I just purchased a 1953 F100 and feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of work I just signed up for. The truck runs pretty good and has had a lot of the major stuff done (sub framed, motor\tranny, rear-end, etc.) years ago. So, things are leaky and tired; needs body work and paint. I think it is best for me to start by replacing the leaky gas tank and then deal with the rear main seal leak. The tank is still in its original position under the cab on the driver side. Any advice on how difficult it is to replace the tank with a new steel tank? Any advice on using something like BAR real seal reconditioner. Would really appreciate any "how to" information you can provide or point me to. Thanks.

 

Repo tanks are available, steel or plastic. Having your old one fixed is also an option. Just remove the running board brackets at the 4 bolts that bolt them to the frame and the whole ttank assembly falls out.

 

BBKtech2, thanks for the quick response. Sounds straight forward provided the old bolts cooperate. Do you recommend steel over plastic? Can I reuse the old sending unit with the new tank?

 

I prefer the steel tanks.
Absolutely, you can reuse your old sender, the tanks are set up for gennie senders. If you do have an afterkmarket gauge and sender, adapter rings are available.
Check with Mid Fifties F100 parts for your new gas tank and definitely ask for a catalog.

 

Congrats on your 53 project. I've replaced tanks and just sealed old ones. Had good results both ways. Eastwood sells a tank sealer kit that works great. I agree with bbtech2 about staying with a steel tank. Good luck.

 

RLanni,
Where are you located; I have a poly tank I used for a couple years before going with the Mustang tank out back

 

Jaye, I'm in Connecticut.

 

INSTALLING A MID-60's Mustang Tank in a '53 F-100 truck

 

Guys, thanks for the advice. I ordered a new steel gas tank and all the fittings from LMC. Should I do anything to the instide of the tank prior to installation (i.e. seal it). Also should I coat the exterior of the tank? If so, what do you recommend. Thanks again for all your help.

 

Spray bomb it black and install it.
Coating the inside is up to you. That is usually left to tanks that need things sealed down inside. You will have virgin steel that will work perfectly for all our lifetimes.
Install it loosely on the running board brackets with the tank clamps in place and lift the whole assembly into place. Tighten the running board bracket bolts and position the tank and make sure the fill tube is connected properly. Tighten the tank straps. The sender can be installed thru the whole in the floor or before the tank install.