The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 51 panel truck gas tank relocation

This subject has been covered extensively on the pickup forums, but as you all know a panel truck is a bit different. Plus my panel has a rear 4-link suspension that precludes mounting the gas tank in the original spot along the passenger-side frame rail. So I've gotta put it in back. Anyone relocated their gas tank to the rear? What tank did you use? Is it possible to run the filler tube up to the original location?

I honestly don't have a clue but the first thing that came to mind was will a "flat" type tank fit where the spare tire goes.....but then that would mean finding a place for the filler neck.
Hang tight. Maybe someone else has done it?

Check out the gas tank for a 1980's-2000's S10 Blazer.

I've seen cab/chassis vehicles built to utility bed truck have a 3-4' or more filler hose. The problem with the Suburban/Panel is that the hole is pretty low on the body. You might have nozzle click off problems with the fuel backing up the hose. It might take a little engineering, but it is probably possible.

I removed my 51 tank and replaced it with a 1970 Mustang tank. (its a 20 gallon unit). This was on the advice of a gentleman
at Jim Carter that was most knowledgable on AD Panels.

The tank fits quite nicely between the frame rails.
However, You DO have to Weld up the
filler hole. Then get the tank positioned where you want it under there and:

1.) decide where you want the new filler hole to be
2.) fab up straps and cinch it up...then
3.) mark where the new filler hole will be.

It tucks up nice and close to the floor board and looks factory in my opinion.

I did not want the filler door in the body or fender...... so I recessed the filler into the rear of the cargo area.
With the filler door flush with the wooden floor and the mat over it......you never know its there till fill up time.

Thats how I did it.

Squire , I'm curious how your tank is vented ?
Can you explain how you vented your tank?

Thanks,
Tim

As I recall I used a filler neck with a vent tube attached
Just under the gas cap.
Used an AutoMeter sending unit .
The truck had a 455 Buick engine and required a LoT of fuel!,,,,
Fun ride, tho.
Had to sell it last year to a man in Colorado.

So I got my gas tank relocation finished today. Try as I might, I couldn't retain the original spare tire crossmember; I had to replace it with a rectangular tube.

While I like the looks and convenience of a fender-mount filler, like you I don't want to cut holes in my body or fender (oh, the limitations of having a pristine body!). So I also plan to locate the filler inside the barn doors with an access door on the floor.

I did use a Blazer tank in my last 1950 pickup and it worked perfectly. But the Blazer is a left fill and for this panel truck I preferred a center fill.

You're right: it's probably possible - but I've abandoned the idea and will just go with a rear fill inside the barn doors with an access door to prevent fume intrusion.

Very nice work!

Looks like a factory job!

Saw this Suburban with a filler cap below the barn doors:

Not a fan of the filler cap but I do like the way the inside is fixed up....my grandkids would love it.

Looks like a '70's shaggin' wagon.

I got the filler neck setup on my '51 panel finished today. Since the truck body is virtually pristine, I was adamant about not cutting any new holes in the body or fenders. Instead I grudgingly cut an access hole in the wooden floor. The filler door wouldn't sync with the wood slats so I added a transition piece below to span across the boards and runners. The tank inlet is offset an inch to the right, further complicating matters.

To prevent vapor intrusion into the cab the cap is sealed with an o-ring, the tank is vented out the right wheel well, and the plate and filler door are sealed with foam weatherstrip tape. Obviously care will be required to avoid spillage when fueling.

Well done!
Looks great!