1959 g12 tanks

[frogeye1000]

Hi all,

My '59 g12 currently has this tank fitted

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mMJw8Dy1TLSDLjHk6

I have just rubbed it down and ite peppered with holes and dents to the point where as soon as I weld a hole up, another one appears

I've seen pictures of '59 g12's with this shape of tank,

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MATCHLESS-AJ ... 890.l49292

Will I be right in thinking that it would fit my bike. Going by the shape and fit of my seat, this would look a better fit than whats on it.

Are there any Indian sellers that have better quality than others?

Regards

Richard

[dave16mct]

That one is 'wrong' for your '59 twin, (no centre seam, smaller and rear cut-out for single seat). It was used until '58 for singles and twins, then '59 for singles only. You could fit it presuming all the threaded holes line up. There is one here in ebay: 174567595126 it's expensive but the correct one for your bike. Same problem of fit with the holes etc. I've seen the smaller tank fitted to later twins and I always think it looks slightly odd. You could try advertising for a 2nd hand one. It's a fairly rare tank as it was only fitted to twins and for one year only.
Dave.

[dave16mct]

This one's a lot cheaper and you'd just have to cut off the rear bracket (this causes the tank to split anyway) and weld/braze on 2 'buttons'. Then fit with a 'hoover' belt at the back which takes away 2 potential no-fit threads. Ebay number 174567595186
Dave.

[frogeye1000]

Thanks for reply dave, I've looked at those two but rolled them out on price. I think my tank is the cheaper one with the 3 mounts as it has the remains of the rear strap and two rear buttons welded at 3/8 instead of 5/16.

I think this is the tank in my first post on the same year bike as mine.



If as you say its 'wrong' for the year, but will fit I'm happy to go with it. I quite prefer the look of it to my original, but I do understand its subjective and not to everyone's taste.

If a good original one turns up in the future at the right price then I can go for it. In the mean time at least its still on the road.

Cheers
Richard.

[dave16mct]

Yes I completely understand that and agree it's the right way to go. But, as the tank you're going with is relatively plentifull, why not go for a 2nd hand original? There are usually a few on ebay or you could put an advert in the jampot for free. It often brings results.

PS to look right you may need the 'singles' seat which rides up on the tank. The original '59 twin type is a shortish stubby fronted seat which butts up behind the tank. Might look a bit odd with the earlier tank.
Dave

[MalcW]

This one's a lot cheaper and you'd just have to cut off the rear bracket (this causes the tank to split anyway) and weld/braze on 2 'buttons'. Then fit with a 'hoover' belt at the back which takes away 2 potential no-fit threads. Ebay number 174567595186
Dave.

My Model 31 is a 1960 bike and has the rear bracket. Should I be worried, or could splitting be the result of over tightening? I just just nip mine up about finger tight plus a turn or so.

Malc

[dave16mct]

The tank with rear bracket was (originally) only fitted to the singles about '60, '61. I had one on a 650 and it had split before I got it and repaired with braze. I think I left it loose but I did consider cutting it off. My model 20 has the clamp at the rear and for the last 10 years or so I haven't bothered with it. It's just too much bother to fit it. The tank just sits there on a foam pad with the seat and weight of fuel holding it down, and it does get ridden a lot! On my CSR I had 2 buttons (hooks actually) for the hoover belt welded on.
Dave

[frogeye1000]

Quick update. I decided to go for the correct shape tank from danishautoparts, but the 1960 model, not 59 which was over £100 more for some reason, so I have to trim the rear mount hole a bit. Not big deal to save £100+.
Tank arrived this morning after ordering 10 days ago. Communication with seller in India was OK. Replied to my questions and was informed of dispatch with an email and tracking number. Dispatched on Friday, arrived Monday morning.
Tank itself is shit-hot. Well pleased with it. Its shape, its thickness and its quality is well up there. Mounting threads are 3/8 unc rather than 5/16 cycle and fuel taps are 1/8 bsp rather than 1/4, but I can drill them out and retap them 1/4. Pressure tested tank and all ok. Next job is to flush it out with phosphoric acid to neutralise the flash rusting and seal it.
Anyone in any doubts as to the quality of indian tanks can be rest assured, at least from this supplier.

Regards
Richard

https://photos.app.goo.gl/u2CQRjWeqFTj9gYg6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iQbGFcAYsmTq9eT78

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F5QyxFiP1C2egKYV7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/abySj6jYQwQZ8cPTA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WsGmQGrvd3NobYTYA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8P7v2tDkGwcUEQim7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xUCcF1V1q7LtbxgKA

[39speedtwin]

If you pressure tested it and it was ok, don't line it as later it will be difficult to get repaired.

[frogeye1000]

If you pressure tested it and it was ok, don't line it as later it will be difficult to get repaired.

I expect to be dead by the time it need repairing.