New rider, first bike, lookin' for a gas tank

[storm16]

I am buying a 1985 Vulcan VN-700 from a friend who is leaving the country. Unfortunately, it has a leak at the base of the tank. He and another friend tried overwelding it, and he repainted the tank, however, he took it out yesterday, and it is still leaking. He has reduced the price appropriately, unfortunately, with his leaving the country at the end of the month, he doesn't have time to do anything with it.

What I am looking for here is options. Is there something I can use to seal the existing tank? I would rather do that than have to buy a new tank for a 20 year old bike. If not, where is the cheapest place to get a decent tank?

I looked on ebay, and there was one tank for this bike, but they wanted $300 for it. I looked at another site, and they wanted $800 for the entire tank assembly. I am extremely new to bikes, but am internet savvy, but in the last few hours of searching, I have found zip. He recommended a place in Houston that he had seen a tank for $150, but they don't have a website. I plan to call them this week, but I was wondering what options are available to me.

Thanks,
--Storm16

[zedx11]

try this stuff

[plavix]

I tried the Kreem products and wasn't very happy with the result. Then somebody told me about this product http://www.por15.com/PRODUCTS/COMPLE...3/Default.aspx
which worked much better. If you already have a sealer in the tank, Por15 also has a product to remove the existing coating.

[elr658]

But you need to take the tank to a radiator shop. Have it boiled out and lined.

POR and kreem will not suffice as you will have three gallons of gas over a hot engine in close proximity to....you know.

[Superfly]

I have used POR-15 with much success with small, pinhole leaks, if it is any larger than that, I would recommend the small tank repair kit. The problem w/ Kreem is that fuel additives (ie. fuel injector cleaner, carb cleaner) will tend to eat the Kreem whereas POR-15 can withstand it.

[storm16]

Sorry about not getting back sooner. The thing is that the owner and another friend of ours pulled the tank and welded it (at the bottom under the seat) then repainted it. He got a battery and took it out last weekend and says it is still leaking. I have two questions on this.

1) I talked to a friend of mine, and he suggested that since this was my first bike, and since I have not yet purchased the bike (I'm trying to resolve these issues before I do), that maybe I should get something that I can just get on and ride, instead of a project. On the other hand, if I can get this problem licked, as cheaply as possible, thats exactly what this bike could become. And I don't mind working on bikes/cars...In my job (computer geek) its therapy. Now, I am a bit circumspect working on the gas tank, but as long as I don't incenerate myself, I'm game.

2) Has anyone ever used either of these products? Is it a permanent fix or something to get me through a season (or less)?

Right now, the way I see it, I have three options...To not buy the bike...To buy it and try one of these products (probably the Por15)...To buy the bike and get a new tank, paint it etc. (Probably about another $500 investment.)

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks,
--Storm16