Gas Tank placement
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 148
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From: San Antonio, TX
Gas Tank placement
For those with 49-50 F1 or any other truck I suppose, any concerns of gas tank placed in the rear? Mocking mine up for fitment in rear of my 49 and had thoughts of Ford Pinto rear end fire issues. Not sure if that was gas tank design and they have improved or what.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 195
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From: Fresno, California
I've though about this issue a bit. I'm not sure if putting it in the rear is any more dangerous than the stock placement under the cab behind the running boards. I'd imagine the danger would depend on if and where you got hit, and by what. If you put the tank in between the frame rails at the rear, and got rearended by a small modern car with impact zones, you'd probably be okay, unless they were doing freeway speeds. In which case it probably won't matter much where your tank is.
I'm making my own tank from scratch. It holds 47 gallons, is 48"X6.5"X36" and sits in the bed, under a 7" raised floor, and runs from the front of the bed to just over the rear axle, with a drag car style sump.
I figured mounting it there would more or less isolate it from most impacts, and being fully baffled with a grid system, slosh will be minimized. And when full, will help with traction and help to even out the overall balance of the truck, since they are notoriously front heavy. The last two feet of the bed behind the tank will serve as a lockable trunk of sorts. Most likely to hold my rifles and ammo when I have to travel through states with stupid gun laws, or just the typical tools and extra fluids everyone needs to carry anyways.
I'm making my own tank from scratch. It holds 47 gallons, is 48"X6.5"X36" and sits in the bed, under a 7" raised floor, and runs from the front of the bed to just over the rear axle, with a drag car style sump.
I figured mounting it there would more or less isolate it from most impacts, and being fully baffled with a grid system, slosh will be minimized. And when full, will help with traction and help to even out the overall balance of the truck, since they are notoriously front heavy. The last two feet of the bed behind the tank will serve as a lockable trunk of sorts. Most likely to hold my rifles and ammo when I have to travel through states with stupid gun laws, or just the typical tools and extra fluids everyone needs to carry anyways.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,996
Likes: 9,883
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Ford trucks had fuel tanks mounted behind the axle until 1979. You don't hear too many stories of them catching fire.
I'm using a mid 80's full sized Blazer tank on my 49. There's lots of tanks that will work. Wen selecting tanks keep in mind what type gauges you are using and where you'll like the fuel inlet to be.
Bobby
I'm using a mid 80's full sized Blazer tank on my 49. There's lots of tanks that will work. Wen selecting tanks keep in mind what type gauges you are using and where you'll like the fuel inlet to be.
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,173
Likes: 4,780
From: Burbank, WA
Ford had behind the axle tanks longer than 79. My 85 F250 has two tanks, one midship and one aft axle. You're right, Bobby, in that we nevr hear of gas tank explosions on these trucks, and they were the best selling vehicle for years. But they also typically have heavy rear bumpers and trailer hitches, both of which could either add collision support, or be the part that punctures the tank leading to gas spillage and fire.
Are we there yet?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 64
From: NW Valley AZ
The problem with the Pinto was not just due to the location of the tank.
Upon impact, the filler neck would tear away from the sheet-metal tank and spill fuel beneath the car. The tank was also easily punctured by bolts protruding from the differential and nearby brackets.
When mounting the tank keep clear of item that may puncture the tank...
Upon impact, the filler neck would tear away from the sheet-metal tank and spill fuel beneath the car. The tank was also easily punctured by bolts protruding from the differential and nearby brackets.
When mounting the tank keep clear of item that may puncture the tank...
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