I'm having second thoughts about my cab gas tank as I was ready to plumb my fuel system. I looked through the archived threads and thought I'd resurrect the topic to gain any recent wisdom.

For the Bonus Built chassis, is there a "default" tank (or tanks) folks have landed on as proven winners?

If so, can they be installed without removing the box?

Any additional points to consider from your "real-world" experience greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dawg-a-roo

 

E-Dawgie
I'm kind of embarrassed - There was a guy on here that passed away several years ago - He was from Calif all that comes to me is Randy - He did some awsome work to his truck and one I really liked was a under bed tank with a filler neck tha came out the back end of the left rear fender - I grabbed the pictures from his tech info - I thought I had the descriptions but I can't find them yet - You do have to notch the frame to put in a pass thru
I got the pict and will try and get them up on photo bucket tonight - I'll put in a link when I get it done

 

I installed a new 1969 Mustang tank in my 49. I had a bare frame to work with so it went smoothly. You might be able to install your tank with the box on but you do need access from the top for bolts. I also installed extra bracing between the frame rails in a couple places. The mustang tank fits perfectly on top on the bottom frame rails. The bottom frame rails need a minor re-shaping. This involves removing about a 1/4 inch by 3 inch piece of metal. This installation almost makes you feel like the Mustang tank was made for this.


<a href="http://s822.photobucket.com/user/mervy49/media/Gas%20Tank%20Installed%20at%20rear/1949f47058.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz142/mervy49/Gas%20Tank%20Installed%20at%20rear/th_1949f47058.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1949f47058.jpg" style=""></a>

 

The guys Dick is referring to was RandyJack. I think his tank install in a tech article, or it might be a link in one of the sticky threads.

There are numerous tanks that will work. Randy chose a mid 80's full sized Bronco. I'm running a mid 80's full sized Blazer/Suburban tank in my 49. lots of people opt for the Mustang tanks. Besides those three major choices there a tons of others that will work.

There are several things to keep in mind; Where do you want the filler neck? (Bronco tank is towards the drivers side, Blazer/Suburban tank is towards the passenger side, Mustang tank is in the bed floor), What kind of gauges will you be using? (it helps to have the fuel sending unit matching your gauges. How much fuel do you want to carry? (Bronco tank is roughly 24 gallons, Blazer/Suburban tank come in 2 sizes - 24 and 38 gallons, Mustang tanks are below 20 gallons....I think)

I'll see if I can find the articles
Bobby

Here's a link to the late RandyJack's gallery on the Bronco tank install:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=24084

 

Ford Truck Enthusiasts User Gallery

This link will direct you to the late Randyjack 's galleries . Well worth bookmarking for future reference.

 

I am using 1995 chevy van tanks in both my builds. Fillers will be on the drivers side fender, 22 gallon units and have an internal bowl for fuel injection if you may need it.

 

Hey Eman,
We chose to go with a '70 Mustang Tank. It's 22 gallons vs. the stock 16 gallon tank - that 40% more range is nice! It fits right between the rails -
though you do have to shave off a bit to get it in there as Mervy said. We also had to move (1) bed brace to free up the space for the tank. We've got the fill coming up through the bed - you just have to fill up before you fully load the bed.

Personally I don't see how this mod. can be done without taking off the bed. You need access to the top bolts & you need to move a brace. We used Jniolin's write up as our guide. We also took the time to put a little protective bracing around/over the tank - just in case.

The tank installation wasn't tricky but we got hung up on the
sending unit not talking to our modern fuel gauge. I just figured I could put a resistor in the line to get the ohms right later - nope. Our gauges needed 0ohm to 200 ohms for Empty to Full & the '70 Mustang sender does something like 11 ohms to 80 ohms - not compatible. We welded on a modern universal sending unit to the '70 fuel sender & fuel line pick up & all is good.

So... Please figure out your Sending Unit to Gauge compatibility while you are in there. It's a pain to drain the tank & re-do it later - trust me.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

(We also looked at the Bronco tank because of it's capacity but it really hangs down below the frame - I didn't want it visible from the rear & I didn't want the tank to be the lowest thing if I bottomed out)..

 

I used a 73 chev blazer tank in mine.

 

I used a like new original tank behind the seat. I drove it for years in that location. I restored the bed to original in my 49 and did not want to cut into the steel over wood. I also did not want to cut into a fender, that said, Randy did a beautiful job. My other concern was exhaust limitations with a rear mounted tank.
EDIT
I apologize for the picture orientation. I am not sufficiently computer savy to rotate the pic

 

here you go Bill

 

I guess I have to start sippin frosties again cause I don't now and I can't remember a thing - You on the other hand sip and you new presxatly what I was tryin to post about - What flavor are you sippin?

 

Really Great Info - Thanks Everyone !

 

I know it's been a while since I've been back on this site. Randyjack's passing away is a shock to me. He was a true craftsman and had some great ideas (low buck) ways to modify trucks. As for the gas tank, I went with a CCP 19 gal. aluminum tank. They are custom made for our trucks and the install is very straight forward and easy. Four bolts, connect the filler and fuel lines and your ready to go. I love the look from the rear of the truck as well, gives it a custom look. They run about $400.00. Had mine for 5 years now and no problems.

 

Dick,
I prefer FREE beer, especially when its COLD FREE beer...LOL

Actually my choice of beer depends on the situation, if I'm sipping a beer along with a nice dinner then I'll go for something special. If I'm just sipping beers with buddy's while swapping lies in the garage then Budweiser is my go to beer.

Bobby

 

Has anyone used a Spun aluminum tank in the bed? I have considered swapping mine from the cab as well since I haven't run the fuel lines yet.