The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Need advice on a step/ toolbox for a '72 C60.

I have a 1972 C60 with dual 50 gallon step/tanks at each side of cab. I only use one tank so I'd like to find a step toolbox for the other side if one is made. Does anyone have any ideas?

It can be done but be prepared to spend big money. There is nothing made commercially for these that I have ever seen and I'm in the business. Aluminum would not cost much more than steel since it would be a one-off custom box. I assume these tanks must have a full length step and not the center step cutout type.

visit www.rctoolbox.com or www.protech.net

You might be able to use a battery box off a big rig

Hey 53Moneypit,
It's good to talk to you again. My gas tanks are the kind with the step made into the center of it. I may keep them both but I never use tank "B" and I fear that if I tried it may be so full of trash that it'd clog something up and good. I use my dump truck locally so one 50 gallon tank is enough. I just figured that there may be a tool box that I could make wise use of the space. One more thing, what did you ever do with that awsome crane truck? Just wondering.
David

Hey Big T.
I thought of that but most are a little long. I also thought of cutting the tank along a 45 degree line on the sides and adding hinges, clasps, and weatherproofing the seam for a converted toolbox. Seems like a lot of work to make it look right if I could just find one available. I'll keep looking for a battery box though, thanks for the suggestion.

David

Hello again David. I'm just holding it until you come get it, OK. (seriously I would part with it cheap)

Now I think I understand what you want and yes, you can buy an UB (underbody) type box almost anywhere that would approximate the size of the fuel tank. They are generally made 18" & 24" deep x 24, 30, 36", etc. long. An 18"x24" should be pretty close. I was thinking of the tanks that are full length steps and that you wanted a box made to fill up that space. Check any truck supply company near home.

Those big tanks always rust out where they set on supports or at under straps usually at corners of tank. Keep that second one for a spare if you remove it. Even if you have holes in it, they can be fixed by the right welder. I get mine fixed for around $80 to $100 and he does a good job. Cheaper than new $400 tanks I see advertized.
One thing you can do is fill one tank, let it go down, fill other side next, use it, then back to orig side, see, back and forth. Both get used that way. The first time filling is gonna be the wallet breaker!

53Moneypit, You know I'd like to have a truck like that but shipping it here would probably cost a fortune. I wish I knew an economical way to transport it though. Back to the tank though, I have put a pic of the truck so you can see the tank. The tank has a step made into it so a box would need a step too. I just figured that there might be one commecially available. Check the photo to see how the step is made into the tank.
Thanks to all for the help so far.
David


http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5259/b61chevy37lu.jpg

Maybe you could go to your local truck stop.Look at all the big rigs,i'm sure you will find one.

If you want to stay with the look of the step tank then you are back to a custom unit or modifying the tank itself which may be your best shot. I have successfully welded gas tanks like these and it can be done but is tricky. I'd check out the local welding shop and find one who understands the risk but will take it. I use to flush them with water for at least 30 minutes and then fill them completely to get all the air out. They would sometimes still catch fire but not blow up.

I'll hang onto the crane unit until you win the lottery (or I do ). Good Luck David.