The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Frame => Topic started by: Nomad54 on 26.11. 2025 00:14

Title: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Nomad54 on 26.11. 2025 00:14
After sending my petrol tank to a so called classic restorer who said he could rechrome and paint back to original spec I was furious to see what I got back.
When I spoke to the restorer he blamed the chromer and said it was not his fault.
So much for using so called professionals. 3rd photo is how the tank was to start.
Tom
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Rex on 26.11. 2025 09:04
Useable to f*cked in one short session.
If the restorer contracted the chromer to do the work then it's still the restorer's fault.
Small claims court, is the route I'd take.
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: rocker21 on 26.11. 2025 09:46
yes small claims is the way to go, finding a good original tank is almost impossible as i have found out, dont buy an indian one i have rejected 2 for poor quality and sent them back. i have after many months of searching found a tank that can be restored, been to loads of bike jumbles and on line searches
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Adler on 26.11. 2025 17:09
Dear Nomad,
I feel very sorry for you. I Just cannot imagine, how this damage happened. What did the the two rivet men (the "restorer" and the chromer) do to create such a mess? Just unbeliveable for me.
I hope, you will find a good tank very soon.
Good luck,
Manfred
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Nomad54 on 26.11. 2025 17:12
Thanks for the replies guys. The restorer
Has supplied me with another tank which looks not to bad. The chrome and paintwork looks ok but my problem is that I have been restoring this bike as I believe it is one of the last police a10s supplied in1963. It had the mounting points on the tank for the chrome rack which housed the radio. The new tank doesn't have these. How do I stand with them supplying this tank.
Tom
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Adler on 26.11. 2025 17:58
Hello Tom,
I would suggest, the restorer, the chromer and you should sit together and discuss the way, how the new tank can be modified with the four fixings to reach a satisfying result for you. Are the two guys specialists or not? Now, they should show what they are able of and can. You are the customer.
Good luck.
Manfred
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: RichardL on 26.11. 2025 20:20
I do spot the possible leak. They might have left it in the acid a wee too long (to borrow one of your expressions).

Richard L.
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: RichardL on 26.11. 2025 20:23
Oh, I was a bit slow on the uptake. Where the acid had the worst effect is the painted area, which didn't have the chrome to take the brunt of the blow.

Richard L.
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Joolstacho on 26.11. 2025 22:32
That tank was junk BEFORE the chrome platers got at it. Just look at the deep rust pitting.
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Black Sheep on 27.11. 2025 07:30
Rechroming an old tank is risky at best. The process does involve attacking the metal and can seriously weaken it or indeed destroy it. As you discovered to your cost. An expensive lesson to all. 
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: berger on 27.11. 2025 12:14
jools is on the money there it was attacked with internal corrosion .
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Bsareg on 27.11. 2025 16:07
There's  chap on faceache marketplace selling an A10 tank with those 4 tapped holes but it's an all painted tank (why) and what's under the paint ?
Title: Re: Petrol tank restoration ???
Post by: Adler on 13.12. 2025 20:09
Hello Tom (Nomad54),
do you have any good news regarding your petrol tank restoration problem? Have you had good luck with the replacement tank? Would like to know, the story has found a happy ending, eventually.
Best regards, Manfred