Does anybody know if a gas tank off of a late 87-91 ford will fit on my 65? It's the one behind the rear axle. Or know of something that will work pretty easily? I'm just wanting to get some Ideas. Thanks.

 

it is my limited knowledge that the 87-91 trucks was wider between the frame rails than our 65. I could be wrong im sure some of the more experienced gents here will post more accurate information

Here is information posted by ND about the frame rails. I took this from my tread about swapping the rear diff.

"1961/72 F100/350, 1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys), 1973/79 F350: Cab & Chassis, Crew Cabs and Regular Cabs on the 140" wheelbase have 33 1/2" inner rear frame rails behind the cab.

ALL other 1973 and later F100/350's have 37 1/2" inner rear frame rails behind the cab."

 

Thanks for the help.

 

glad i can help.

your 65 looks a lot like mine good luck on the retore

 

FWIW I think 80-97 frames are quite a bit narrower then 37-1/2 In fact I'm thinking 33-1/2 sounds about right. I have a "few" of them and am working on the frame and fuel tanks of one. Next time I'm at my shop I'll get some measurements for you for both the frame and the stock rear tank.

Edit, wait a sec I got one parked outside right now I can measure, let me see if I can find a tape measure.

Edit 2, ok so at the rear fuel tank the frame of my F350 (all 80-97HD are roughly the same) is 34" at the inside of the frame rail. FWIW the frame rail itself is a little narrower behind the rear axle, so in front of the rear axle to the front of the cab an inside frame width of 33-1/2" sounds right.

The truck I measured has a fuel tank skid/guard plate that also retains the tank. That plate is about the same width of the tank and is 32-3/4" wide. However the tank has a seal lip that is wider then the body of the tank and that in these trucks rests in the "C" of the frame and is a little wider then the 34" frame. So the tank has to be rocked into place.

I think this/these rear pickup tanks are about 16 gallons, not sure off the top of my head, but the bronco tank of the same generation fits there and is much larger/deeper.

 

Why not just leave it where it is, it has ridden safely there for darn near 50 years.



John

 

Point taken. Unfortunately, I suffer from the affliction know as being a guy, which means I can never leave well enough alone. My tank may need to replaced (not sure yet), and I just wanted to see what my options were. Thought maybe I could free up some space in the cab, and cut down on some fumes.

 

Bruteford, thanks for crawling under your truck and getting dirty just too answer my question. Really appreciate everyone's help.

 

Moving or adding a tank sounds like a worth while upgrade to me. If for any other reason but the space management alone. More fuel, and space behind the seat.

I personally would try a side saddle tank to, I had a 65 back in the day, didn't mod it much though and can't remember what the cross members are like but would think there is a good chance a tank could be put there. Hardest part would be the fill door.

FWIW the fuel tank selector system from a carbed or diesel 80+ is real easy to adapt to any rig. It's basically just an electronically switched 6 way T and a toggle switch.

 

The topic has come up on few occasions and the threads I have read members swapped the original for a mustang tank, imagine if one has a fuel tank source it would be possible to take measurements between frame and purchase to fit. Issue becomes where to place filler neck?? Bookmarked a thread where member installed filler neck in the 'styleside' driver's side tail light. Another member routed the filler neck with a filler lid flush with the top of the styleside bed rail. Posting couple links to relocation sources: Suggest run a search on topic and narrow field to 61-66 forum.

Installing a Mustang Gas Tank - Tech Articles - Classic Trucks Magazine

•| Jim's Garage|•

 

Also heard of some using a Bronco II tank. Might be worth a search on this...

 

lots of neat ideas. Thanks a bunch