By nick - 5/25/2014 8:57:52 AM
Hi, my name is nick, i m rebuilding my RD04 , 1990 , africa twin. i want to build a carbon fiber fuel tank using the original as model , maybe increasing fuel capacity . it is a large tank, 24l , so i m thinking about reinforcements , wave breakers.. I appreciate any advice regarding methods of construction , moulds, bonding external with 'tunnel' ...inserting threaded bushes for fuel taps.. etc. I have a two stage vacuum pump Robinair , 71 / min, is it any good? Thanks
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By morepower - 5/28/2014 8:39:04 PM
Making a tank is not too hard once you have figured out the moulding of it..
Legalities seem to be a none issue most places but it is worth checking, if you plan to sell them.
Inserts for fuel taps and filler caps are not hard or expensive to source and I use normal woodworking T Nuts.
Materials? Carbon for the inner and outer layers I would not use Kevlar personally I would use Diolen as it is a better material for abrasion compared to the more ballistic resistant Kevlar. Resin to seal against ethanol needs to be a Phenol Novolac resin. You can use it to make the tank fully or as a sealant. I do the latter as I make mine from Pre-preg carbon.
Here are some photos.. I have made a tank only this week but had to modify one from my full monocoque seat/tank unit. I cut it down roughly to allow me to make the tank outer and trim it down and tidy up edges when I install the tank base.
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