Motorcycle Repair: fuel tank, lousy service, return thanks

Question
I have recently purchased a 1963 bsa 250 star and I am attempting to restore it however the fuel tank has 2 spots that have rusted through on the bottom and I haven,t been able to locate anyone that repairs them.Does anyone reproduce these?Also I found the condenser but not the points they are a two part set any ideas on that would help.The bike is 100% stock even the paint and as for as I can tell there are no alterations.Well thanks for any help and godspeed to your sons safe return. thanks Mike

Answer
Mike
The son has grounded safely on US soil again. Got a chance to watch him and his buddies in a mass jump at Fort Bragg. Man, that cloud of green parachutes made me jealous for a little while. Almost wished I was still in the army. But I guess I'm a little too old to be running five miles before breakfast and I don't even jump out of bed in the morning. I just hope this mess is over soon. I don't know if my nerves could stand another tour. I worry a lot more about him now than I did about me when I was the same age, going through the same kind experience. Ain't life funny.

I don't know for sure of anyone who really wants to tackle that kind of repair work on your tank. It's a tough job. Especially cleaning the rust inside and out. You would probably come out better in the cost department by keeping an eye out for a used piece or even a junk bike to canabalize parts from.

The points to your bike should be available, but all depends on the supplier's stock at the time. Here are a few places you can check. You might also ask them about the tank.

http://www.raskcycle.com
http://www.britishonly.com
http://www.moorescyclesupply.com
http://www.baxtercycle.com

Most of these people are helpful enough to steer you in the right direction if they can't help you. Let me know if anybody gives you lousy service. I need to keep up with these things. A word from me can have an impact on their business.

John