The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 47-54 burb/panel gas tank

Just joined the stovebolt group. I'm attempting to restore my 1950 Chev 3100 half ton. Want to o relocate my gas tank to fit under the bed instead of behind seat for safety reasons. They tell me 47-54 suburbans or panels had an under-bed tank. Where would I start looking for a good used or possibly new one???

new one!? good luck!! and if you pull one out of a restoreable panel, you sure better not mention it here!!

but welcome to the place where you can find out all about the alternatives! the underbed tank question comes up very regularly in the garage, so if ya do a search [link at top of the page] you'll find lots of discussion on the possibilities - you'll find a couple other bluenosers hangin around here as well

Bill

The same tank and mounting was used under '47-'48 pickups too, so you might broaden your search a little...

Will,

Jim Carter Classic Truck Parts sells two gas tanks that will work for your truck.

The first tank has a part number is MEG160 and is a 13.5-gal. aftermarket direct replacement for the 1947-48 pickup and 1947-55 panel suburban trucks. It goes for $525 and can be found on page 109 of the JC 1947-55 parts catalog.

They also offer a "street-rod" 20-gal. under-the-bed tank for your truck as well. It is part number MEG161 and goes for $550. It is also on page 109 of the JC 1947-55 parts catalog.

Good luck on your project!

I'd think any approperately sized "flat" fuel tank would work.. just extend the fuel lines and the "drinking hole" and bolt it up!

I hear people saying they want to relocate the tanks for "Safety", but I have to wonder how many of these "under the seat" or "behind the seat" trucks actually blew up or caused a saftey issue?

In my simple little brain, I can't imagine it being any problem so long as it isn't leaking/rusted out.

The gas VAPOR is whats so dangerous, keep the tank full and it's way less likely to explode than if its near empty.. in fact, a friend of mines uncle used to own a welding/body shop and before he did any welding near the gas tank, he took it down to the local gas station and FILLED IT UP.

My general thought is, if your gas tank decides to explode while your flying down the road at 55MPH, it isn't going to make a darn bit of difference where it is.. under the seat, behind the seat, or under the bed.

You're going to be one crispy southern fried dude.

Bluenoser I used an 83 el camino "flat tank" and it fits behind the rear axle on my 49 burb. you will need to weld in some hanger bars but can use the existing tank straps as well. The filler nozzle will be on left rear fender. I hear the later late 70 to mid 80 Blazer tanks will work as well if you want a square tank. It is hard to find "salvage tanks" anymore as the yards drain them and punch holes in the tanks for insurance purposes before they can put them in salvage.

I know a guy who just pulled 2 NOS '47-55 1st suburban tanks out of a GM dealership in Kansas.

They are out there. You just gotta be in the circle of people who know about these things.


I know a guy who just bought one of 'em. Me.