The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Under bed gas tank for 39 pickup????

What has been used for a gas tank under the bed of 1939 Chev pickup? I am trying to decide on what to use. I have a small block with auto trans in it. I am thinking 16 gallon min up to a 20 gallon tank. Plan on installing it behind axle and back of bed area. Open to what has worked and suggestions. Thanks for the help.
Ed

Where will you mount your spare?
Have you considered a pair of saddle tanks on each side under the bed just right behind the cab. You could put two 8 gallon tanks or, possibly, two 10 gallon tanks with a small pump to move the fuel from the right to left tank on demand - like the late 70's Chevrolet Silverado pick used, or just a switch to go from tank to the other.

Old Chevy,
I am in the same boat as you. Well, I am not in the process of installing a fuel tank but I have been looking for one that would fit the truck as you described.

I was have been looking at Doc Kustoms, 47-53 Chevy Truck Tank. They also do custom tanks but you need to supply the measurements. They didn't recommend the 47-53 but the measurements were pretty close. I might have to relocate the back cross member and take new measurements for a custom tank.

I am still looking around so I you find something that works, please share and vice versa.

Bread

Astro cargo vans had a smaller tank that fits where you describe. There was also a similar tank in 1983-1993 S-10 Blazers which was a little bigger. You could use the stock tank out of S-10 trucks that fits up beside the frame rail as well. Your best bet is to go to a junkyard with a measuring tape and see what fits.

I used a 65/68 Mustang tank in my '38. I turned it sideways so the fill tube is behind the drivers side rear wheel.
New cost was around $120.
gas tank

Wayne, That is crazy your truck looks just like mine before I set the bed on it. Same color and all. I do like your idea and never thought about turning it sideways. It is tight with everything under there.
Ed

Bread, How are you doing? I will let you know what I do. I have thought about a custom tank also and even thought about get some metal sheared and just welding it up myself. I just am concerned of what this gas we have here with the government required corn flakes in it will do as far as corrosion will do long term to it. Cheers Ed

46 I will go looking this weekend if the weather man is wrong about our badly needed rain. Thanks for the ideas. Ed

6 , As of now I am going to depend on not getting a flat(fingers crossed). Under the bed area in front of rear end is already full of exhaust system and mufflers. This is one of the problems of modifications. This truck came already hacked up beyond going stock short of a ton of money to get back to stock. I am trying to keep the outside as stock looking as possible and that has not been easy to get back to. My truck is not going to be as nice as yours, however trying to make a dependable driver out of it. Ed

I would like to thank all of the suggestions and will research all of them.
Ed

look at a 35 chevy truck tank it fits between the frame rails and the filler neck comes out just behind the right fender cost about $230

Thanks I will check on that. Ed

Old Chevy,
I am doing quite fine. Thanks for asking. I am still interested in any parts that you haven't cleared out. You know, I keep on buying things for the truck but I haven't put anything together. I do not have the facilities nor the tools to put the truck on the road. Any how, here is a pic of my 39 backend . I went with a whole new rear end/suspension so it isn't original. By doing that, I may have to move that cross member fit a fuel cell back there. I know what you mean by the fuel corroding tank and I have thought about that as well. Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer or any other type of gas tank coating product was the solution I was going to using. I still haven't crossed that bridge yet so I am still open to suggestions and I am glad you poster the questions.

Bread