Patching dent in tank

[lragan]

Yep, the left windshield mount dented the tank in the MOOTMAG7 mishap.  About the size of a quarter, and maybe 1/4 inch deep.  I have no illusions about "popping" it out, and am wondering how to fill it. 

Then when I paint the fender I am getting from Greg, I can paint over the filler at the same time.

Seeking advice from you experts in body repair

[Charles S Otwell]

Well, you knew you would get my two cents worth .. 1/4 inch isn't too deep, but to avoid any possible shrinkage use two layers. After you remove the old paint from that spot (use rough grit) mix your body filler as close to directions as possible, then put a thin layer, (about half the depth) then let it cure for a day, then you can sand and put another coat. You'll need to spread the next layer a little wider than the dent so you can feather the filler, if you try to work to small a spot you'll end up with small ring that won't show up until you put the paint on.  The best way to find out how large an area you will need to work is by using a block sander and sand a large enough area to see exactly where the filler will need to start to feather properly, this should actually be the first step.
I can post pics if it will help, assuming your not just jerking our chain about needing help ..

[warnerwh]

Don't touch it! Let a paintless dent repair person fix it.  Dent's much larger than that I've seen be repaired to perfection. That dent will cost you about a hundred dollars. Also these guys will come to you. If you need to paint it this will save you from trying to make it perfect with filler and unless you're experienced at it you could be less than pleased with the result. It's not that easy to make something rounded like that perfect again.

[lragan]

Thanks to both of you for your replies.

Charles, pics would be great.  I suspect they will wind up in a FAQ's section for others like me who don't really know how to do this.  And no, I am not wasting your time as a joke.  I really need the help.

Warnerwh, I have heard of paintless dent repair folks, but have no clue how it works.  Do they need to get to the back side of the dent?  Can they do their trick on a gas tank without risk of blowing up the place?

I will have to paint over whatever happens, as the top coat is gone, and the undercoats are cracked.

[Sledge Hammer]

I hate to see that your bike got dinged up, Lawrence. As you noted to me in another thread, there are to types of riders: those who have dropped their bikes and those who will. I gather that you didnt' get banged up yourself in this mishap, at least I hope you didn't. Wha' happened? 

[lragan]

I hate to see that your bike got dinged up, Lawrence. As you noted to me in another thread, there are to types of riders: those who have dropped their bikes and those who will. I gather that you didnt' get banged up yourself in this mishap, at least I hope you didn't. Wha' happened? 

Mike, see the fourth post in:  http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php?topic=3548.0

[warnerwh]

You should be able to find a paintless dent repair guy in the phone book.  Most body shops know of at least one or two. It's amazing what they can fix.
To answer your question they do have to get behind the dent and have quite an assortment of tools to do it. It takes them a while to smooth it out so it's undetectable.
Even though you need paint I suspect the paintless dent repair is what a painter would use too. It's much less trouble than using bondo. This process is inexpensive which is nice. Here's before and after pics to give you an idea of what this process is capable of.

http://www.dentworks.com/pictures.htm

On a side note I just reread your account of your mishap. You mention your jacket was inflated. How do you like that jacket? Do you think it's better than armor or leather?

[Greg Cothern]

I am going to go out on a limb here, I dont think the paintless dent repair type repairs are going to work on this dent.  Its in a pretty strong part of the tank and the tanks tend to be thicker gauge than most of these repair's will work on.

[Charles S Otwell]

I agree, the Magna tank also has a shallow bottom due to the double frame, that and the depth of the filler neck makes it near impossible to get the tool  in place to reach the dents. MD paint and body has a set they let me use, but no combination I tried would go past the filler neck and bottom of the tank If someone has  a tool that will work on the Magna tank I would be interested in seeing it.

[lragan]

In the for what it is worth department, I came to this conclusion several days ago.  I did try the liquid CO2 fix, just in case, but did not expect it to work, and my expectation was met.

I have filled the hole with Bondo, shaved it, sanded it, and have three coats of paint on it.  I hope to apply the ghost flame coat tomorrow, which is the tougher part.

Also, Greg's yellow fender is now blue, masked for the ghost flame coat, which I also intend to apply tomorrow.

If Old Bike Barn would just ship my engine guard, I could be "Back in the Saddle Again".  This bunch of guys has been just terrific to help me out of my self induced damage...

[warnerwh]

I agree, the Magna tank also has a shallow bottom due to the double frame, that and the depth of the filler neck makes it near impossible to get the tool  in place to reach the dents. MD paint and body has a set they let me use, but no combination I tried would go past the filler neck and bottom of the tank If someone has  a tool that will work on the Magna tank I would be interested in seeing it.

It hadn't dawned on me this time is a very different situation than I'm used to. I just looked inside my tank and you're right it doesn't look like it can be done. I will however find out.

Update: I just Googled it and special tools are made for gas tanks. So at least some dents can be done in a motorcycle tank. There's videos on YouTube, here is one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vzw7svXz_Q

[Smoked U]

Use a stud welder guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chWbjNmVs58

Don't want to buy one? Go to the local high school/community college and have them weld some on for you.

My paint guy took Baby Vee's tank over to the local body shop and had them spot a few on a dent so he could pull it out back at his shop.

[roboto65]

Glad to see she is coming along nicely MVOOT RULES!!!!! 

[Jamtndll]

Glad to see she is coming along nicely MVOOT RULES!!!!! 

MVOOT -   

[Smoked U]

Glad to see she is coming along nicely MVOOT RULES!!!!! 

MVOOT -   

That's VMOOT for all us Valkyrie/Magna owners.