I got scolded for posting in the wrong section so here goes again. Has anyone installed a '55 F-100 fuel tank in a '56 F-100? It looks like it just sits on the running board brackets & secured by straps. I'd like to get rid of the in-cab tank but am not a fan of the tank in the rear between the rails. They all hang too low & detrac from the "stock" look.
Jay's '56 F-100

 

You will need 53-55 running board brackets as they are different than the 56. They drop down for tank clearance

 

And you'll need the filler hole at the left cab corner.

 

While I understand your concern about a rear frame mounted tank, I personally have never seen it as an issue. I guess a lot depends on the size of the tank and how it is mounted in the frame. That said, I assembled and painted the bed in the attached photo for a friend/customer some time ago. He expressed the same concern for how much of the tank could be seen from the rear. His solution was to buy a deep rear sill from Midfifty and have me install it for him. As you can see in the photo, when the sill dropped it interfered with the bumper brackets. I had to weld in cutouts so that the bumper bracket fed through the sill. The overall look was very clean since the bumper brackets were hidden by the bumper...however, that may "detract from the stock look" too much for you. Just another option to consider...

 

I concur with Charlie about rear installation. Like you I wanted to move the gas tank out of the cab, I did a lot of checking on this due to the frame mods made by a PO of my truck. When I talked to the folks at Boyd Welding they said that they have never had a tank fail in a crash. Their tanks are very well made. They make saddle tanks for 18 wheelers, boats, etc.




Added a stronger crossmember in the rear.

 

Hey Jay,
We looked at a lot of gas tank options for our '50 F1 as I too wanted to get the tank out of the cab. We went with a 22 gallon '70 Mustang Tank between the rails. It's not visible from the rear... I have seen some bigger Bronco tanks that really hang down in the back. Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

If you are wanting a stock look then this may not be for you , but my plan is to take my left side saddle tank and put it on the right side making it relatively easy to put the filler in the front of the box . My plan is to use a permanent storage compartment for the filler as well .

 

Hey Guys, thanks for all the good info, food for thought. Looking at MidFifty adjustable running board brackets, might be a solution for the '55 tank in my '56. Still looking at that option. Ben in Austin, would like to see a pic of your set-up? E-Bear, If you move your tank to the right side, where do you move the battery?
Jays '56 F-100

 

Battery will go in the box at the back . I plan on making about 2/3 of the top on the left hinge and leave the fuel filler as is and put the battery tools etc on the right side . After the box is made to fit . PS it's not as big as it looks about the same height as box sides ( will lower some ) and about 4" too wide .

 

Battery will go in the box at the back . I plan on making about 2/3 of the top on the left hinge and leave the fuel filler as is and put the battery tools etc on the right side . After the box is made to fit .

 

EBEAR, sounds interesting. I'd like to see pics of your progress if available.
Thanks,
Jays '56 F-100