Folks,
While at the yard today I spotted a 60's truck with a pair of aftermarket saddle gas tanks. These were made of some sort of plastic and mounted outside the frame rails. They were flush with the bottom of the box, and the filler necks were in the wheel wells.
Pretty slick.
Would this be safer or more dangerous than the in-cab tanks? Yes, I saw the exploding saddle tank GM trucks on TV but have since heard that it was rigged. The rolling Ford truck exploding on TV also has made a lasting impression.
Opinions?
Thanks,
Brett

 

Safer? Who can really say?

Do-able, definately. Probably smells better, too.

Many large trucks and even 1 ton cab/chassis units still use the outside saddle tanks stock from the factory.

My vote is to do what makes you happy, and if the Maker wants you, He's going to come and get you regardless of where your fuel tank is.

Good luck on your project,
/Kris

1950 F47
1977 XS650
1997 F150XL

 

CBS got in big trouble for rigging the GM trucks to explode, so the hazard isn't as great as the segment had said it was. First I would check the condition of the tanks if they are plastic. If they are old plastic tanks, be real careful as plastic does have a tendiciy to dry out as it gets old. It is up to you as to what you want. As far as which is safer...that's probably a matter of opinion. In the cab it's better protected from the elements and a collision would have to be hard enough on the cab to totally crush in the cab and rupture the tank. The side saddle, if outside the rails, can rupture if hit from the side, with only the bed side to protect the tank. Go with the set up that makes you most comfortable.

Gary M.
==============================
46 truck-6cyl now, 302/C4 soon
46 truck-flathead 8, 4spd
47 truck-getting a 429/C6
57 Ford FL 500-4 dr-312/AT
70 Mustang fastback-351W/FMX
72 Olds Vista Cruiser-350/AT
88 Bronco II, 500,000+ mi.

 

 

Anything is better than 14 gallons of gas pressed up against your back.

 

How long will those plastic tanks last?
Does anybody still make them?
Where could you get them new?
Thanks,
Brett
PS. I don't know which is worse; 15 gallons of gas 12" from your backside, or 1 gallon of gas and 3200 cubic inches of gas fumes and oxygen 12" from your backside.

 

By a fuel cell from Summit Racing and bring the filler up through the wood in the box. You can even leave the filler below the bed and add a stainless steel door to cover. All it takes is a little work and a couple of $$$$$$$$.