The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs TF Gas Tank Substitute

My '59 panel needs a gas tank. Can't find one anywhere. Has anyone substituted tank from another vehicle?

I went looking for a replacement for my 55nd and couldn't find one. If you come across a source let us know!

Larry, from what I can tell they are just not available. I started this thread hoping someone had already ran into this problem and found a substitute.

If all else fails, I guess I'll fabricate something.

I know it's not a 59 but, I modified a 71-73 Mustang tank to mount at the
rear of my 52 panel. I needed 20 gallons capacity and a shape that was a good fit
for the rear of the panel (where the spare tire would go. Had to weld up the original filler hole & moved the filler so it would be accessible through the floor
in a recessed housing that's vented at the right rear of the cargo area.

I don't know if you wish to change the location, but I can tell you the tank fit perfectly and only needed to extend the Ford holding straps slightly to attach it
securely. If your rear frame dimensions are similar .... it might work for your TF truck, too. Cost from a discount place online was about $110-120 plus some filler bits I got off of eBay .... whole job was under $140.

Thanks, Squire.

Two questions, does this mod leave enough space for a trailer hitch, and what did you do with the spare?

thanks

Many have had this trouble. Filling thru the inside of a vehicle is not my idea of a good solution. Filling an aftermarket rear tank from outside is OK (rear wheel well or new body hole). I have thought many times about all this. Someone could stamp these tanks in identical halves (almost) and join them. The tank is made like the truck tank. I have often wondered if a 55-59 truck tank ($140), could physically fit under there. If so, modifying the filler and sensor hole would be cake. Modifying a new tank, that will fit in stock location, would be easy and totally safe.
Also the various tanks for Fords, 32-40 approx look interesting.
I have also looked a big truck (18 wheeler type) round aluminum tanks for mounting in original location. I say all this to maybe spark an idea in someone, it's called brainstorming. For the aftermarket rear tank, spare can be stood upright and mounted to the side or mounted flat with a nice cover on it.

I've been told there's a tank from something like a Blazer, or maybe a Cherokee, that mounts in a similar location and has a similar filler that could be adapted .... I'd say if you've got an original tank, no matter how rough, it can be rebuilt, the shape and size is very specific to the location on these trucks, not much room to fiddle, the pickup tank wouldn't fit .... I happen to have a decent spare, but can't imagine what an expense and hassle it would be to ship it

Bill

I am adapting a Curt or a Reese truck hitch ... Have made measurements
and there's plenty of room for a Class lll hitch.

As for the spare ...... It goes inside...! Thinking of fabbing up a mount
over and behind the driver's side rear wheel to get it off the floor.

Red, I had an estimate of $500 to fix the original. This is on top of a $150 inspection fee to see if the fix is possible. For that much I can have something custom made out of aluminum.

I'm wondering if a mid-60's Suburban might work? Or, like you said, a Blazer tank.

It won't work to keep the spare inside. I'll be using every bit of cargo space from time to time.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Always open for more...

If you don't want original fitting tank, then there are lots of options for up and under between the rails. There will be no room for the spare. If you don't want it inside, that leaves the rear (swing away rear tire carrier), the top (Safari Style) or the front (Beyond Thunderdome Style).... and, of course, hardcore style (a can of stop leak/inflator). Several of these choices may be illegal in your state.

hmmm...

Why won't a tank made to fit between the frame rails behind the axel(close to the bumper) for 55/59 trucks work? I realize a filler tube will have to be fabricated....a new through the body filler door... Late 70s dodge trucks had a nice plastic fuel tank, it as narrow, fit inside the frame rails...

I have been told, (I haven't tried it,) that an '80s p/u tank can be modified fairly easily to fit. If I hadn't found one for my '56, I would have tried it, though!

best wishes,

Les

I guess if we all spent more $ getting the repop stuff, someone would get on the ball and start making them. Maybe everyone needs to write a letter to counter part or who ever repops gas tanks.

the people that repro originals, Counter Parts is a distributor

Bill