Difference between revisions of "SDS Platform/Tank Plastics"

From Unofficial Zero Manual
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(No difference)

Latest revision as of 01:50, 7 April 2020

2014 SP Tank Plastics (left)
2014 SP Tank Plastics (right)

The 2013+ SDS Platform Frame features a "tank" area cradled by the two front frame spars and covered by plastic bodywork.

As delivered, it offers a storage compartment, but can also accommodate systems accessories like the OEM Power Tank battery upgrade or chargers.
All of the bodywork for this area serve the same ergonomic functions of a traditional motorcycle's fuel tank, allowing grip for maneuvering.
Fasteners
Zero plastics all are fastened with blackened M5x15mm mushroom cap socket head bolts using a 3mm allen key wrench.
All have black plastic washers with 5mm inner diameter, 10mm outer diameter, roughly 1mm thick.
Removal
See Tank Plastics Removal
Construction
All variants of the tank plastics for have identical side pieces and a black centerpiece in soft plastic with a relatively rough finish.
The stock centerpiece for 2013-2016 models is a bin container with two drain holes for collected moisture, with a soft bin held together with a simple zipper that anchors via hook-and-loop patches at the bottom of the bin as well as a loop cord that hooks through the front helmet lock.
The bin delivered per model year is different and varies in quality. 2013 seemed to have better construction than 2014-2015 years, and 2016 is somewhere between.
As of 2017, the stock centerpiece is a locking storage container with a spring-loaded hinge at the front so it swings forward to open.
The Power Tank and Charge Tank have tank plastic options which can be bought separately or selected for color customization. Both use a relatively flat surface for the centerpiece, and the Charge Tank has a cutout for a J1772 inlet hold with built in waterproof cover with a spring-loaded hinge.
2014 SP plastics - dewelding
Separating
The join between the centerpiece and side pieces of a Zero tank plastic assembly is made by plastic weld using a soldering iron into soft hollow plastic pins on the centerpiece that melt and flatten around a lock washer onto holes in the side pieces.
You can break these welds using a relatively careful use of a pair of pliers to basically grip hard and twist on them until they break.
It's a slightly frustrating process but pretty quick to achieve, in about an hour. A soldering iron or extremely narrowly-focused heat gun can help the process but try not to risk damaging the plastics from overheating.
The original join process can be repeated for the new centerpiece.
Also, this means that the plastic centerpiece you remove will not be re-joinable.
Repair
See Tank Plastics Repair for a way to re-join tank plastics that have been de-welded.


Articles