A10 Spitfire Scrambler Tanks

[Brucie64]

Hello,

I am trying to source a replacement 2.5 Gallon fuel tank for an a 1957/58 A10 Spitfire Scrambler. I may have finally tracked one down but the owner says it is the "pear shaped" badge version as found on the 61/62 model. I am a little unsure as to the authenticity of this as all the original tanks I have seen so far in magazines and the Internet are round badge versions (normally 4" badges)

Can anyone with more knowledge than me in these matters verify that there was indeed at any stage a pear shaped tank manufactured for the A10 spitfire scambler?

Bruce
Bucks
UK

[dpaddock]

It's a problem identifying early Spitfire parts; the factory published nothing about Spit-specific tanks in the Spares Books, and the USA sales literature (always less than accurate) mentions only that a two gallon petrol tank was fitted to the 1957 and 1958 models. Pictures there show 3 1/2 inch round badges (except for the announcement in the May 1957 "Cycle" (US) magazine that shows a four inch badge).

None of the sales literature for the later years shows any Spitfire badges other than round.

David

[Brucie64]

Hi David,

Many thanks for your assistance, I have a funny feeling the guy selling the tank is just out for a sale no matter what. I think I will let this one go and hold out for a round badge version. Unfortunately these tanks seem to be very rare in the UK so I may need to broaden my search to the US.

Anyone know of any good companies in the US that may stock such an item?

Regards
Bruce
Bucks
UK

[dpaddock]

I have the Factory despatch records for the Spitfire and the RGS. If you care to send me the engine and frame numbers, I'd be happy to verify - but perhaps you already have this info. My email address is listed in my profile.

Any BSA steel petrol tanks "stocked" these days would most likely be repo's. They do turn up in swap meets and auto jumbles in various stages of usefulness. I spent over $800 US to restore such a tank back in 1995.

David

[Brucie64]

Hi David,

Many thanks for your help and showing me the relative factory despatch records for my bike, My spitfire has frame number CA7A428 (1957/58 frame I think) and engine number DA10R7570 (1962 engine).

I can't send to your email address David as the forum says its hidden for some reason.

Regards
Bruce

[rocket man]

there you go a frame with a diffrent engine just get a tank
that looks good on your bike and ride it then look out for the tank you need
a lote ove the old tanks have a lot ove repairs on them myself
i wouldint trust an old tank unless it wasint used a lot
just think if you get an old tank and its not repaired properly
and it leaked petrol onto your lovely hot motor what would happen 

[Brucie64]

Thanks for the note rocket man, thats exactly what I am doing. I have an odd tank tank already that with a bit of care and attention (plus paint) will suffice till a better one comes my way.

I shall of course take your expert advice and watch out for any subsequent fuel leaks rom any tank I aquire. 

[rocket man]

the tank on my bike came from c and d auto its an indian tank
reproduction it came fully cromed for 180 pounds i hade it painted candy red
and i had the gold lines done by a coach painter by hand
you carnt eaven get a tank recromed for that
i had the original tank but it had a resin put on inside
which was coming off bit by bit and the tank had been recromed
a few times so the metal was very thin an accident waiting to happen

[dpaddock]

Brucie64 - email me directly re the numbers.

David

[Brucie64]

Hi David,

I still don't know your email address, so I have sent you a PM on this site.

Regards
Bruce

[coater87]

 Rocket man,

 How are those tanks as far as quality? I have seen them at SRM, but would have to ship across the pond- nice to know how they are before I place an order.

 Thank you,
Lee

[NickSR]

Hi Bruce

I guess you have looked at the link to other sites BSA A10 Super Rocket  - Daniel Boss which is possible has the best range of photos of Spitfire there is.

It is only my view I think you require a round badge (3.5''?) with a stantard fuel cap, pear drop badges are for the 1960 onwards Super Rocket/RGS export model these came with the quick release caps (bar on top).

Again you will see 2 gallon Gold Star tanks  4'' badges  fitted to Spitfires

It is your choice in which tank you would like to fit  as it is down availiblity and money as you have found out they are very rare.

Regards
Nick
1962 super Rocket
England

[Brucie64]

Hi Nick,

Thanks for the post, yes I have already looked at Daniel Boss's site, very good site indeed, most informative. I do agree with you that I think the 3.5" round version tank is definately the one to go for but it's just finding the dam thing!

I have an old tank which I believe may have originated on a fleetstar and looks to roughly have the same profile and shape of a spitfire tank, although slightly larger.  It unfortuantely has no indents for the badges and a nasty dint on the left handside. It's my intention to spruce this up and use it till the correct one falls into my lap.

Regards
Bruce

[beezalex]

Was the spitfire tank unique to the spitfire or also fitted to other A10's?  I have one that seems to match your description (3.5" gallon small tank) that came on an A65 I have, but I doubt it's off something as fancy as a Spitfire.  Do you know of any other identifying marks?

[rocket man]

hi again the tanks are ove good quality
and very well put together and the crome
is very good carnt fault it