Blazer Tank Install With Pics.

[jorgensensc]

Here is the install I promised. Stay tuned for the pics and install of Tennman's Sidemarker Fuel Fill.

Parts list for tank install:

1 - Tank kit from The Truck Shop(PN 69-107092)-166.00
25' - 16 gauge wire from Kragen-2.99
2 - 4 pack Range 5/16"-7/8" hose clamps from Kragen-4.00 each
1 - 1 1/2" to 1 1/2" Exhaust Adapter from Autozone(PN 17519)-1.49 (optional)
3' - 1 1/2" Fuel filler hose from Kragen(PN 80803)-16.99 (optional)
3' - 5/8 fuel hose from Kragen-3.00
7' - 1/4" fuel filler hose from Kragen-7.00
25' - 3/8" fuel hose from Kragen(cheaper than 16'@1.00 per ft)-13.99
2 - 4" bolts
2 - Nuts for bolts

Also needed is a cutter wheel or sawzall and someone who can weld.

With that out of the way, here we go.....


The Tank from The Truck Shop

[jorgensensc]

Feel free to paint it whatever color you like. I chose to use rubberized undercoating to help avoid rust.

I removed the spare tire bar by grinding off the rivets holding it on (sorry no pics from before).

[jorgensensc]

The hanger bolts fit in the Holes that have tabs in them on the Tank. I had to widen the holes slightly for the Hanger Bolts to fit.

[jorgensensc]

Hanger Bolt inserted

[jorgensensc]

Several things here:

I unbolted my exhaust hanger and moved the hanger to the side to get the tank up against the frame. I then ran the Hanger Bolts through the frame, tank, then rubber bushing, then exhaust hanger.

I bolted drivers side straps in place, Then pulled the straps across the tank, and slid (with much force) the other sides on the Hanger Bolts. Tighten all bolts until the tank is secured in place.

I used extra Hanger Bolts instead of bolts, either will work.

[jorgensensc]

In order to get the tank in, I had to trim the heat shield (big flat shiny metal piece) a little on one side.

[jorgensensc]

Another Pic

[jorgensensc]

Next install the sending unit. I had to trim about 1/16" off the lock ring to get it to seat. Nothing major at all!!

[jorgensensc]

Several things here...

I pulled the sending unit wire out of the truck and it almost reached (about 4' short) the new sending unit. I added more wire and ran the wire in through te fire wall and to the fuse box.

I hooked all hoses up..
7' of 3/8" hose from the sending unit to metal line under cab.
7' of 1/4" hose from return line to metal line under cab.
9' of 3/8" hose from vent tube to metal line inder cab (to charcoal canister)

I also connected the ground wire to the chassis.

[jorgensensc]

Thais next part is optional, but I suggest you consider your options

The filler neck on these tanks is 1 3/8"
There are very few if any filler necks that small (unless using original filler neck)
You can try and reduce the filler neck you use down to 1 3/8", but I found it IMPOSSIBLE to find Fuel Filler hose that would fit this size neck.
The solution was to increase te size of the tank neck to the more common 1 1/2" Filler hose size. I used the exhaust adapter(PN 17519). I cut it in half at the indention, then had it welded at the indention (closest to tank neck size) to the tank inlet(Yellow Circle) Please don't think that you can just stretch this hose over the end, it doesn't work!!!!!! After fighting with it for an hour, I finally had the shop use a pipe expander on the hose to get it to slip over the tank neck. After that I just clamped it on using a 1 13/16" - 2 7/8" hose clamp.

[jorgensensc]

The cross member hit the neck, fortunately I can remove this piece off of my wood bed. You can trim it to fit if you choose. Yes that's me holding it before it falls on my face as I remove the last bolt.

[jorgensensc]

That is pretty much it. It was not that hard, and pretty cheap for around 225.00 total. You don't have to take the bed off, but 8 bolts and it's gone. It sure makes it alot easier to do the work. I used some nylon hose clamps (29cents each at hardware store) to secure them to the frame. By the way this was on my stepside in case anyone is curious. I also did te sidemarker fuel fill conversion and will post that in a few days. I will try and get some outside pics tomorrow (in the daylight) to show how far down it hangs. My spare tire hung farther down than this tank does. It is about 4" below the bottom of the back bumper, if that much. I hope this helps some of you do your installs. I will monitor this post if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!!!
Shawn

[jorgensensc]

Huck,
The sidemarker install was a little bit of a pain in the a$$, but it wasn't really that hard, just takes a little thinking. I will post it as soon as I get all my info rechecked. I hope to be able to give you specific details on the install, like dimensions, bolt sizes, etc. I did this on a stepside, so you might have to check a few things with other fleetside members.

orange72350,
THe tank is a 21 gallon tank

yellow72custom,
Hopefully put some speakers back there!!!

jamie72,
I vented the tank to the fuel filler neck, it had a vent tube for it attached. I also vented the other line to the carbon cannister. Hope this answers your question. I have heard of people using a vent breather (you can get from parts store)

nu2-72,
These are plain blazer tanks. They call it a conversion because it comes with the straps, sending unit, tank and necessary bolts to mount all in 1 kit for a low price.
As for the neck filler size, they are using the factory size. I know that it is not a convenient size, but if they change it to 1 1/2" neck, then what about the 2" filler necks? Both are common. I will agree that the hole size on the mounting flange could be bigger, but it only took me about 2 min. to wallow those out a little. They were only a little bit too small. Again that is a detail and I do agree with you.
As for lining up the neck with the sidemarker, it is not that far off. I don't think it would be fair to ask them to modify the tank for just sidemarker conversions. What about those that do bed floor fills?
If they did these changes, they will probably have to charge more for the retooling.
Please remember, putting the tank itself in only took about 2 hours. I spent the rest of the time working on the filler neck conversion. You can easily get this done in a day if you had a complete parts list before you start. That's what I hope to provide to the members here. It really wasn't that hard, I promise.

Any more questions??

Hope all this helps y'all!!

[jorgensensc]

Haven't replied to this thread in awhile, I apologize, I didn't realize members were asking questions.
Thanks Zoomy for the TTT!!!
Here goes..
71HUGGER396,
There really isn't ANY room between the filler neck and the bottom of the bed. I barely got the filler hose on. It doesn't put any stress on the neck, but it is about 1/8" close.

RED71CHEVY,
The tank is galvanized and no I didn't use any type of sealant on the inside, maybe in hindsight I should have, but I don't think there will be a problem. I coated everything with rubberized undercoating, so there shouldn't be any problems with the mating surfaces. I've heard (not personal experience) That ABS tanks can Sag when full. I've also heard they do that when the heat sets in in the summer. Once again, just what I've heard.

kaycee,
I will get the filler install posted soon, I promise!!

oldcarbuff,
Watch for my side marker light install. Yes you can use a filler tube to the fender. My truck is a stepside too.

gbkwork,
I don't think it will be too low, I will get you a pic soon though.

Thanks to everyone who said great job!! I get soo much from this board and I just want to give a little back!!!!

Look for Tennman's Side Marker Fuel Fill (revised for a stepside) install soon!!!!
Shawn

[jorgensensc]

For those of you that wanted pictures of how low it hangs:

[jorgensensc]

heres another:
It is about even with my exhaust. It doesn't really hang that low in my opinion.

[jorgensensc]

Last one for now.

[jorgensensc]

Also here is alink to the Sidemarker Fuel Fill door:
Sidemarker Fuel Fill door on a stepside
Enjoy!!

[Putter]

I don't know if anyone else has tried to do this using the suppliers that were listed in the first post, but I had a little trouble getting in touch with the Truck Shop. Turns out, there are several companies that have very similar names.

Here is the one that he used....(and now, me too for that matter)

The Truck Shop

And their phone number is 1-800-Chevy47 (1-800-243-8947).

I sopke to a real cutie who was extremely helpful. She even went and verified that the tank was metal and not poly for me. Tank has gone up in price to from $165 to $173, but you still get straps, sending unit, lock ring, o-ring seal, etc...and including shipping, it is still cheaper than the tank alone @ any other shop I could find.