted taps etc yet. We will see how good it is in time.  £245 including tank cap, badges and taps.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 21.05. 2021 15:29
My Indian tank on my SR fits ok, but does anybody know what size/thread the two front tie bar studs are ?- I just can't find any nuts to fit !!
The studs are approx 8 mm dia. but neither metric or 5/16 bsf/unf nuts seem to fit - any thoughts please?
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Rex on 21.05. 2021 15:36
BSCy?
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 21.05. 2021 17:58
I'm afraid "BSCy" means nothing to me ?
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Rex on 21.05. 2021 18:19
Cycle thread, as was. Google  "5/16 BSCy" and you should see a selection of suppliers. Nooky's Nuts are very good, I find.
Before you do that try and find another 5/16  nut (not Whit or BSF!) on your bike and see if it fits the studs.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Greybeard on 21.05. 2021 23:22
Google says:

BSC (British Standard Cycle) Thread.
This fine thread profile was formulated for, and is well suited to cycle and motorcycle applications. Its fine pitch, allows high torque settings, and resists the tendancy to loosen under vibration, the larger core diameter also gives greater shear strength. Most people think that all cycle threads are 26 tpi pitch. Whilst this is true of all the most popular sizes from 1/4" to 3/4" diameter, other pitches were also used
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Swarfcut on 22.05. 2021 08:18
     An original nut from a front engine mounting plate/crankcase through  stud is worth a try.  This will be cycle thread. However as the tank is an Indian repro,  no guarantee as it's unlikely that  the thread on the tank  stud is actually cycle thread.

   The other slim chance possible is that the  Indian thread is  simply a poor attempt at a cycle thread and careful fettling with a die (more unbudgeted expense) may resolve matters. This original nut should fit easily on an original OEM tank fixed stud.

   Literature Section of the Forum has a Nut and Bolt Chart (thanks to Musky) which cross references BSA  Part Nos with thread sizes, bolt and stud lengths and appropriate nut sizes.

 Swarfy.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Triton Thrasher on 22.05. 2021 09:48
BSCy?

I think you have a job for a mm and threads per inch thread gauge.

Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: RDfella on 22.05. 2021 11:59
Roger, when you say the threads 'are around M8' of course they could be 5/16" (as you are aware). But if an M8 nut doesn't fit, could it be you're trying the wrong pitch? Most metric threads in use are coarse pitch, but many motorcycles use a finer pitch. The standard M8 pitch is 1.25mm, but could well be 1.0mm on a motorcycle, or even .75mm. I find the range of pitches on metric annoying - as many as four on some diameters. I've always thought the best compromise was BSF/BSW.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: KiwiGF on 22.05. 2021 12:35
My Indian tank on my SR fits ok, but does anybody know what size/thread the two front tie bar studs are ?- I just can't find any nuts to fit !!
The studs are approx 8 mm dia. but neither metric or 5/16 bsf/unf nuts seem to fit - any thoughts please?

The two most used tools I have for working on old brit bikes are a thread guage (mm/tpi) and a vernier 😏, I think you need a thread guage.

I like to keep to the original bolts etc but it's not easy, my B44 has a mixture of bsc, bsf, ba, unc and unf on the various engine cases as oem, plus some metric bolts bodged in by previous owners  *problem*

The A10 is simpler, generally using bsc and whitworth with the occasional oddball thread like bsf (particularly on the lucas components).

I think it unlikely the indian tank has bsc, its more likely to be unf or unc.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Colsbeeza on 22.05. 2021 13:06
Roger,
I have an Indian tank, but don't know who made it. I bought it from a local motorcycle parts dealer.
The threads are definitely 5/16" BSCy. I had not fitted a strap, and the threads were rusty. I cleaned them up a few days ago and some new 5/16" BSCy nuts fitted perfectly. Hopefully yours is the same.
Col
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: groily on 22.05. 2021 13:11

The threads are definitely 5/16" BSCy. I had not fitted a strap, and the threads were rusty. I cleaned them up a few days ago and some new 5/16" BSCy nuts fitted perfectly.


Same here. Straight on, no problems with the one I had on mine either.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 22.05. 2021 15:42
Well, I've tried all the suggestions using nuts from other parts of the bike and all 5/16 nuts of any thread will not even start - nor 8mm - the stud diameter is 8.2 mm so it seems I need a m9 nut or the imperial equivalent which would be a very unusual size !!
So to recap : 5/16 or m8 - too small- won't even start
                    3/8 or m10 - too big.
Still scratching my head.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Bsareg on 22.05. 2021 16:34
Is it a coarse thread like whit or UNC? The core of these threads are smaller dia because of the deeper thread, cycle or BSF might not start due to the thicker core dia.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: groily on 22.05. 2021 16:59
Is or was the tank chromed in part or whole? If so, are there traces on the threads? Might need a die (or a nut with a slot cut across one flat) running up the threads?
If the threads are fine / fine-ish, than it can only really be BSC at 26tpi (as it's meant to be), possibly BSF at 22tpi, or UNF at 24tpi, outside chance M8 x 1.25 or 1mm. They're too slim for 9mm. BSW or UNC would have been a bad choice for them, for being too coarse with too thin a minor diameter, so I doubt it is either of them  . . . but you never know!
I'll stick my **** on the block and say I think that, because  the design of these things has been pretty much standardised now among the various tin-bashers out there, it'll be BSC in need of a clean-up, but hey, could be wrong of course!
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 22.05. 2021 17:24
It looks to be a fine thread and I think Groily might be onto something.
The tank is chrome/red so if there is a chrome build up plus a bit of red overspray, that might explain the "oversize" diameter.
Thanks guys - I shall investigate further - if it ever stops raining !!
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Greybeard on 22.05. 2021 23:21
After my tank was chromed I had to clean those threads. I bought a thread file to do the job. One of the threads is still tight.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: berger on 12.08. 2021 22:42
hellooo only mee. do any of you people know if you have to pay import duty or other stuff when getting a petrol tank from india
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Greybeard on 12.08. 2021 22:53
hellooo only mee. do any of you people know if you have to pay import duty or other stuff when getting a petrol tank from india
I think the answer is, yes, if you are unlucky. 😁
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 12.08. 2021 23:00
I bought mine in March from http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/universalsparesuk/
Paid £180 incl delivery. Fits perfect and no leaks ..... yet !
Tank is red/chrome complete with taps,badges,kneepads and cap.
They don't always have them in stock but worth a search.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Greybeard on 12.08. 2021 23:08
I bought mine in March from http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/universalsparesuk/
Paid £180 incl delivery. Fits perfect and no leaks ..... yet !
Tank is red/chrome complete with taps,badges,kneepads and cap.
They don't always have them in stock but worth a search.
But did you have to pay import duty?
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Roger (Doomtrainbarx) on 12.08. 2021 23:19
Nope - £180 total all in.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: berger on 13.08. 2021 00:11
yes roger universal spares uk. i need to know about duty on a 360£ tank from india because it says i am responsible for any duty, so if i have to pay duty on top of that i will use a squeezy bottle  instead  *help*
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: jhg1958 on 13.08. 2021 08:03
I paid 20% duty on a Chainguard from India. Made the purchase marginal compared with uk shops. I will not do it again.
 :!
John
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: berger on 13.08. 2021 11:22
thanks i have been told it could turn into a very expensive tank for the berger build so i think a home made one with the help of some rollers and my mate the welder will be the best option and save the £££££s for the pub *beer*
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Minto on 09.09. 2021 10:43
Berger, I hope we'll be getting pictorial updates of this.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: berger on 09.09. 2021 11:19
hi minto i am waiting on updates from the chap who says he will get the frame to engine ears and the extensions to the engine plates sorted so i can get moving. the frame is sat here in the house so it doesn't go rusty after being blasted and crack tested. there are a couple of cracks to weld up as well.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: Minto on 09.09. 2021 22:38
Looking cosey there Mr Berger.
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: chaterlea25 on 09.09. 2021 22:55
Hi Berger,
As requested  ,,   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143798239255

 *smile* *smile*
John
Title: Re: Indian petrol tank
Post by: berger on 10.09. 2021 00:18
haha minto it's collecting webs now, i have had several " yes we can do that" answers to my prayers and then been let down. i do hope i hear from the chap who has seen the frame and empty engine and gearbox cases all together. i hope this will be in the next two weeks , according to the last phone call.    john very good cheers *beer*