I've been eyeing the mustang tank tech article to put a tank in my 56 pickup. I just ground out all the rivets for the crossmember and pulled it out, but when I went to do a test fit of the tank it wouldn't fit. It's needs a full 1/2 inch more clearance on each side! Has anyone else run into this problem when trying a switch like this? Or have any idea what might be wrong in my case? Thanks
Craig

 

I just finished the tank installation in my'53.I followed the instructions in the article in the tech section.I used a '69 Mustang tank and had to notch the lower frame rails about 3/4" on both sides.Most of the tanks are imports and vary a little. My brother-in law just replaced the one in his '66 mustang and had to grind a little so it would fit also.

 

Just finished mine also.Gas-axed 1/2 inch on both sides,upper and lower lips.I set tank in from top and bolted it to upper lip.That way the tank is almost all protected between frame rails.I had to fabricate a new rail for the box boards to lay on too.

 

I noted the same issue of fit with the Cougar tank that I picked up. I figured I'd grind off a little from the side flanges to make it fit.

My bigger concern with mounting it between the frame rails is that once the bed and rear valance are mounted it'll be pretty near impossible to remove the tank without pulling that rear valance or possibly lifting the bed. However, I have to ask myself how many times have I had to drop a tank in vehicles I've owned? Not very many times.

 

Craig,

thats my tech article... seem's like I did have to shave a little off the frame rails also.. but not more than a 1/4" the tank slid right in with no problem... could be a difference in the tank mfg'rs.

Mine was an after market mid 60' 'stang tank I bought from a mustang restorer. I'm now rethinking how I mounted mine... the way it is I can't remove the tank if I need to ... think I'll add a frame above what I have now and bolt the two together so I can drop the tank if needed...

hope it helps

john

 

 

did you re-do the install? i'm following your post now and am planning my own tank install for the near future. any info will help. thanx

 

George,

One thing you need to know about John - he only does things over. Front suspensions, gas tanks, whatever. I think he's got the "WOW, if I just change this I could ..." disease.

 

I recently did the Mustang tank install in my 48 F1. It may be slightly different than the F100 installation but it isn't very difficult. If you are doing an F1 I can probably answer any questions you might have concerning the installation.

 

yes i would like to pick your brain on the install. im thinking of doing it and want to knoe how.

 

George,

some thingss are just too much fun to do only ONE time... so you cut them out and do them over...

I'm always open to new ideas and if I like your stuff better...I'll steal it



john

 

so i understand. so have you re done it yet?

 

>yes i would like to pick your brain on the install. im
>thinking of doing it and want to knoe how.


OK Gwilkrrs I'll try to answer any questions specific to the F1 frame.What in particular would you like to know? I can also send you pics of the new rear crossmember that I made to replace the original that has to be removed to fit the tank in place. John's article on the installation of the tank in his 56 is an excellent guide for the installation. Most of the job is the same.

 

yeah i thought john was very easy to follow. what would be different for the 51 f1? yes the rear crossmember pic would be nice. the filler neck has me wondering how i would do it. any info would be appriciated.

 

George...

I haven't done it yet... been working on the other end that I did over !!! but it's still on the list of things I wanna do...

sorry... I'm too busy redoing things to redo this yet..

john :-X12