Quick bling fix for exposed tank seam

Thunder Lizard · 06-23-2007

Hey gang, nothing too earth shattering here.. but I heard someone mention a few days ago that it was "too bad they left the tank seam showing" on my VN900LT.
So, naturally, after that, my eyes wouldn't bloody GO anywhere else. So, a quick trip to Canadian Tire (maybe Pep Boyz or something for our US buds) and I grabbed some wheel opening molding..... 3/8" size. It's got a freakin' amazing 3M tape on it, and it's chromed rubber that follows curves really well....... so, we went from this (not my tank, but we all know it's similar)

To this, which I like LOTS better.

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-tankedge-edited-.jpg.JPG
Views: 240
Size: 60.2 KB
ID: 12730

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-tankedge-1-edited-.jpg(edited).JPG
Views: 166
Size: 58.9 KB
ID: 12732

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-tankedge-3-edited-.jpg(edited).JPG
Views: 132
Size: 63.9 KB
ID: 12733

The rounded molding seems to go with the semi-retro style of the LT, and I think for a first mod, for $14 and 15 minutes (it's a lot easier if you take the trim off around the instrument cluster, and carry the molding all the way around in one piece), what the heck, it's a start, eh?
At least she's no longer 100% bone stock...... now, off to Parts Canada.......LOL.
Of course, I DID end up with about 9 feet of that molding left........ HMMMMMMMM

Here's one question, though... does anyone think that quality adhesive graphics are cool, or is it "paint only?"
While I was shopping, I saw some very cool ideas........

Thunder Lizard · 06-23-2007

Oh lord, it's started.... yep, stared at it every time I went by, thinking "something's off balance, now". Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but I ended up adding a couple things....

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-dsc04510-edited-.jpg.JPG
Views: 139
Size: 60.1 KB
ID: 12742

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-dsc04511-edited-.jpg.JPG
Views: 178
Size: 63.3 KB
ID: 12743

quick-bling-fix-exposed-tank-seam-dsc04513-edited-.jpg.JPG
Views: 146
Size: 63.2 KB
ID: 12744

Just seemed like a thing to do. Opinions? Have I lost my mind and it looks silly? I know it's pretty dang tame afa "mods" go, but hey, it's still going to be identified in a crowd of LT's.
At least by me.
Maybe if it's not instantly apparent that there's new trim on the fenders, that's kind of a good thing.
(BTW, it was a lot easier after I removed the front fender. The rear wasn't so bad, I ended just before the stock chrome trim behind the bags, where you won't see it. )

YurFatMom · 06-24-2007

Looks great! I am suprised how much better it looks with the additional $14!

A2rider · 06-24-2007

Cheap bling is the best bling! I think it looks great, and the only opinion that counts is yours.

Thunder Lizard · 06-24-2007

Thanks, gang. I think it's probably a good thing that I finally ran outta the stuff, though. I had about 2 feet left, and I kept holding it up here, holding it up there...... just better this way, lol.
I did run into a guy that has the red/black sister to mine, and he appreciated the touch..... he's now looking to do a similar thing, but he's on the way to blacking his out, so he's looking for some black answers... kind of a cool idea, as well, I think.

AtlantaDave · 06-24-2007

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../speedway1.jpg

I did the same thing and love the cheap bling!

Tbone800b · 06-24-2007

I like it! Nice job!

Christo · 06-28-2007

You know, I know what I like........................and I'm just not hating that!

Rsmith · 06-29-2007

I've been thinking about doing the same thing on my LT. When you did your tank did you remove the seat as well? Did you take the tank all the way off, or just remove the trim around the speedo?

Thanks. Your bike looks good with the added trim.

Thunder Lizard · 07-01-2007

I took the seat off, and the speedo trim. Started up under where the speedo trim will conceal it, and ran one continuous piece around the tank. The front fender had to come off too.
Glad ya like it. My dealer was at the motocross this weekend and he's impressed, I enjoyed that.
Even got a compliment from the owner of the local HD shop, which was real nice.

*jukief* · 07-01-2007

I did the same thing to my bike, too. I like the way it looks. And it hasn't come loose yet after almost three years--in all kinds of weather and conditions.

Thunder Lizard · 07-02-2007

It does seem to stick like it means to stay there!
Just as a note...... went and grabbed a "cramp buster" as a $15 way of getting cruise control......... it's awesome! Very easy to flip loose in town, very easy to adjust on the highway, and totally lets me relax my hand.

pat0021 · 07-02-2007

Nope its a good thing. I did my tank and both fenders too!!

just-g · 08-13-2007

I did my LTD 500 tank with some $7.00 truck door trim. And your right, gives a nice retro look.

love2ride · 08-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder Lizard

So, naturally, after that, my eyes wouldn't bloody GO anywhere else.

Now your eyes definitely arent going anywhere after a mod like that, now are they.

It does look good though.

Thunder Lizard · 08-15-2007

LMAO
Yeah, I was pretty pleased with that little touch, that day. I think I was more excited that it wasn't exactly purely bone stock anymore.

Polski · 09-04-2007

Did exactly the same thing you did about 6 months ago. Some very helpful tips on getting a good job: Clean the tank seams and fender edges with alcohol first. Using a hair dryer to heat the trim pieces makes it easier to go around the tighter radiuses like the rear fender. and heating the fender edges to insure a warm surface for the adhesive to stick. Great way to dress up and give a finished look to the raw edges of the fenders and tank.

ks_greg · 09-04-2007

When I installed my Mustang tank bib today, I had to take the bezel off, so I figured what's another $6? The truck door trim sold as a pair of 46" long strips is flat black, about the same sheen as the seat, bags and tank bib. With the bezel off, you can place your seam at the top center of the tank. If you want a continuous piece, you'd have to buy a roll of it @ $15, and it's a gloss black, and doesn't blend well.

I figure if it works loose, or I change my mind, it'll be easer to remove than the tank badges

Thunder Lizard · 09-05-2007

I really like the flat black, too. Actually, I REALLY like the flat black on your bike. I figure it wouldn't make that much diff on mine, with the seam black already, but on yours? LOVE IT.
I love what you've done with yours, all over.......'cept the debadging, I love the Vulcan badges, lol.
I have to wonder, though.... don't the leather fringes on your grips pizz you off on the freeway? I couldn't stand something flapping around there.
They LOOK dang cool, tho.

ks_greg · 09-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder Lizard

I love what you've done with yours, all over.......
I have to wonder, though.... don't the leather fringes on your grips pizz you off on the freeway?

Thanks, I just placed my last order for awhile yesterday. BAK intake, Hard Krome 3" Big Straights, FI2000R and Cobra passenger floorboards.
The fringe doesn't bother me. Always have a jacket on so I don't feel anything. My wife says they whip her kneecaps though when we're at cruisin' speed.

06-23-2007	#1 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	Quick bling fix for exposed tank seam Hey gang, nothing too earth shattering here.. but I heard someone mention a few days ago that it was "too bad they left the tank seam showing" on my VN900LT. So, naturally, after that, my eyes wouldn't bloody GO anywhere else. So, a quick trip to Canadian Tire (maybe Pep Boyz or something for our US buds) and I grabbed some wheel opening molding..... 3/8" size. It's got a freakin' amazing 3M tape on it, and it's chromed rubber that follows curves really well....... so, we went from this (not my tank, but we all know it's similar) To this, which I like LOTS better. The rounded molding seems to go with the semi-retro style of the LT, and I think for a first mod, for $14 and 15 minutes (it's a lot easier if you take the trim off around the instrument cluster, and carry the molding all the way around in one piece), what the heck, it's a start, eh? At least she's no longer 100% bone stock...... now, off to Parts Canada.......LOL. Of course, I DID end up with about 9 feet of that molding left........ HMMMMMMMM Here's one question, though... does anyone think that quality adhesive graphics are cool, or is it "paint only?" While I was shopping, I saw some very cool ideas........ __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride Last edited by Thunder Lizard : 06-23-2007 at 12:55 PM.

06-23-2007	#2 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	Oh lord, it's started.... yep, stared at it every time I went by, thinking "something's off balance, now". Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, but I ended up adding a couple things.... Just seemed like a thing to do. Opinions? Have I lost my mind and it looks silly? I know it's pretty dang tame afa "mods" go, but hey, it's still going to be identified in a crowd of LT's. At least by me. Maybe if it's not instantly apparent that there's new trim on the fenders, that's kind of a good thing. (BTW, it was a lot easier after I removed the front fender. The rear wasn't so bad, I ended just before the stock chrome trim behind the bags, where you won't see it. ) __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride

06-24-2007	#3 (permalink)
YurFatMom Jedi master BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Middle E., Wisconsin Posts: 3,046	Looks great! I am suprised how much better it looks with the additional $14! __________________ '03 YZ250 '03 Kodiak 400 '05 YFZ450 I turned blue!

06-24-2007	#5 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	Thanks, gang. I think it's probably a good thing that I finally ran outta the stuff, though. I had about 2 feet left, and I kept holding it up here, holding it up there...... just better this way, lol. I did run into a guy that has the red/black sister to mine, and he appreciated the touch..... he's now looking to do a similar thing, but he's on the way to blacking his out, so he's looking for some black answers... kind of a cool idea, as well, I think. __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride

06-24-2007	#6 (permalink)
AtlantaDave Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 615	http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../speedway1.jpg I did the same thing and love the cheap bling! __________________ 2006 Vulcan 900 Classic Peace...through SUPERIOR firepower

06-24-2007	#4 (permalink)
A2rider Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: KCK Posts: 19,729	Cheap bling is the best bling! I think it looks great, and the only opinion that counts is yours.

06-24-2007	#7 (permalink)
Tbone800b Skullhead Donkey Puncher Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Martinez, GA Posts: 1,057	I like it! Nice job! __________________ 2005 Vulcan 800 Classic V&H Cruizers Hi-Five Air Cleaner

06-28-2007	#8 (permalink)
Christo Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 748	You know, I know what I like........................and I'm just not hating that! __________________ "There's a difference between knowing your path........... ............and walking it!"

06-29-2007	#9 (permalink)
Rsmith Love to Ride! BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Delaware, OH Posts: 854	I've been thinking about doing the same thing on my LT. When you did your tank did you remove the seat as well? Did you take the tank all the way off, or just remove the trim around the speedo? Thanks. Your bike looks good with the added trim. __________________ 2006 Vulcan 900 LT *Carpe Diem*

07-01-2007	#10 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	I took the seat off, and the speedo trim. Started up under where the speedo trim will conceal it, and ran one continuous piece around the tank. The front fender had to come off too. Glad ya like it. My dealer was at the motocross this weekend and he's impressed, I enjoyed that. Even got a compliment from the owner of the local HD shop, which was real nice. __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride

07-01-2007	#11 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 18,179	I did the same thing to my bike, too. I like the way it looks. And it hasn't come loose yet after almost three years--in all kinds of weather and conditions. __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

07-02-2007	#12 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	It does seem to stick like it means to stay there! Just as a note...... went and grabbed a "cramp buster" as a $15 way of getting cruise control......... it's awesome! Very easy to flip loose in town, very easy to adjust on the highway, and totally lets me relax my hand. __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride

07-02-2007	#13 (permalink)
pat0021 IBA#34418 Forum Supporter Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ashland, Oh Posts: 2,127	Nope its a good thing. I did my tank and both fenders too!! __________________ If you like your freedom thank a Vet! U.S. Navy Vet 2006 VN900LT

08-13-2007	#14 (permalink)
just-g Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Independence MO Posts: 159	I did my LTD 500 tank with some $7.00 truck door trim. And your right, gives a nice retro look. Last edited by just-g : 08-13-2007 at 01:08 AM.

08-15-2007	#16 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	LMAO Yeah, I was pretty pleased with that little touch, that day. I think I was more excited that it wasn't exactly purely bone stock anymore. __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride

09-04-2007	#17 (permalink)
Polski Forum Supporter Forum Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 311	Did exactly the same thing you did about 6 months ago. Some very helpful tips on getting a good job: Clean the tank seams and fender edges with alcohol first. Using a hair dryer to heat the trim pieces makes it easier to go around the tighter radiuses like the rear fender. and heating the fender edges to insure a warm surface for the adhesive to stick. Great way to dress up and give a finished look to the raw edges of the fenders and tank.

09-04-2007	#18 (permalink)
ks_greg Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wichita, Ks. Posts: 700	black tank edge treatment When I installed my Mustang tank bib today, I had to take the bezel off, so I figured what's another $6? The truck door trim sold as a pair of 46" long strips is flat black, about the same sheen as the seat, bags and tank bib. With the bezel off, you can place your seam at the top center of the tank. If you want a continuous piece, you'd have to buy a roll of it @ $15, and it's a gloss black, and doesn't blend well. I figure if it works loose, or I change my mind, it'll be easer to remove than the tank badges __________________ '06 900 Classic http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x71/ks_greg/

09-05-2007	#19 (permalink)
Thunder Lizard VROC #25645 BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 693	I really like the flat black, too. Actually, I REALLY like the flat black on your bike. I figure it wouldn't make that much diff on mine, with the seam black already, but on yours? LOVE IT. I love what you've done with yours, all over.......'cept the debadging, I love the Vulcan badges, lol. I have to wonder, though.... don't the leather fringes on your grips pizz you off on the freeway? I couldn't stand something flapping around there. They LOOK dang cool, tho. __________________ To be a Rock, and not to Roll. '07 VN900 LT Blk/Slv "No Angel" My Ride Last edited by Thunder Lizard : 09-05-2007 at 12:47 AM.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)