The Hodaka Club Forum

This was formerly a sweaty toaster tank off a '73 dirt squirt garage find. Here we see the final outcome of a powder coating finish. This is the brain child of my friend Jay Gaard. He specializes in concourse restorations and has examples of his work in the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. Time will tell regarding durability but this seems to be a nice tank rescue option for the standard rusty, crusty Hodie tank and at a fraction of the cost of chrome plating.

Matt there is a new chrome paint material just hit the market also, go to [email protected] cost aprox; $200.00 for the chrome paint and materials and instructions to put on. Come also in many colors as well. their phone number is 1800-999-4120. How much does the Powder coat deal cost. Bruce Young

Hi Bruce. The toaster tank powder coating cost $125 all in. Jay and I discussed the new chrome painting product you described. He considered it for his DS resto. After some research, he opted for the powder coating effort. Apparently, the chrome painting process is very time, labor, and technique dependent and requires a really artistic touch for a decent outcome. Clearly, the powder coating approach leaves a texture to the finish that differs from the smooth chrome finish of the original process, but for a rider, I would expect a durable finish. As you know, the stuff is hard as nails. My unanswered question was 'how well would it take a significant hit?'

That looks like a great option for a rider or race bike. Cool.

Looks really good, it has the chrome-like sheen you expect. The close-in orange-peel might be might be a byproduct of the painting process or the "firing" process (not dissing your painter). It's not bad, there are only so many perfect, rechromable Chrome Tanks left in this Universe and the more " daily rider" tanks we can use, the better.

I would expect that the powder-coat would be quite durable. I'm not sure how well chips and scratches can be touched-up.

Right on fellas! Actually, from about 10 feet away (and thus, from the spectator area) , it looks like a chrome tank. A great option if you want to keep that awesome original Super Rat tank on the shelf on race day but want to rock that toaster tank vibe on your scoot. Also a great option for the daily rider. What the heck. Its another option to keep us - as Bill says - shiny side up.

Matt!!! Sent you an email with my phone number! PLEASE give me a call! It’s Sunddy evening, 4:00 pm local time (MDST). Thanks!!!

Hi Victor, I'm on duty right now, but should have a free evening early next week. Will that work?

Sure Matt! Whenever you have time to talk. I emailed you my phone # but here it is again! Area Code (Five Zero Five) 913-0558

I noticed that the tank has no petcocks. What is the story behind that? Is there a valve below which we can't see?

Hi Go, Yep. Threaded straight brass studs fit into the stock mounting bosses with fuel flow controlled by a simple in-line on/off valve on each line above the "Y". I'll find out if Jay knows more about their origin. I think they came with the bike. That reminds me - he needs an in-line filter.

matt glascock wrote: Actually, from about 10 feet away (and thus, from the spectator area) , it looks like a chrome tank.

Exactly. In scale modelling (airplanes, for example) there is a term called "stand-off scale", where standing several feet off, the plane looks good. But the closer you get, the more you notice detail that is not quite right. The highest level of scale is where you can be looking as close as possible and still see crisp detail. For Hodaka, a signature chrome tank seen from the spectator section or while riding by is good.
On my own bike I have a dentless, near-perfect show tank, and a good daily rider tank for... riding. It has dents, so a couple more won't hurt.

If it looks good in a storefront reflection you are good to go. Lee's paint jobs look good as close as you can get. -------------------------- Clarence

Agreed, Bill and Clarence. Its another trick we can use to put some of these toaster tanks that would otherwise be considered junk back in service. Clarence, are you familiar with these valveless brass tank outlet studs like those on Jay's bike?