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Posted

Anyone tried wrapping a gas tank? I have an extra sportster tank lying around so Id like to give it a try, any thoughts or tips? If anyones done it before id love to see pics

I do quite a few whaletail bibs where the bottom is wrapped. The only difference with a tail only and a full body wrap would be the time to wet form it. The biggest tips I can give you is make sure it's very well cased and I wouldn't try to go much above 6/7oz on the weight. Some of those compound curves can be hell to form if the leather it too thick. Binder clamps or spring clamps make great ways to hold the leather on the tank seam. To keep the clamps & clips from making harsh marks, put a small piece of scrap leather between the clip and the leather being formed.

Other than that, take the time to figure out where you can clamp to before starting. Nothing sucks more than to start a wrap and realize the end you're working on has nowhere to clamp to. Also, plan for 1/8-1/4" of shrinkage anywhere you really have to massage the leather over a curve. As it dries it can really tighten up in any area that is straight/flat, the curves will pull on the straights a great deal. If possible, cut any holes smalller than needed, etc. You can always trim & cut to final shapes later.

Here's the one I wrapped this weekend. Enjoy!

Chris

post-10543-067871100 1315199548_thumb.jp

Chris

Three Mutts Customs Leather - http://www.threemuttscustoms.com

Posted

Christian, from Xianleather.com, has done it. With spectacular result I might add.

You can see it here.

I believe he is also a member here.

John

(rdb):God looked down at the world, and said "See, right there in Witchita, next to the railroad tracks, I didn't put enough dandelions".

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Posted

Christian, from Xianleather.com, has done it. With spectacular result I might add.

You can see it here.

I believe he is also a member here.

John

I don't think he is a member here I believe he's been invited but as he is quite busy he has stuck to his main haunts of club chopper and the jockey journal. He hasn't updated his main threads at those places in awhile though either. I think he has a Facebook page though but I'm not a member so don't know if he shows work there more often now.

Clair

Posted

Ya, I LOVE Christian's stuff. I have been a JJ head for years and I thought my wirk was decent until I saw his and my jaw hit the floor, the guy is a true artist.

FTM-PTB

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Posted

Paul Cox. gorgeous.

8175Picture_0141.jpg

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Posted

I did this one in May for an Ironnead for the Stampede. All I can say is REALLY plan it out ahead of time. I trimmed a lot of excess off, but... that's okay with me. I would have gone ballistic if I wound up short after all that work! This is my first picture post, so I apologize if they are too big or too small, etc.post-22339-033803200 1315663818_thumb.jppost-22339-076980900 1315663851_thumb.jppost-22339-005939500 1315663887_thumb.jp

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Posted

excellent tank!!!!

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Posted

Are they removable? The reason I ask is that I had a magnetic sign for my shop on the door of my ambulance for awhile. When I removed it, the paint was lifting in spots. I could see where a leather wrap would hold moisture against the surface that could lead to rust, or paint problems. My other concern would be paint damage from the leather scuffing due to vibrations. I don't own a bike, so that is why I am asking.

You laugh at me because I am different. I laugh at you because you are all the same.

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Posted

excellent tank!!!!

Thanks Leatheroo.

I must admit I was a little nervous posting mine after Paul Cox's:unsure:

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