Tank pads

[RayK]

Greetings to fellow BS enthusiasts from Australia

Can anyone advise the best way to remove tank pads from a BS 50 Sport (1966)?  I need to take them off to repaint the tank.  The pads are in quite good condition considering they are 43 years old and I don't want to risk cracking or splitting them.  Any advice would be appreciated.

RayK

[Jeff Bar]

Ray, not much to do except pry the pads off, starting at the smooth gentle bends, not the sharp turns, have the pads warm and use soapy water to save the edges, much like you do when putting on a new tire on a rim.  Good luck

Jeff Bar

[Bridgestone Man]

I agree with Jeff, I can add, remove rubber pads fast, not giving it much time to tear

Sam Keys

[RayK]

Thanks Sam & Jeff

I will make use of your suggestions.

RayK

[bridgestonesforever]

Ray.. Did you get the pads off OK?  Luke

[RayK]

Hi Luke

Not yet - we are just starting Spring here in Aus - I will wait for a warm sunny day.

Cheers
RayK

[RayK]

Hi All

I finally removed the tank pads on the BS 50 Sport last week - it was warm day around 30 degrees C.  I left the tank (black) in the sun for about 5 minutes and then sprayed WD40 (CRC) around the pad/tank interface - this helped lubricate and temporarily soften the rubber.  I then gently removed the pads (least sharp edge first).  One pad was fine, the other was perished around the area where it goes over the holding lip on the side of the tank.

By the way WD40 is good for putting rubber handlebar grips on with minimal grunting and pushing.

Does anyone know of a supplier like Red Import (Ireland) that makes repro tank pads for the BS 50 Sport?
Ray