Gas tank question? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sam's 72 · 03-14-2003, 12:38 AM

I am going to move my tank out of the cab, I have read of many conversions on these pages, one thing that I have not come across yet is a gas tank for a boat, I have a Cabela's catalog, and they have ALUM. 50 gal tank pretty resonable, do you guys think these would work? Also they have poly tanks, in different sizes also.They come with sending unit, and looking at the pictures they have three nipple welded to them. I know I could get one from a parts supplier from the board for a Blazer or Burb. but I want more compacity. Tell me what you think?
Sam

orange72350 · 03-14-2003, 12:57 AM

50 gallons? thats a ton of extra fuel and weight 2 be packing around, plus i diubt u would have room for it without huge alterations 2 the truck. as for the samller tanks, if u think it will fit, u can try it. let the rest of us know waht u figure out!!

sam's 72 · 03-14-2003, 10:35 AM

I would have to mearsure it out to see how it would fit, I have not got under the truck yet to check this out, but the tank that hold 50 gals measures 12.5" wide 45" L 22" H , this is a poly tank, goes for $ 132.00, there are three nipples on it, one for filling, one for pumping fuel out to engine, and a vent. As far as the extra weight goes, I am building a 383, with about 450 to 500 HP, I would think this would help me out a little with the traction problem I am going to have.
Sam

EdB · 03-14-2003, 11:22 AM

Sam,

I am in the process of installing an aluminum tank under my
tool box. It is a marine tank and is working out very well. It
is all hooked up and I should finish the wiring today.

I am going to use it as an aux. tank. It is about 18 gallons.
You can get them in several sizes. The sending unit and
vent came from a local dealer. Living on the coast has some
benefits.

I would have liked to use a larger tank but we had this one
as a spare and so it was free. I had to fabricate the brackets
and used a section of the rubber mat to lay it on. I used
marine fuel line and replaced the original line with it.

I had some alkaline paint left over from another project and
used it to paint the tank and brackets. I used Bulldog primer
to etch the aluminum.

I used a piece of 3/4 inch conduet under the bed to route the
line. I was able to use the regular clamps and existing carrage
bolts to secure it.

I will post some pictures as soon as I finish.

EdB

**1971Stepside** · 03-14-2003, 11:32 AM

Between the frame rails where the spare goes the measurements are 27" from frame rail to rail (side to side) and you have 17 or 18" from crossmember to crossmember. The depth is up to how low you wan the tank to hang. Double check those measurements as I am going from memory here.

Stout72 · 03-14-2003, 11:45 AM

sam's 72, EdB, are you setting these up as saddle tanks, or between the frame rails where the spare went?

sam's 72 · 03-14-2003, 03:22 PM

I am not ready to do this project just yet, but it is comming real soon, I have two other project in front of this one. But what I am doing is getting my tank out of the cab and going to put it under the truck, I am just kicking ideals around right now, I know alot of you guys have done this. When I was looking through a boat catalog, this is what gave me the ideal of useing a tank like this. When it come right down to it, if I have to get one custom made I will.
Sam

Stout72 · 03-14-2003, 07:30 PM

Actually, this is a project yet to do on my list as well. I'd like to get the gas tank out of the cab (I don't really like the idea of riding in the same cubicle with a potential bomb). I'd like to put some speaker boxes back there, and go to saddle tanks, even though this may not be a real safe option if you happen to get t-boned in a wreck. I believe there was a recall on saddle tanks in our trucks way back when, but I still see them around. When I do this, I'm going to weld in some fuel doors in the bed sides. I didn't want to go the Blazer or Burb tank route, I'd like to hang a spare tire back there again some day.

My truck was set up with saddle tanks in a previous life, all the supply plumbing is still there, but the tanks are not. And there are no left over fuel doors or fuel neck holes in the bed sides, or inside the bed. I believe the bed is original, because it is was painted the same 3 colors as the rest of the truck. Makes me wonder how a previous owner gassed up the saddle tanks.

I watch for posts on gas tanks to get clues on what works and how-to-dos. Good luck on your endeavor.

EdB · 03-15-2003, 01:13 AM

Sam,

I put it under the tool box. I am attaching two pictures. I will
post the second one right after this one.

Everything works. The fuel gauge is a different on the aux.
tank because the marine sending unit works different. I do
not know if I will be able to fix it without a marine gauge.
I need to do some research on this.

I did not want to mount a tank and lose my spare tire
carrier.

EdB

EdB · 03-15-2003, 01:15 AM

Sam,

This is what it looks like with the tool box installed.

EdB

miket · 03-15-2003, 01:34 AM

Sam,

PICKMUP has some nice fuel tank kits...I have seen them in person and you can contact him via this board.

PanelDeland · 03-15-2003, 09:57 AM

Sam, why 50 gal? You do realize that you will have to mortgage the truck to fill it up.
If you do use the 50 make sure you have mounts with enough capacity to hold 400+ #'s of fuel tank and jarring from road roughness.

jover · 03-15-2003, 05:19 PM

Sam: Jegs and many others sell fuel cells that come in all different sizes and are very reasonably priced. Seeings we don't use our box, and we have a tonneau cover on top, we put ours in the box, its relatively light and easy accessible without putting alot of junk under the truck.

bigratfan · 03-15-2003, 07:45 PM

I too am in the process of removing the gas tank from my cab my c20 also is equiped with duel saddle tanks which I plan on selling cmplete with the access doors that you put in the bed side ifd anyone is interested in these send me an e-mail

GMC Jim · 03-15-2003, 08:27 PM

Before I had my truck painted; I removed the 2 saddle tanks and moved the fill spouts to the rear and welded in at about a 45 degree angle. This enables filling from inside the rear wheel well just ahead of the rear tire. I didn't like the looks of the side panel fill doors so they were removed and filled in before painting....
I much like the looks of the flat sides without those ugly fuel tank fill doors !!!

03-14-2003, 12:38 AM	#1
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	Gas tank question? I am going to move my tank out of the cab, I have read of many conversions on these pages, one thing that I have not come across yet is a gas tank for a boat, I have a Cabela's catalog, and they have ALUM. 50 gal tank pretty resonable, do you guys think these would work? Also they have poly tanks, in different sizes also.They come with sending unit, and looking at the pictures they have three nipple welded to them. I know I could get one from a parts supplier from the board for a Blazer or Burb. but I want more compacity. Tell me what you think? Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-14-2003, 12:57 AM	#2
orange72350 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cold, Snowy High Level, Alberta Canada Eh Posts: 394	50 gallons? thats a ton of extra fuel and weight 2 be packing around, plus i diubt u would have room for it without huge alterations 2 the truck. as for the samller tanks, if u think it will fit, u can try it. let the rest of us know waht u figure out!! __________________ 2003 yamaha raptor. Stock, but it still hauls!!!! 2000 skiddo mxz 700. Camoplast 1.5 inch track, jaws twin pipes, b+b can, custom built and weighted clutch, wiseco piston, high comp heads. its very fast. wow. 72 c-10 longbox. Bright Orange. Brand new 350, rv cam, performer intake, qjet, headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust into hooker areo chamber mufflers. Body work coming soon. "dont let yer mind wander, its to little to go places by itself." "Forget the herse, cause i'll never die"-ACDC Back In Black "If It's To Loud, Yer Just Too Old" "I Love Anything Fast Enough To Do Something Stupid In" "Instant idiot, just add beer!!""

03-14-2003, 10:35 AM	#3
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	I would have to mearsure it out to see how it would fit, I have not got under the truck yet to check this out, but the tank that hold 50 gals measures 12.5" wide 45" L 22" H , this is a poly tank, goes for $ 132.00, there are three nipples on it, one for filling, one for pumping fuel out to engine, and a vent. As far as the extra weight goes, I am building a 383, with about 450 to 500 HP, I would think this would help me out a little with the traction problem I am going to have. Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-14-2003, 11:32 AM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,928	Between the frame rails where the spare goes the measurements are 27" from frame rail to rail (side to side) and you have 17 or 18" from crossmember to crossmember. The depth is up to how low you wan the tank to hang. Double check those measurements as I am going from memory here. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

03-14-2003, 11:45 AM	#6
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	sam's 72, EdB, are you setting these up as saddle tanks, or between the frame rails where the spare went? __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-14-2003, 11:22 AM	#4
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Sam, I am in the process of installing an aluminum tank under my tool box. It is a marine tank and is working out very well. It is all hooked up and I should finish the wiring today. I am going to use it as an aux. tank. It is about 18 gallons. You can get them in several sizes. The sending unit and vent came from a local dealer. Living on the coast has some benefits. I would have liked to use a larger tank but we had this one as a spare and so it was free. I had to fabricate the brackets and used a section of the rubber mat to lay it on. I used marine fuel line and replaced the original line with it. I had some alkaline paint left over from another project and used it to paint the tank and brackets. I used Bulldog primer to etch the aluminum. I used a piece of 3/4 inch conduet under the bed to route the line. I was able to use the regular clamps and existing carrage bolts to secure it. I will post some pictures as soon as I finish. EdB

03-14-2003, 03:22 PM	#7
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	I am not ready to do this project just yet, but it is comming real soon, I have two other project in front of this one. But what I am doing is getting my tank out of the cab and going to put it under the truck, I am just kicking ideals around right now, I know alot of you guys have done this. When I was looking through a boat catalog, this is what gave me the ideal of useing a tank like this. When it come right down to it, if I have to get one custom made I will. Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-14-2003, 07:30 PM	#8
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	Actually, this is a project yet to do on my list as well. I'd like to get the gas tank out of the cab (I don't really like the idea of riding in the same cubicle with a potential bomb). I'd like to put some speaker boxes back there, and go to saddle tanks, even though this may not be a real safe option if you happen to get t-boned in a wreck. I believe there was a recall on saddle tanks in our trucks way back when, but I still see them around. When I do this, I'm going to weld in some fuel doors in the bed sides. I didn't want to go the Blazer or Burb tank route, I'd like to hang a spare tire back there again some day. My truck was set up with saddle tanks in a previous life, all the supply plumbing is still there, but the tanks are not. And there are no left over fuel doors or fuel neck holes in the bed sides, or inside the bed. I believe the bed is original, because it is was painted the same 3 colors as the rest of the truck. Makes me wonder how a previous owner gassed up the saddle tanks. I watch for posts on gas tanks to get clues on what works and how-to-dos. Good luck on your endeavor. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

03-15-2003, 01:13 AM	#9
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Sam, I put it under the tool box. I am attaching two pictures. I will post the second one right after this one. Everything works. The fuel gauge is a different on the aux. tank because the marine sending unit works different. I do not know if I will be able to fix it without a marine gauge. I need to do some research on this. I did not want to mount a tank and lose my spare tire carrier. EdB Attached Images

03-15-2003, 01:15 AM	#10
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Sam, This is what it looks like with the tool box installed. EdB Attached Images

03-15-2003, 01:34 AM	#11
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Sam, PICKMUP has some nice fuel tank kits...I have seen them in person and you can contact him via this board. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

03-15-2003, 09:57 AM	#12
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Sam, why 50 gal? You do realize that you will have to mortgage the truck to fill it up. If you do use the 50 make sure you have mounts with enough capacity to hold 400+ #'s of fuel tank and jarring from road roughness. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

03-15-2003, 05:19 PM	#13
jover Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Mexico, NY, USA Posts: 73	Sam: Jegs and many others sell fuel cells that come in all different sizes and are very reasonably priced. Seeings we don't use our box, and we have a tonneau cover on top, we put ours in the box, its relatively light and easy accessible without putting alot of junk under the truck.

03-15-2003, 07:45 PM	#14
bigratfan Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: baldwin park ca. Posts: 24	I too am in the process of removing the gas tank from my cab my c20 also is equiped with duel saddle tanks which I plan on selling cmplete with the access doors that you put in the bed side ifd anyone is interested in these send me an e-mail

03-15-2003, 08:27 PM	#15
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Before I had my truck painted; I removed the 2 saddle tanks and moved the fill spouts to the rear and welded in at about a 45 degree angle. This enables filling from inside the rear wheel well just ahead of the rear tire. I didn't like the looks of the side panel fill doors so they were removed and filled in before painting.... I much like the looks of the flat sides without those ugly fuel tank fill doors !!! __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).



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