Cutting the Frame

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Nov 17, 2007 | 09:20 PM

Kongslibakken

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From: ND

Cutting the Frame

Has anyone cut into the frame when doing a Mustang Gas Tank Install? We don't want to have the filler cap in the bed so we were looking at cutting a hole into the frame behind the rear leaf spring shackle it is just a tail that the bumper bolts to. With cutting the frame we can come up with the filler cap just about anywhere. Has anyone else done this? Can anyone come up with any Pros or Cons. We are doing this on my Son's 65 SB.

Nov 18, 2007 | 03:45 AM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

I have not cut one, have you looked at the filler pipe that was used in the 70s models? I know it is a flattened tube that fits between the bed and the rail.

I would not want to go through the bed either. Have you looked at a rear behind the license plate type deal?

If you can avoid cutting the chassis you can retain the ability to use a receiver hitch and tow wth the truck.

John

Nov 18, 2007 | 12:13 PM

Kongslibakken

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From: ND

Well I didn't know there was such a rascal I'll check out the Flattened Tube. That sounds like a better option. We don't want to use the rear plate. I didn't even think about towing what good is a truck that can't tow ?? Thanks John

just getting a different view helps.

Nov 18, 2007 | 01:01 PM

drof46

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From: Benton, AR

Seems like Gangster or someone put the tube under the bed and up through the stake pocket. Can't remember for sure so you will have to do some searching to find that pic in somebodies gallery.

later

Nov 18, 2007 | 03:33 PM

rogue40

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From: Sedro-Woolley, WA

The 70s bed had a journal molded into it between the inner wall and the floor for the filler tube to pass through over the rail. I had considered welding one in at on point and still consider this a good option.
As for cutting a hole in the frame, as long as you keep the hole as small as possible and weld in a short piece of pipe for the tube to go through (in shipyard terms this is called a "bulkhead penetration") your frame strength won't be compromised.
I know one person who put his filler neck behind the license plate and could only get his tank about 1/2 full because he didn't have enough drop to the tank.

Nov 18, 2007 | 07:50 PM

Kongslibakken

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From: ND

Bulkhead Penetration cool , the tube would act as support for the frame this could work well. Looking at some other Hitches on the site we could incorp... Ok I'm rambling. My son still wants to have the filler cap under the Tail light having the tail light flip up to gain access to the fuel cap. I think we are going to use the Mustang gas tanks original filler hole as a vent which will allow the tank to be filled all of the way. One more thing on this build. The artical for this conversion says to use 1" tube steel as a frame around the tank. Does anyone see a problem with just using some tank straps just like Henry did with the later models. Great ideas and advice Guys this is coming together nicely.

Nov 18, 2007 | 07:57 PM

Kongslibakken

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From: ND

Hey Rouge Gangstalker or Robert has some good pictures in his gallery of his conversion. Thanks Man

Nov 21, 2007 | 10:14 PM

427SOHC

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From: Terre Haute, Indiana

Just an idea... I seen a 77 F100 at the F100 supernationals last year with a fuel door from another Ford vehicle mounted to the floor of the truck bed, it looked pretty good.

Great looking ride Gangstakr! I like were you put your filler hose, I am looking for pics like these, it is giving me some ideas on how I am going to be doing mine, I will be using the fuel tank from the Lincoln Mark 8 that I got my donor engine, tranny and harness from.

Personally since I will not be doing any towing with mine cutting a whole in the frame would not worry me, no different than adding a C-notch to one. I do like the idea of welding in the pipe.

Good luck with whatever you decide Kongslibakken,

Rudy

Last edited by 427SOHC; Nov 21, 2007 at 10:17 PM. Reason: added comment