cutting up a bike frame & putting it back together with epoxy?

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angryteabag

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Jul 29, 2014
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I'm thinking of cutting up my bike frame in order to make the frame the gas tank.
I want to cut the top cylinder, fill in both sides with metal/plastic material and epoxy it in.

The reason I want to use epoxy is because i don't have access to welding gear.

Is it a thing that is possible/wold work and handle the vibration/stress?
 

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2door

2door

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Sep 15, 2008
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Only if you plan to use the bike for static display and never intend to ride it.

This is a very bad idea. Please don't try it. There is a reason why bicycle frames are welded and not glued together. The potential for injury is high.

Tom
 
2door

2door

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Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
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angryteabag said:
Thought so. So the same idea but welded?
Click to expand...
Welded by a person who is competent in the craft is the only way.

Structurally you have to realize what the top tube does as far as frame integrity is concerned. Loss or failure of that part of the frame will put all of the weight and stress on the bottom bracket and the down tube where it attaches to it. The frame would 'fold up' in the middle. I don't have to explain what would result if that happened while you are riding the bike, at any speed.

Explore some alternatives for a fuel tank or find someone to weld it for you.
Good luck.

Tom
 
KCvale

KCvale

Well-Known Member
Feb 28, 2010
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... or just buy a $125 frame with a built in gas tank and move your parts to it.
gasbike.net has them with free delivery.
 
A

ajoh

Member
Mar 21, 2014
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australia
it would in nz dollars lol ........jokin.......

find a near by metal fab shop DON'T cut the frame but
1, work out a basic shape for a tank using cardboard
2, get some sheet metal cut out the pieces for your tank
3, get the fab shop to weld it all up (to your frame if that's what you really want)

do a search on here an get ideas for tanks just don't cut up your frame
 
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greaser_monkey_87

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Mar 30, 2014
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I am curious as to why you want to do this? I'm not being smart or anything, just curious what is the difference between the tank being where it is now or an inch lower and a permanent part of the frame. Should the tank ever malfunction or have structural damage (rust, wreck, leak, etc), you will not be able to remove it for the repair or replacement without cutting it off, and cutting it may lead to sparks, not a good idea in a tank that's had fuel in it.
 
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angryteabag

New Member
Jul 29, 2014
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New Zealand
greaser_monkey_87 said:
I am curious as to why you want to do this? I'm not being smart or anything, just curious what is the difference between the tank being where it is now or an inch lower and a permanent part of the frame. Should the tank ever malfunction or have structural damage (rust, wreck, leak, etc), you will not be able to remove it for the repair or replacement without cutting it off, and cutting it may lead to sparks, not a good idea in a tank that's had fuel in it.
Click to expand...

All of the above is true. basically, I don't like the style of the current tank, and if I'm going to put effort into getting a new tank, may as well make it so the tanks uses space efficiently. - Here in NZ, a good looking replacement tank will cost as much as it would to cut and reweld the frame.

So

1) Style, it's simply bad ass to have the fuel in the frame
2) Efficient use of space
3) Practical - as you can use the space to put bags or whatever on it.
4) Costs the same as alternatives
 
miked826

miked826

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Aug 6, 2011
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No need to cut the frame. Build the tank out of the same metal as the frame, then slice it down the middle and weld it in place. So what if the top tube runs through the tank? The frames structural integrity will remain and that's all that really matters.

You may not have enough clearance under the top tube for anything other than a tank that sits on top of the top tube.
 
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Dan

Dan

Staff
May 25, 2008
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Moosylvania
miked826 said:
No need to cut the frame. Build the tank out of the same metal as the frame, then slice it down the middle and weld it in place. So what if the top tube runs through the tank? The frames structural integrity will remain and that's all that really matters.

You may not have enough clearance under the top tube for anything other than a tank that sits on top of the top tube.
Click to expand...
Been thinking just that. Pretty cool thought.

Another option is an old scooter or MC tank. I know not what you were thinking, ATB. But would be almost bolt on and removable if ya needed. Junk/scrap/salvage yards some times have really cool old ones for cheap. Found one at a thrift store once for $3.

Just a thought.
 
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