MB that'll run on beer

Lay'emLow · #1 03-17-2010, 07:24 PM

Ive got ideas to use a heineken draught keg (the mini 5L kegs) as a gas tank. That is, after Ive emptied it of course!!

Anyway, Im stumped on a good mounting technique. I think the easiest way to do it would be to make a rack and mount it above the rear wheel. I rarely ever make things easy on myself though.

I would really prefer to make a channel in it and sling it over the toptube (for aesthetic purposes, i think this would look awesome!) I realized though that Id be creating two troughs essentially. Does this mean Id need two petcocks? How do other gastanks constructed in this fashion do it?

**RedB66** · #2 03-17-2010, 07:35 PM

You'll need two petcocks into a "Y" fitting or a crossover. Basically a tube below the tunnel that connects the two halves. The tank pictured shows the two bungs near the top.

Lay'emLow · #3 03-18-2010, 10:20 AM

Alright, suspicions confirmed, ACE here I come.

Beyond the petcock issue, does anyone have any tips for a first time tank builder? I realize that my welds must be impeccably solid. Is there some kind of substance I can pour in the tank after building, swish around and let dry to ensure a good seal? This could even double as a finish for the bare metal on the inside of the tank (is that even an issue of concern?)

As you can see Im pretty clueless to the specifics of tank building. Id appreciate any guidance you all with more knowledge than myself can impart.

Thanks all for taking the time to read and to share!

furament · #4 03-18-2010, 10:36 AM

better empty 2 or 3 right

Homeless Bob · #5 03-18-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lay'emLow

...does anyone have any tips for a first time tank builder? I realize that my welds must be impeccably solid. Is there some kind of substance I can pour in the tank after building, swish around and let dry to ensure a good seal? This could even double as a finish for the bare metal on the inside of the tank (is that even an issue of concern?)...

Good luck dude...

Make sure you have good, clean joints and welds... when you're done, put some water in the tank and attach a pressure hose to "pressure test" it and make sure there are no "pinhole" leaks... if so, fix them, if not, empty the tank, dry it, finish the metal, etc. Once fab is complete you can creme the tank with a sealant. You can get tank creme in a lot of "automotive" places.

Finally, do your paint and final finish...

Hope that gives you some insight. There's an old book I have called Metal Fabricator's Handbook that has good info on building tanks.

bairdco · #6 03-18-2010, 01:53 PM

Kreem Products - Kreem Fuel Tank Liner 1 Pint

you can buy a kit from "kreem" that has three stages. a metal etching fluid that'll roughen up the inside of the tank so it'll stick, a cleaner/degreaser, and the coating itself.

i've got it in my tank and it seems to work great.

only problem is, when your tank's all done and you want to go riding, you have to wait 24 hours for the kreem to set up. so you sit there and stare at it, willing it to dry faster, as it sits on your workbench mocking you.

Lay'emLow · #7 03-18-2010, 03:38 PM

I knew there was something out there for that purpose.... I just had no idea what it was.

Thanks for pointin me in the right direction fellas. As soon as I get any progress done Ill post some pictures. In the mean time... cheers!

wheelbender6 · #8 03-18-2010, 06:40 PM

My non-motorized bikes have been running on beer since I turned 18.

diceman2004 · #9 03-18-2010, 09:16 PM

if you are going to weld , solder or braze the beer keg , you can kiss the hieneken paint job good buy , you,ll need to drink another keg and make a skin for the burnt keg ( if ya wanna keep the hieneken theme going )

Lay'emLow · #10 03-20-2010, 08:14 PM

Ive been messin around with bits and pieces of this build here and there. I just cut the mini keg to where I want it to fit and man am I happy with the look it created. The heineken logo isnt that important to me... actually it looks kind of funny being the only piece of the bike that isnt weathered. I was actually thinking of stripping it to bare metal and letting it get a little surface rust (patina to the classy ones).

I snapped some pictures to let you guys see what direction Im heading. Look close in the bottom of the wide shot and you may spot another upgrade from my last build. Ill give you a clue, it rhymes with kift sh-t.

I didnt realize how thin the mini keg's metal is. Ill definitely blow right thru it with my flux core mig. I think it may come down to renting something for more delicate work from harbor freight. Any recommendations?

Thanks for lookin yall!