Aye MT01Torque,
Welcome to the "madhouse"!
I purchased a 1991 Monoshock, with a rough tank. No leaks, but repaired with rough TIG weld/resin putty and daubed with paint that then bubbled!
After lots of deliberation the tank was sent to Hartlepool Radiator Co. for repair, having been re-assured that they knew what they were doing, given a reasonable turnaround time of 2-3 weeks, after being quoted a firm price. The use of 'Fuel Tank Renu' sealant to line the tank with and an "invisible repair" as the base of the tank would be removed and then re-welded once the welding repairs had been made. The tank would be finished in primer ready to receive a finishing coating.
Long story, the tank was returned after over 10 weeks, after telephone calls and emails and no firm price given. The top of the tank having been cut open to gain access and not the bottom, as advertised. Welding and filler had changed the shape of the tank so that it no longer straddled the frame and located on the front retaining rubbers. The primer/filler was a "blow job" and the packaging within a 3mm cardboard carton was some old bubble wrap, a 'T' shirt, part of a copy of an old newspaper, crisp bags and a 'Wagon Wheel" wrapper, just to add insult to injury. Needless to say that the tank had broken through the carton and had suffered further damage, the seams at the rear being bent at 90° to the vertical and the petrol tap mounting threads were blocked with sealant!
The company owner had apparently been away on holiday and left "instructions" to repair and despatch. Apologised for shoddy packing after I sent images, refused to refund work payment, but finally agreed to refund P&P. Cost me over £300 and still required re-finishing, priming, paint and lacquering in addition.
All in all, a bad experience! The Renu tank liner appears to be of good quality and has been used with both E5 and E10, along with Castrol ValveMaster/Fuel stabiliser added at 1:1,000 (10ml:10litres), without octane booster, with no apparent ill effects after 3½ years use.
A good tank from Japan (via Jauce) might seem expensive, it will probably cost at least 3 times the final bid price, once carriage and import duties have been paid, but may prove a good purchase, if it avoids the scenario that I was involved in.
Hope you are able to enjoy the beastie this summer.
Good health, Bill
