83 Maxim tank. clut, slipt beat and battered.

83 Maxim tank.
clut, slipt beat and battered.

When I first started hacking on this tank. [About three years ago.]
I used a drill to "cut" it open. Now with much better tools I have revisited this tank mod out of boredom.


http://viragotech.com/maximtank.html

http://viragotechforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1396
or
http://viragotech.com/newtech/Maxim%20t ... isited.htm

 

Having welded quike a few things in my life, I may need to keep my comments to myself. I must admit I like the shape!

 

Its self explanatory "flux core mig"

 

Geez... you guys are making me really not like my recent purchase of a flux-core MIG welder for my toys. I still need to take a welding class (the welder fell into my lap at $50) but at least I have the best money can buy (from Harbor Freight that is).

 

flux core works fine, just touchy on thin stuff.

Front shock on my monster wagon is welded on with it.
been 2 years. And the welds are taking all the full stress or load.

jack sunk into the stones a tin bit, wasn't allot, thought id just easy it back a bit to get it off. Sucker ripped the bolts for the shock out of the the A-arm.

easier to weld then replace A-arm.


Friend who has a super cheap flux mig, only 2 settings. [mine has 4]
He built his own trans adapter out of some old clutch parts and a end shaft.
What he was doing was putting 2 4 speed trans in his truck in line for a super mega range. Was neat shifting gears goin in reverse. He just stuck the 2nd one in 3rd for 1:1 ratio when not needed. He broke everything else but his flux core welded adapter.

 

XVFinishes, what is the purpose of doing all that work on the tank?

 

For the same reason the human body breaths on it own when unconscious while other mammals like dolphins must think to breath or they will die.

 

You may have breathed in too many of those welding fumes.

 

Oh and lets see what you have made then???

 

Do I hear a gauntlet being thrown?0)
I would love to have a larger tank for more range. The XJ750 upgrade is easily done but I'd love to see other opitions and you, XV, have been the singular example of expanded capacity for an XJ that I have seen.

 

There is a 5gal tank that bolts on to the Virago but they aren't cheap most times n ya also must change seats. The stock tank just doesn't hold enough gas.

I was hoping for a 5-8gal tank in the end.

 

Junkyard wars!

 

Looks like your the man for the job!

It takes a special touch. Looks like you got it.

Let the limit of your imagination be your guide!

I think I have a 900 Tank that is cut and beat if you need a cadaver!

 

Yea it helps to have the stuff around for cheap or free so there is no real loss except free time. I often have moods that hit me and I jumble junk into new junk.

check out this page

BackYardAmericanChoppers.US

Still working on that 3rd really low slung bike. Had to rebuilt forks several times to get it somewhat ride-able.

The first two bikes ride or rode great out of the box so to speak.

 

Another tip, most of them don't have cooling fans so your welding time is short till it shuts off. Add your own fan to cool it down and you can weld much much longer.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

That's the only difference I could find in the one I got. Its gas ready, 4 power settings and can do aluminum for about $150 less and only thing different is no fan with auto shut off when it get warm. [cause no fan it will auto shut off in just a few mins] Pricier one just has a fan, same auto shut off. Sure the fan makes them last allot longer. The auto shut off is a safety catch but it getting that hot often can't be good.

still had the grill slots n screw holes for the fan in the back.
got a good pancake AC fan from a surplus catalog store as I member ordering a ammo can with it and can weld all day long without it getting warm.

 

Once you use the gas, you'll never want to use the flux core wire again. Very cool what you're doing there, xv! I bought my Maxim for the primary purpose of learning to weld and tinker. I did a bit of cutting, grinding and welding on this bike, but I didn't do any structural welding. That is, I didn't weld anything on this bike that will kill me if it breaks due to a bad weld. Sometimes I think I end up grinding off more than I weld on, especially until I get in a groove or get my settings just right. I have one of the cheaper welders, too. Four heat settings and a speed pot for the wire feed, cheap pressure regulator for the gas, just reverse the polarity when welding with gas vs. flux core. I will have to see if it has a fan, but it does sound like it now that you folks mention it. I know I've welded for a considerable time without it ever kicking off.

 

Naaa Id only use gas [I have gas, never hooked it up] if I get a Tig.

They build ship with flux shielded wire. Thats all Arc welding is, the flux is just on the out side not in the center. Good multi pass flux core wire works just fine.

 

I have a licoln flux core and have no complaints just more spatter and slag to clean and grind-- going to buy a pony bottle and mig conversion kit when i get the cash