Leather Gas Tank

[SmithSwede]

I’m working on a cruiser with a heavy leather theme.  Already have both large saddlebags and solo seat built from beautiful pieces of US Grade A1 tanned skirt section cowhide.  18” fringes all around. Will do covers for grips, floorboard and such with smaller matching leather bits. 

Anyway, I’ve seen the leather Spanish botas or wine skins and think it would be really neat to have an all leather gas tank to go with the theme.  Mega cool.   As you consumed fuel you could even punch the tank down to a smaller shape.   

Advice?   Would a fine grain horsehide be better for this application?

[skippy]

Because of the modern ethanol fuel we have and it's similarity to fermented mare's milk, I would think a a tank made of a tanned horse hide.

It is all about the chemicals and physicals! Wouldn't want to spring a leak down the road now would ya.

[Gliderjohn]

Might make a tank bag challenging. When I had a bad beaver problem (Okay you dirty minded folk I mean the ones that cut down trees) I had thoughts of a beaver pelt covered seat with the tail shellacked stiff and used as a sissy bar.
GliderJohn

[larrys]

One of the down under guys here did a 'roo skin on a Loop tank.
Larry

[jwinwi]

Thanks to its duodecahexagonal grain structure Naugahyde is the preferred material for this application. Only 2 obstacles: Has to be from a virgin Nauga and the tanning process to make it match the rest of your project is a closely guarded secret known only to the Nauga herders of eastern Trashcanistan. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

so you're talking about a true leather bag to hold the fuel? not a leather cover/wrapping for the tank?

[moto]

April 1 is a good day to start such a project! 

Moto

[oldbike54]

 'Roo hyde is softer .

 Dusty

[PJPR01]

'Roo hyde is softer .   Dusty

Especially after it's been tenderized by a Truck Train Roo bar impact!

Prescott...I think you should make sure to have lots of whips and chains on your leather covered moto...it could double as a Dominatrix dungeon, so be sure to add some special dim red lighting!!

[SmithSwede]

so you're talking about a true leather bag to hold the fuel? not a leather cover/wrapping for the tank?

Yes.   The tank would be made of leather.   Not just a leather cover.    I’m going for maximum authenticity but am somewhat concerned about possible leaks

[oldbike54]

 Fairly sure that both cows and Roos are waterproof .

 Dusty

[Guzzistajohn]

Dino leather or Synth "pleather" I'd think a special tanning method would be in order to keep jets/injectors clean. I'd hate to do a DelOrto cleanout on the roadside very often   

[elrealistico]

Can't wait to see the 18" Fringe all the way round !

[Roebling3]

Maybe you could 'Creme' the leather tank to reduce the chance of leaking.   R3~

[Guzzistajohn]

Sounds like a hard core rig in the making 

[skippy]

Because of the modern ethanol fuel we have and it's similarity to fermented mare's milk, I would think a a tank made of a tanned horse hide.

It is all about the chemicals and physicals! Wouldn't want to spring a leak down the road now would ya.

Just so none of you think I am totally mad, http://www.drinkingcup.net/1253-fuel-of-an-empire-fermented-mares-milk/ Fermented mares milk is a thing and I have family that was raised on this stuff.

Good thread for April 1st.

Skippy

[jcctx]

Me thinks the Swede got a bit deep in the wine barrel???

[Rough Edge racing]

 How about a huge ball sac from a whale ?

[SmithSwede]

How about a huge ball sac from a whale ?

Is this some kind of joke? 

Everyone knows that male whales do not have a scrotum. 

[skippy]

Is this some kind of joke? 

Everyone knows that male whales do not have a scrotum.

Not so sure about that. Check out the bar stools on this famous yacht, https://www.azureazure.com/luxury-toys/christina-o-a-legend-of-the-7-seas/

Skippy

[SmithSwede]

Ok, now see here my good fellow.   The order cetaceans are marine mammals (whales, dolphins).  They, along with seals, do not possess a scrotum.  Ever seen one?

Who are you going to believe?  Some filthy rich random Greek dude with a fancy yacht?   Or your friend the Swede on Wild Guzzi?

Besides, if whales had a scrotum that would obviously be my prime candidate for a leather gas tank.   Duh.   

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27857097?seq=1

[pete mcgee]

OP,
Grab whatever leather you want to use and make a container, may be a litre volume,  fill it with the fuel you will be using.  Outside would be best,  in the shade and wait for leaks and or leather breakdown.
Petrol isnt  water, its lighter, less viscous and definitely not organic.
The results will be interesting, please post them up.

[cliffrod]

Besides, if whales had a scrotum that would obviously be my prime candidate for a leather gas tank.   Duh.   

Spoken like a bunch of true city slickers..   A farm boy would never even think of using a scrotum for a gas tank.  It just doesn't make any sense. 

Using a cow's udder makes a lot more sense.  And if you only need 1 or 2 petcocks, one- or two-teaters don't usually make much milk anymore and don't bring much at the stockyard for beef, either.  so they're even cheaper. (Guzzi content..)

That's the obvious choice for a proper Moo-torcycle....

[RinkRat II]

   I humbly suggest to engage the engineers at Wilson  https://www.wilson.com for insight into leather containers with bladders in them for your purposes.
   
   The only question I have is to the motive power for this project, perhaps Cowasaki?? 

     Paul B

[skippy]

Ok, now see here my good fellow.   The order cetaceans are marine mammals (whales, dolphins).  They, along with seals, do not possess a scrotum.  Ever seen one?

Who are you going to believe?  Some filthy rich random Greek dude with a fancy yacht?   Or your friend the Swede on Wild Guzzi?

Besides, if whales had a scrotum that would obviously be my prime candidate for a leather gas tank.   Duh.   

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27857097?seq=1

You mean Aristotle Onassis lied to Jacqueline Kennedy! That charlatan! Your right SmithSwede.

Have you considered the mammary of a whale?

Skippy