petcock configuration
 

Can someone help me out...
My '58 Harley sportster chopper gas tank has two very small NPT holes on each side underneath the tank. They measure 3/8" in dia, so I assume they are 1/4 NPT unlike most petcocks I see which are 3/8" NPT (1/2" dia hole) or 1/2" NPT (3/4" dia hole). So I have no idea what type of petcock I need. It's as thought the tank is made only for two brass nipples with hoses going to a remote petcock. If I'm right, where do I get a petcock like that? help!

You are correct in the 3/8 inch diameter and 1/4 NPT thought. 1/4 NPT petcocks are available....although somewhat hard to find readily available.

Call J&P cycles customer service line at 1.800.338.1747 and press number 5 when the menu starts up. That will put you in touch with a person that will be able to help you find that part and get it ordered.

They cost about $20 usually, and remember you'll need two to run your dual lines. Let me know if you have any other questions, I've done this type of set up before.

Take care and keep us updated on the project.

thanks for the suggestion. I just got off the phone with J&P and they don't have anything that small. They suggested I call Sporty Specialties in CA and see if they have anything. If not, then they suggested I find a two into one ball valve and use that as a remote petcock. Any ideas where to get ball valves anyone?

Funny. Before I posted I called J&P just to make sure that's where we'd gotten them before. I talked to a guy and he said they could get them from "Ted's"...but I don't know who/where that is. He quoted me $20 and gave me the part number 35-9072. Don't know if that info will help you any....just goes to show that everybody probably gets a different response.

I'd call that sporty place...they may be able to help you. Never did the ball valve thing....so I wouldn't know where to point you.

Also, call some local small shops, hell even a harley dealer to see if they can help you find the 1/4 petcock. Most of the thrill of rebuilding a bike is finding the damn parts and ensuring fit.

If you really get jammed up....just resize the bung for the petcock.

heh, heh, you said bung.

I was thinking of resizing the bung. But not knowing how much reinforcing -metal is around the exisiting hole and not knowing if it's possible to hand tap an NPT thread I wasn't sure about that. They make NPT taps?

yeah, really...petcock and bung in the same post. I might get edited by some of the other moderators!

Resizing the bung would depend on the reinforcement around it. You aren't making a dramatic change, but you'd have to be real careful. Don't have any suggestions for taps to use (without actually seeing it).

Hey Mongo!! I have to thank you for helping me out. You pointed me toward J&P, they couldn't help me but they sent me to Sporty Specialties in CA (714-879-0500) www.sportyspecialties.com, and they totally hooked me up. I got a 1/4 NPT petcock, and they sold me a used rear brake pedal, brake light switch, cable and everything I need to switch over my '80 Ironhead (previously hydraulic rear brake) to my cable-actuated rear drum brake. Sweet! They have everything I need to finish my project. As money allows I'll be doing lots of business with these guys I can tell. They know sportsters man. So thanks again for your help. -Ian

No problem man! I know what a pain trying to find parts can be....glad you got hooked up one way or another. Now keep on wrenching on that bike and you'll be ready for summer with time to spare. Take care.