Hi guys,

I have a new-to-me 1976 F100 4x4 work truck, currently running on strictly propane. I'm thinking about converting it back to gas, just because the headache of finding fuel stations/costs of on-going certification to me outweighs any fuel cost savings that might exist.

With that in mind, currently the truck has no gas tank. All the gas-stuff was removed to make room for an under-chassis propane tank. Given that I want to convert the truck to gas, I will need a fuel tank.

Any suggestions for what tank will fit/work with the least amount of headache? I'm not adverse to custom fabrication, but I like to avoid unnecessary work whenever possible. And because this is a work truck, I'm not adverse to going to the local scrap yard and grabbing a used tank either. I would love to run a dual tank setup like I had in my 94 F150, but my understanding is that it is tricky to do with a Dent-Side 4x4. Thoughts?

*Edit I should add that dent-sides around here are scarce, so I'd be looking at likely having to use something from another rig. I think I've heard around here that Blazer or Bronco II tanks will work?

 

My dentside 4x4 came with dual tanks. I've got a 77 F150 and it has the factory in-cab (behind the seat) tank, and then the standard rear tank behind the rear axle. Either one is really easy to remove/install. Check out Jeff's Bronco Graveyard for anything you'd need.

1973-79 Full Size Truck/Bronco-Broncograveyard.com

That will at least get you started. Not much to it really, you'll need a mechanical fuel pump, a tank, a sending unit, rubber lines, hard lines (if they've been removed as well), fuel filter, and if you run a dual tank setup you'll need a tank switching valve. For tanks under the bed you'll also need tank straps if they've been removed.

 

For the least amount of headache, go with rear tank as it is the easiest to install, in my opinion. If you don't do heavy wheeling, consider a 38gal unit. If you have a parts yard in your area, you'll want to go there and see if there are any Fords out there. That way you can see all the extras you will need. Don't limit yourself to the dents, either. See if the bullnose straps will work. I know that these trucks were carbed at least until 1984, so you may be able to find something. Also, if you have a 3/8" line to the carb, you will want a sending unit with a 3/8" line. Good luck and please post your outcome if possible.

 

Finding good used for the straps & brackets sounds good. They are available re-pop if needed.

For the tank, I'd suggest new. You know it is clean that way. There are lots of choices where to buy including your local parts store. I like my 38 gallon rear tank (vs 19 gallon OE). You may or may not want to deal with extending the sending unit for the big tank however.

As mentioned, good idea to look for a 3/8" fuel pickup/sending unit. Also run 3/8" lines. The larger lines help resist vapor lock.

 

New rear tanks are not that expensive. I believe the 38 gallon tanks were originally on same year Broncos .... I once was thinking of getting one but my hitch is pretty stout and crosses under my 19 gallon tank and the 38 gallon tanks are twice as thick .... and so I'll probably stay with it until it leaks if ever ...... then replace with same but new. I don't drive the '77 so far that I need more these days anyway.

Besides, gasoline weighs 6.073 pounds per gallon. that's over 115 pounds at 19 gallons versus 230 pounds for 38 gallons.

 

This is a no-brainer. Buy a Spectra Premium F1B rear 19 gallon tank and sender on ebay. You should get the tank for less than $100 delivered. You also need the lower straps and possibly the upper straps. This is the ticket if you have a filler hole behind the driver side wheel.

No hole, but one in front of the wheel? Spectra Premium F25B will cost you a bunch more, like $125. Everything for these two tanks is available in many different places. No need to buy a bad tank from a yard or cobble something together.

If your truck only has a hole in the cab for the cab mounted tank you're in worse shape.

The F series had an optional 38 gallon tank that could mount behind the axle instead of the 19 gallon tank. BUT, you end up using some sort of spacer kit that uses all-thread, and you also modify the sender to get it to read. I'd say don't do it unless your bladder can hold for more than 500 miles.

The OJ Simpson Bronco had a 33 gallon tank that mounted behind the rear axle but it is not the same as the 38 gallon tank and will require some customization.

Keep It Simple don't get carried away.

ecat

R.

I own a 77 F150 with two very rusty gas tanks and have done all the research

 

@ DogDays, have you also researched the fuel sending units, transfer valve and related wiring? If so, please share.

 

I'm up in Canada, so the US$ and US$ shipping costs currently kill me. A quick look at ebay shows $150 plus shipping for the F1B, $305 plus shipping for the F25B. Neither are bad prices, and at least now I know where to source a new tank.

In my truck's case, the way the propane tanks are mounted are under the box, behind the rear axle. So it might be possible to fit an OJ Bronco tank there once the propane tanks come out. The truck is already configured for a "behind the rear axle" tank, so may as well take advantage of it if I can. The fuel door is also right there, so maybe it will work.

I'm going to crawl under there after work with a tape measure and see what options there are.

 

No 1973/79 F100/350 was available with a 38 gallon tank.

The largest fuel tank available was the 26.3 mid-ship tank (D7TZ-9002-D) installed in 1977 F250 4WD (not a High Boy) & 1977/78 F150 4WD, both without Evaporative Emission.

1978/79 Bronco's were available with either a 25.5 gallon or 33 gallon tank.

Repro parts sellers like LMC are selling an aftermarket 38 gallon tank, but it was never factory installed in a FoMoCo vehicle.

And btw, OJ was driving a 1994 Bronco that belonged to Hertz Rent-A-Car, because he was a spokesperson for them.

He used to come into Santa Monica Ford to have his "free Hertz vehicles" serviced, because this dealer had the Hertz west coast sales contract.