[almostordinary]

Hey gang,

Getting close to having all the components to rebuild one of my two builds.

Question regarding the tabs that connect the fuel cover lock.

One of the tabs on my is missing/broken.

With the tank look I am going for I'd like to just remove these two tabs as I am looking to fill the indentations smooth to the tank.

Are these soldered on from the factory or will I need to cut/grind them off?

I just bought two tanks that are 9.5/10, both I plan on doing this to. I do have a spare tank that I'd have to dig up that I can test this out on, but wondering if anyone here's removed them before I jump in.

Thanks

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Those are welded on. You'll need to grind them down.

 

[almostordinary]

Dang, alright. Looks like I'll be testing my grinding skills on the spare rotted out tank I have.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

When you get close to the tank, swap the stone for a flap disc.

 

[almostordinary]

I've actually decided that I am going to get a flush mount gas cap installed, so I will leave this to the pros.

I've bought two great condition deluxe tanks each for $500+ and don't want to have a paperweight on my hands... they're getting too hard to come by in mediocre condition... I know my limits

Have some really cool ideas that I will be putting on this build, can't wait to get going in the next couple of weeks and sharing progress.

 

[reclinedrelic]

Is there any evidence that the lock tabs were spot welded? If so, drilling or milling out the spot welds might be an option to grinding.

 

[Deliverance]

Looks like you are missing the spring rather than a tab

 

[almostordinary]

spring is also missing, but the tab that's closest to the gas cap looks to be broken, that knurled down section is straight across on my other deluxe gas tank.

 

[CXPHREAK]

It's not damaged. Some were like that .... for some reason.

Check this thread out.

Fuel filler anomaly

While continuing to work through the standard fuel tanks I have here I have come across an anomaly I've not noticed before. I'm aware of the early 78 variant as I once gave a fuel tank to a friend and he had to source the latch etc. through the Oz forum. I hadn't even noticed the difference...

www.cx500forum.com

 

[almostordinary]

Wow @CXPHREAK this changes everything!

May keep the original gas cap setup on both builds now. Looking for a new pin and new caps for both tanks now. Have perfect covers with keys so this is great news.

Thank you!

 

[almostordinary]

I guess my next question would be, which one/set of clips would I need for this to actually work?

 

[CXPHREAK]

The main image here is the early 78 tank and cap components.

The smaller image {not visible in your pic} is the later components and these are the parts that will match your tank.

 

[almostordinary]

Interesting,

This image?

Grabbing from here: 1979 Honda CX500D A FUEL TANK I | Babbitts Honda Partshouse

 

[CXPHREAK]

Actually .... I think you were right the first time.

Honda only updates what they feel they need to for these pics. The cap cover shown is actually the early one in both pictures but I guess the correct components are in the first pic you posted.

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

#11 is what you're missing. Hard to find NOS. Maybe available used, but I suspect they're easily lost, so rare.
You could recreate it from a wire coat hanger, if you have a pattern.

 

[almostordinary]

Yea, i'm going to dig through all the spare parts I have think I actually saw one somewhere. If I can find it, I'll make another one w a coat hanger to have a stronger spare or a newer replacement.

If I can't I'll use the below as a template and get to heating and bending. I'll report back.

Thanks!

 

[almostordinary]

Well I knew I had this somewhere, just cleaned the garage to get things in order for the second bike coming back next week.

The metal is not even as dextrous as a close hanger, definitely more spring like, such an odd design. Tested it out and it works!

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

The wire strike is there so you can defeat the lock non-destructively if the key is lost. With the right tool, you can reach under the edge of the filler cover and draw out the wire.

 

[thackney]

Not sure you even need a key to open it. Try a screwdriver or your car key.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Not sure you even need a key to open it. Try a screwdriver or your car key.

That's the Standard filler cover. The Deluxe has a locking cover.