Gas caps for moon tanks etc.

[Pro Tech]

Was wondering if anyone here has come across something that can be used for a gas caps for moon tanks etc. that are on funny cars, gassers etc. the kit pieces are not usually the best looking piece of the kit. I've used photoetched in the past but looking for something with more demension/thickness to it. Thanks to any and all leads.

Charlie

Pro Tech

[torinobradley]

I just saw someone had used a watch winder/set knob for a cap. I have also seen gas caps in everything from resin to silver. It would all depend on what you want it to look like. Wheel knock offs, little knobs, toy parts, other model parts that look like caps or even fuel caps from different subjects would work. Just got to match the idea to the part.

[george 53]

Dave, one of the guys here gave an addy one time of where to get watch parts. i looked it up an there were little bags FULL of 'em! Springs,gears,winders,the works! Since I don't get quite THAT deep into it,idin't keep it in my favorites file, but they ARE out there! C'mon guys, a brutha needs some help, so let's help him out!!!

[TimKustom]

Dave, one of the guys here gave an addy one time of where to get watch parts. i looked it up an there were little bags FULL of 'em! Springs,gears,winders,the works! Since I don't get quite THAT deep into it,idin't keep it in my favorites file, but they ARE out there! C'mon guys, a brutha needs some help, so let's help him out!!!

Watch parts eh?

I used this company for the watch crystals used on these Donk Wheels.

You could spend days on this site looking for stuff. It's new parts so they can be rather pricey... Very nice/helpful folks though.

http://www.ofrei.com/

[Scott Colmer]

Here is what I do....

Start with K&S aluminum rod the size you need.

You can knurl it by running it under a file. Your file face will determine the pattern. I am still looking for a file with straight grooves.

Also consider if you want a beveled head or rounded head. You can do this just by twiriling it on a sanding stick. Remember to finish by polishing or sanding.

Polish it or use 1500 or 1800 grit sanding cloth to put a spun finish on it. A very nice spun finish can be achieved on the top of the cap by spinning the end of the rod on the sanding cloth.

Do all your shaping and finishing before you cut the cap free from the rod. The caps are too small to work with once you cut them free.

Finally, cut it free by rolling it back and forth under a new #11 blade. Be very careful to get a single cut line so you son't make threads. Start light and slow. Also cut on a medium soft surface like a stack of post-its. That will allow the bottom to create a lip. If you do not want the lip, then try a K&S tubing cutter. Remember, the thicker the rod the more time it takes rolling it back and forth to cut the cap free. The blade will be pretty much toast when you are done.

You can also color them with sharpies.

These were made using the above techniques.

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Good luck.

Scott

Edited November 10, 2009 by Scott Colmer

[torinobradley]

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SteampunkSupply?section_id=6241656

Watch part grab bags... Oh yea! All those cool little gears and such...

[iBorg]

Dave, one of the guys here gave an addy one time of where to get watch parts. i looked it up an there were little bags FULL of 'em! Springs,gears,winders,the works! Since I don't get quite THAT deep into it,idin't keep it in my favorites file, but they ARE out there! C'mon guys, a brutha needs some help, so let's help him out!!!

Any chance you have the address still? If so, please share it.

Mike

[Pro Tech]

Here is what I do....

Start with K&S aluminum rod the size you need.

You can knurl it by running it under a file. Your file face will determine the pattern. I am still looking for a file with straight grooves.

Also consider if you want a beveled head or rounded head. You can do this just by twiriling it on a sanding stick. Remember to finish by polishing or sanding.

Polish it or use 1500 or 1800 grit sanding cloth to put a spun finish on it. A very nice spun finish can be achieved on the top of the cap by spinning the end of the rod on the sanding cloth.

Do all your shaping and finishing before you cut the cap free from the rod. The caps are too small to work with once you cut them free.

Finally, cut it free by rolling it back and forth under a new #11 blade. Be very careful to get a single cut line so you son't make threads. Start light and slow. Also cut on a medium soft surface like a stack of post-its. That will allow the bottom to create a lip. If you do not want the lip, then try a K&S tubing cutter. Remember, the thicker the rod the more time it takes rolling it back and forth to cut the cap free. The blade will be pretty much toast when you are done.

You can also color them with sharpies.

These were made using the above techniques.

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Hosted on Fotki

Good luck.

Scott

Thanks guys,

Scott, thank you for sharing the tutorial, great idea, much appreciated! I think I might give this a try but with solid solder and see how that works also, thanks again Charlie Pro Tech