harleyKmodel

I have 3 - 1957 Sportster Gas Tanks that I am getting ready to paint. In researching how the color lines intersect by the tank badge, and wondering how the lines continue on to the inside of the front tunnel, I followed up with Jack Raino about his 1957 original paint tank.

Jack told me that there were 2 types of 1957 tanks - differing with the petcock hole. Thanks for letting me know about that Jack!

It turns out that I have 1 early tank, and 2 later tanks.

****From an earlier Post******
Notes on the 1957 Sportster tank

Jack R. says the early 1957 tanks had a petcock location almost an inch rearward of where they later settled. It's not clear when it moved, but Dave C. seems to think as many as 500 left Milwaukee that way. Jack agrees, as he has found three of them.
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See pics for the difference:

If anyone is looking for a 1957 Sportster Early Tank with the rearward petcock - possibly used up to the first 500 bikes, PM me and we can discuss a sale or trade.

Thanks,
GaryM2

I bought this tank a few months back and believe it is a 1958 because the badges were 58 and OEM assembled with the funny alloy rivets, steel grip retainers and cork underlay washers:



T'was repainted black at some stage, but OEM finish is still under the badges:



Is that a 57 tank?

Patrick

Holiday Greetings !

Based on the paint scheme , it appears to be a 57 tank. Petcock location indicates early version although when change occurred still speculation.

Jack

Thanks Yarddog,

I fitted the tank and petcock yesterday on my 1978 XLH, what a tight fit!!! And next to a Keihin that doesn't extend to the front as a DC Linkert...

Still had to mod slightly its accelerator pump ramp/cam to clear the petcock...

Have to wonder if these 500 / 1st batch Sportsters had a petcock... Or rather, like XLCH, had the angled 61601-54 fitting????

Patrick