The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Moving Fuel Tank

I am guessing this is the right forum for fuel tank questions? It is in the interior, but the interior forum seems dedicated to the upholstery and related items.

I would also expect this info to exist, but I don't see it in the search or the tech tips. Do I just fail at search-fu?

I want to move the tank out of the cab on my 59. I have seen conversions over the years where people used fuel cells that they mounted between the frame rails in the back with the filler neck in the floor of the bed, but I intend to use this truck as a truck, so that seems like a bad idea to me.

A buddy recently told me that the tank out of an early 70s chevy would bolt right up to the frame and was an "easy swap". Of course he has not done it, he has just heard that it was easy from someone.

Is there a recommended method for moving the tank out? In my head, it seems like I should be able to put something like the 70s tank on the frame under the bed, weld a steel tube from the inside of the stock filler neck down and out the rear corner of the cab, then use a rubber hose from there to the tank. It would be strong enough to not have to worry about someone throwing something behind the seat and damaging the tube there.

Am I overthinking this?

There has been lots of discussion about this over the years. Many threads about why; mixed opinions about safety, accessibility, structural integrity... Someone who has hands-on experience should be along shortly.

Is there some other search term I should be looking for to find old discussions? I see a couple threads on 30s and 60s trucks on the concept of "should it be moved", but I am not seeing anything on the mechanics of it.

My primary reasons for wanting to move it are so I have some storage behind the seat for my safety equipment and because I don't want fumes in the cab if something comes loose. Unfortunately I have never had a vehicle that did not end up needing fuel tank service over the years and I really dislike the smell of gas.

Your concept is fairly unique. Most are satisfied with putting the tank between the frame rails at the rear of the truck and fill through access from the bed. You certainly could move a tank anywhere there’s room for it and get creative on how to fill it. Crawl under your truck with a tape measure and see how much room you have where you want it to be and find a tank that will fit. Good luck.🛠

I've never been keen on the idea of having the filler in the bed of a truck. I too use my trucks and can only imagine either needing gas and not being able to access the filler or having debris falling or blowing in while gassing up.

Although I have never been bothered by having the tank in the cab, I am intrigued with your idea. If you follow through with this I hope you keep us informed with your progress.

John

I moved the gas tank under the bed on my '38. I used a 1st gen Mustang tank. I plumbed it to the drivers side coming out of the flatbed side rail. I also don't like the filler in the bed, although that would have been easier.

Find a 1955-59 Suburban/Panel truck tank. They mount on the passenger side between the frame and driveshaft, that's what I used. The frames are the same so it fits my 3100 like it was born there. I then routed the fill pipe down the frame and installed a "Tank's Inc." filler box to the rear fender behind the rear tire.

Mike B

That does look clean. My best case would be to keep the filler neck in the stock location because it just looks good, but your setup is the best mod I have seen in person.

Thanks for the idea!

We have done numerous tank relocations during the years and favor the early Blazer tank over the Mustang as it has a left side filler neck and plumbing is easier. You can use exhaust tubing (won't rust) to locate the filler neck anywhere. My personal favorite is the motorcycle "Pop Up" cap pictured below. It fits flush with fender surface so you turn it 1/4 turn and it pops up and then screws out just like ones on modern cars. No doors to mess with and if painted body color it's nearly invisible.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/MXgwrtMt/003.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/75VpDN6F/004.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/TpckW36m/008.jpg[/img]

One feature I forgot to mention in my post above it the Suburban/Panel tank allows you to retain the spare tire in the stock location if the matters...

Mike B

I used the left side tank from a 76 ( if memory serves me) on the left side of my 67 fleet side as an extra tank. Brackets and all bolted up nicely but small lip of the tank that slides under the cab doesn't fit. Cut that part off and it fits nicely with 14 gallons remaining. Fill tank by reaching into the fender well.

Used '60's Chevy station wagon tanks on my '61 Chevy truck, in front of the rear tires, filler cap in wheel well.

Ed

@coilover, Do you have a link to the gas cap you use?

I think finding a suburban tank is the best idea, but the hardest part is finding one. They don't come up for sale very often if ever. I've only seen one.

I'm not sure it would work, maybe somebody has done it, but some 60s Chevys (maybe others too) had tanks between the frame rails with the filler behind the licence plate on rear bumper. I've often wondered if this set up would work on my old truck.

We used to use ones from Fog Hollow motorcycle parts in St. Louis but the same ones are on ebay for less. Be sure to get the on that includes a weld in bung. Here is another shot of one that is painted body color. It is in the upper left corner of the rear apron and you have to look close to see it.
Threaded bung welded in:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/Bt7Xjqq4/pop-up-gas-cap-004.jpg[/img]

Cap popped up:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/1nC5VH1J/pop-up-gas-cap-003.jpg[/img]

Cap in down position:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/0Mb1F1h0/pop-up-gas-cap-001.jpg[/img]

Cap painted body color:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/1gXd5cM9/two-34-s-outside-001.jpg[/img]