How to Repair a Dent in a Motorcycle Fuel Tank

Fuel tanks are an important part of a motorcycle's look, which is why cosmetic issues such as dents in the tank's surface are particularly irksome. The tank is a relatively small and easy piece of equipment to work with, allowing for most small dents and minor dings to be "popped out" using a quick and easy method.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry ice
  • Thick gloves
  • Microfiber towel

Instructions

  • Assess how thick your fuel tank is. This method works most efficiently with "single-skinned" tanks. Some tanks have an extra "skin" of metal inside that makes popping a dent with dry ice difficult.

  • Clean the dent and its surrounding area of dust, dirt and other debris.

  • Put on your gloves and pick up the dry ice. This is best done on a warm day, as the differences in temperature cause the metal to contract and pop back out.

  • Rub the ice around the area of the dent, slowly moving toward its center. Hold the ice over the center of the dent, occasionally checking its effect. This step may take a while, depending on the severity of the dent.

  • Remove the ice and clean the formerly dented area with a microfiber towel.