can anyone tell me what's involved in putting a gas tank under the box on a 51 F1?

 

mspin... don't know the frame width for a 51... mine is a 53 but below details what's involved there... the only thing you might have to do is find a different size tank IF the frame rails are narrower...'53 frame rails are 34" inside. hope it helps

john

http://jniolon.classicpickup.com/mus...ankarticle.htm

 

I think the frame dimensions are the same.
There are several good articles around here on different tank swaps. I hope someone posts them soon.
Some of the popular tanks are the Mustang, Chevy/GMC Blazer/Suburban, and Ford Bronco. I opted for the large Blazer (38 gallon) tank for my 49 (it was free). Keep in mind that you should think about your gauges so that the tank sender and gauge match up.
Since the large Blazer tank is so deep I mounted it up between the frame rails even with the top of the frame. To do this I had to move the cross member at the rear spring perches.
You should also give some consideration as to how you'll put fuel in the tank. The Mustang filler neck comes out in the bed floor, the Blazer/Suburban goes out towards the passenger side, the Bronco towards the driver side. I opted for a marine style filler neck set in the right rear fender.


I'll see if I can dig up the tech articles


Bobby

 

I put a Mustang tank in my 52. I had to move a crossmember but it fits pretty good. I have the fill on the DS rear fender. Sorry I cant find any pictures but will look.

 

I used a 1970 mustang gas tank that I got from ROCK AUTO.i was very happy with it and the price was great

 

I went with the 69 mustang tank. It is like it is made to fit. My truck is 49 but I think the 52 has the same frame.

 

Hi Mspin,
Welcome Aboard! Post some pics of your truck when you get a chance
so we can see what you are working with.

Like Hillbilly Bob we used the '70 Mustang 22 gallon tank in our 1950 F1.
You get 38% more range than the in cab 16 gallon tank. The tank is around $120
from Rock Auto plus you'll need to buy the in tank sender unit .. seems like it was $70ish.
If you do a search on Jniolin gas tank - John has a very nice step by step on the process of installing the tank.

Some Things to think About:
o The '70 Mustang Tank fill opening comes up through your wood bed. We used a boat marine door to install our's in the bed.
Downside is you have to fill up before you put a bunch of stuff in your bed. Picture lifting the couch up to fill your tank. (Not a big deal).

o Welding - You'll need to weld shut the existing fill opening in your cab. We had an exhaust shop do our's in about 20 minutes.

o Gas Gauge needs to talk to Sending Unit Float in your tank using the same Ohms for empty/full. Doesn't sound like much but
it's a big deal. If you want your gauge to read correctly make sure your sending unit & gauge are compatible.

o Venting & Fumes - You'll want to Vent your tank so it doesn't starve your engine for gas (vapor lock). We put a small
rollover vent in the top of our tank . It then vented into the garage & I got incoming complaints from my wife... Plan on adding
a charcoal canister to your vent line. (You can pick them up at salvage yards).

Relocating the Gas Tank out back under the bed was by far one of the best modifications we did to our truck. In Cab tanks
are smelly sloshy things to sit next to. It does give you more room in the cab as well as significantly extending your range.

Good luck over there & Welcome! It's a 2 weekend job at most..

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Mspin54
I mounted a 72 Chevy C10 gas tank in my 51 F1. The tank I used was a kit designed to relocate the C10 tank from behind the seat to the rear of the frame.

It's a 20 gal tank with all new hardware and sending unit.

I made a temporary fuel filler but plan to use a Jaguar fill cap in the left rear fender.

The tank can be purchased through a number of companies online plus LMC Truck and Rock Auto have the tanks as well.

I had to relocate the rear crossmember to make room. I believe I turned the crossmember around backwards. Was a fairly simple job. Drilling out rivets was not fun but not that bad either. Here are a few picks including a pick of a finished Jag fuel cap on Roy's (Shoo) Truck. He did a wonderful job of installing the factory Jag cap.

Hope this helps

Dan

 

thanks very much for all the replies. I thought it would be an easy decision

 

In addition to all the helpful replies, you should also recognize that relocating the tank may affect the exhaust routing and the spare tire carrier.

Enjoy the journey.

 

are you changing the engine out or ?

 

This is a great thread here on FTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Adapting Major Components of 1948 to 1960 Ford Trucks - Ford-Trucks.com

 

1995 chevy van tank with internal pump for fuel injection, 1987 tank should be for carb applications but same dimensions (sending unit will be different and will prove what year was the switch). Side filler, I used a jag filler cap. I do have room for dual exhaust, I will be installing modified chevelle tail pipes in the spring.

 

I used the Mid-Fifty 22 Gal cross member mount with side fill in the driver side fender with a flip gas cap.

 

I had my tank made in Ocala, FL.