The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1966 fuel tank cover

I'm just putting the last finishing touches on the interior of my super original C-10. Today I attempted to install a reproduction cardboard fuel tank cover that fits behind the seat. I must be retarded or something, because it just didn't go well at all. Seems like there needs to be some additional pressed-in creases for folding in key places to get a nice fit. I have never seen an original cover intact before, or a properly fit repro either, so I don't know what they are supposed to look like, or exactly how they fit. I know this detail is one that most truck owners just don't bother with, but I'm going all original. Anybody put one in successfully? Got tips? Or does anybody out there have a picture of an original tank cover in place?

Good morning and valid request. I have found the reproduction cardboard tank covers to be very rigid and lacking some creases, as well. I use a straight edge along the factory creases, as a break and overbend them a little in both directions to give the piece some flexibility. I then use a spray bottle with water in it, to mist the back of the cover, very lightly. I wipe the back with a damp cloth, to ensure uniform coverage of the moisture. This softens up the cover a bit and helps it go in.

I start by inserting the tabs along the top edge into the ribs in the cab panel above the fuel tank. Take care to make sure the ground wire from the fuel sender is properly fit into the slit cut into the cover. I then fold the ends, at the factory creases, and insert into the pockets at each end of the tank. With a short 2" x 4" block, I push the bottom of the tank cover into place, being careful not to tear the cardboard.

With some patience, a little moisture and softening up the creases, it will go in and look correct when you are complete. I have done several of them and they all turned out nice and stay in place, as the orginal covers did.

Excellent. Thanks for that great response. Would it be possible for you to send me a couple shots of one you installed? I still don't know what they should looked like or where to put the extra creases?
I'm going to buy another for the second attempt as the first was damaged a little. Any opinion on the best source, or are they all the same? Lastly, I'm guessing the seat needs to be out of the truck, right? Thanks again. Send pics to: [email protected]

You are welcome. I will send you some photos of one recently done. I don't put extra creases in the cover, but I do attempt to pursuade the factory creases, by bending them back and forth. I do the first bend with the aid of a straight-edge on a flat surface, to make sure it folds crisply in the proper location. I have purchased them from LMC Truck in Lenexa, KS www.lmctruck.com and Classic Parts in Riverside, MO www.classicparts, since both suppliers are within 20 minutes of my shop and I don't have to pay shipping. You might also try:

www.truckandcarshop.com
www.brotherstrucks.com
www.bowtiebits.com
www.oldchevytrucks.com

I think most of them come from the same manufacturer, but I am not certain.

I strongly suggest removing the seat to remove or install a cardboard tank cover. If you have carpet, the wood block trick to push in the bottom is a must.

I just recieved my tank cover today. I've read and re-read this post several times and I still am not sure I get it. I see where the tabs go into the back of the cab, however, I don't see where the cover bends to go down the face of the tank. perhaps there should be a crease all the way across???. The only creases are a "V" shaped crease at each end. Should I use a straight edge and bend the cover straight across from the point of each of these "V"s?. Will this give me the bend I need to go down the face of the tank? Should the carpet go in before the cover or the cover first?

Licensed, I think you got it. If I understood Tony correctly, there should be two extra folds or 90 degree bends. One at the top of the tank (from "V" to "V") and another at the base of the tabs that tuck into the back of the cab (this will complete a "Z" shape). I have not ordered my 2nd cover yet, but that is what I'm going to do when I get it. Before folding it over a straight edge, I think it would be smart to score an impression along the inside of the desired location to help it bend crisply. Use something hard but DULL, as you don't want to cut the paper. Honestly, I didn't get the part about folding the ends at the factory creases, as no creases exist but for the small "Vees". Does the face of the panel continue straight across into the cab sides, or return back 90 degrees at the ends of the tank? Tony, care to clarify? Why no instructions included anyway?
Thanks and good luck. P.S.- Let us know how you do with it.

I purchased one of those gas tank covers and had the same problem. I took it to an upholstery shop and they recommended another solution. They made their own and covered it with the same carpet as on the floor. It turned out very nice. They even installed plastic plugs so that the cover could be removed and replaced easily. $250 for a good professional job.