AJS Model 30

Ironhead · Post by **Ironhead** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:29 pm

Hello again I hope somebody can help me, I asked a question back in March I was looking at a model 30 and thought it had an iron head (Hence my new name)Anyway I bought it all the numbers match but it needs a full restoration.
I have stripped it down with the help of this site by searching different subjects,the worst part of the bike is the tank there is two dents quite deep right where the badges go either side, could anybody tell me if you can pull a dent out without cutting a hole in the tank, and what thread and size are the small bolts that hold the badges on.
Thanks Alex

jamster · Post by **jamster** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 3:25 pm

A mate of mine has done exhausts by sealing them up and filling with compressed air to about 60psi. Then heating it gently and it pops out.
Two things to watch
1. yours is a petrol tank so would need cleaning before heating or it might blow up... you have been warned
2. The metal can stretch which could be another problem in itself.

Might be best to look on the net for a specialist or ask the paint shops what they can do for you

woster · Post by **woster** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:56 pm

I advise aginst pressurizing the tank to try to get the dents out. This can be done safely with water pressure but you will blow up the whole tank like a balloon, blow out seams and have a very bad set of problems. You can fill the dents with body filler, or have a good welder or auto body person cut out the dents , streighten them and weld them back in. you still have the weld area to deal with. Others have opened tanks by grinding the seam, fixing the dents, and re-welding the seam.