The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Moving fuel tank

I’d like to relocate the fuel tank and at the same time go with something different t like a side tank that you see on big trucks and semis. I’d locate it on the driver side frame just aft of the cab tucked under the flatbed. Has anyone swapped to a different tank? If so how did you get the sending unit to work with the factory guage?

I’d like to do this because I’m not real comfortable sitting on top of flammable gasoline and I’d love to free up understand storage for tools, and I’d like to install seat belt mounts under the seat.

Pic of the location I’d like to install:

Can you move it between the frame rails? Those side tanks you see on big trucks and semis are full of diesel. A side tank (saddle tank) full of diesel is much safer than a side tank full of gasoline.

I agree. Remember the lawsuits resulting from the saddle tanks on the 1973-87 Chevy pickups? Ironically, one of those tanks from a 1973-87 truck may fit inside the frame rails on your truck. The tanks are rather long and skinny. A trip to a junkyard armed with a tape measure may be in order.

For an exposed position a fuel cell would be much safer than a fuel tank. They are designed to be explosion proof and don't gush out fuel if ruptured. Offered in both plastic and aluminum. Walmart has a 20g aluminum one for $137.

A fuel cell is a good idea for any application that exposes a tank to damage. It is not a cure-all, it will leak if damaged enough. Be sure that it contains a bladder or foam and is not just a tank with a fancy inlet fitting. Bladders are more expensive but offer more protection. Foam slows leakage to reduce fire/explosion danger but does not positively contain the fuel like a bladder. Between the frame rails is the best location, which of course usually means behind the rear axle unless the tank is skinny. Lots of vehicles do it with one of those or the other.

I don’t have a lot of room between the rails, it’s a 1940 and the frame rails aren’t as far apart as later trucks, plus I’ve got the torque tube and exhaust. I think the under seat location is worse than outside the frame because I’m basically sitting on the gas tank and an ignition source (battery under floor).

The tank I’m looking at has a Metal plate on the outboard side of it. I could put some foam between the two. It would stick out 20 inches from the frame. The bed is 28 inches out from the frame.

Early '60's GM station wagons had long, skinny fuel tanks. Others bolt a tank to the flatbed rails. Walk through a truck yard to see all tanks and mounting styles, I'm sure you will get some good ideas.

Ed

I drove lots of '70's and '80's GM medium duty trucks with single wall gas tanks on the outside of the frame, many were designed as the step up to enter the cab.