Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RSRXION · 09-05-2006, 11:45 PM

Ok guys, I can't stand it anymore. When I bought my hauler I noticed that it had a fuel tank switch mounted just under the edge of the drivers side seat. I just asumed that it was an add on that somebody had installed and since my hauler only had one massive tank under the bed, I removed the switch and threw it away.

Then last week I sold my GMC parts truck to a friend of mine who had a twin GMC with the exception that his truck is a 3/4 ton. As I was looking his GMC over I noticed that it had a pair of aluminum fuel doors on the bedsides and that same funny looking little switch in the same location as my car hauler . Hmmmmmmmmmmm............................

Then today I go pick up my 71 1/2 ton parts truck and to my surprise I notice a pair of little aluminum doors on the bedsides , a couple of tanks visible just under the edges of the bed and that same little switch in the same location !

What gives ? Surely this isn't a factory install................... IS IT ?

Thanks, Dean

Brad · 09-06-2006, 12:12 AM

I'm not sure if that was a factory option or dealer installed- others more enlightened will chime in shortly. However, I want to install one of these down the road and would certainly appreciate it if you could take some detailed pics of how and where it's located. I have the switch, but have never seen it installed on a truck.

Longhorn Man · 09-06-2006, 04:46 AM

dealer installeds.

*rage'nrat638* · 09-06-2006, 06:17 AM

mine has them and the switch

RSRXION · 09-06-2006, 07:42 AM

RagenRats bedside openings are much lower on the bedside than mine or my friends' trucks. I'll slide under my parts truck and get you some pics later on this week. Thanks, Dean

**special-K** · 09-06-2006, 07:49 AM

Those tanks,usually there`s two,are dealer-installed/aftermarket.GM did start offering a single driver-side auxilary tank in`71.It would have a filler out of the bed near the top and front of the bedside.There will be a matching knob to the left of the instrument panel on a switch that controls the gaude.There`s a little label stuck there that says,"Main/Aux".The valve/switch would be located in the same location or similar to the others described.
Here`s a shot of a factory filler location:

**CPNE** · 09-06-2006, 08:57 AM

How's that brake booster setup on that 71 1/2 ton? We spoke about it last week. Also, I'd like to discuss that plastic indicator bezel that is under that tank switch if you're parting this beauty. PM me. Thanks

RSRXION · 09-06-2006, 01:22 PM

CPNE , I sent you an email on the brake booster . I am sorry to say that this 71 IS NOT a power brake truck as I originally thought. There were several 67-72's being sold and I guess I got them mixed up. I picked this red 71 up this week and found that I was mistaken. Sorry if I got your hopes up. With respect to the switch plate, I am going to part this truck out but I don't know yet if I'll try to sell the whole tank and switch system or sell the pieces. Thanks and sorry, Dean

dave666693 · 09-06-2006, 02:46 PM

It was a dealer option. I just removed mine and filled in the doors in the bed. If anyone is looking for the tanks, doors or valve let me know.

396muncie · 09-27-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave666693

It was a dealer option. I just removed mine and filled in the doors in the bed. If anyone is looking for the tanks, doors or valve let me know.

Hi, I'm new to the boards, but have been loving the 67-72 trucks for 15 years. I'm parting out a 72 Cheyenne Super with the above mentioned tanks. Inside the one gas lid door is a sticker that says Traveling Tanks out of CA I believe. I was wondering if they were dealer installed. Thanks for verifying!! I would be interested in some parts if you still have your setup. I would need about everything, but with shipping the actual tanks might get expensive. Any idea how much you would want for the setup or everything minus the tanks and how much shipping would be to PA? If you'd rather PM me that's fine. Thanks

**special-K** · 09-27-2006, 09:19 PM

Why does everyone call these dealer installed?How do we know that?I say aftermarket.They aren`t part of the accessory program and RV shops installed most.Would you have a dealer do aftermarket mods to your truck?I installed my own on a couple and know of many others that did.No biggy,call them what you like.I call`em aftermarket.

Rod · 09-27-2006, 10:03 PM

Well how about a picture or two. Note factory option NL2.
I had one with the knob like the radios and such..still have the switch and the wiring actually.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 09-27-2006, 10:34 PM

Anyone else got dual tanks that have the filler necks under the rear fenders?

badpeanut · 09-28-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLACK AND BLUE 67-72

Anyone else got dual tanks that have the filler necks under the rear fenders?

I have an aftermarket driver's side tank that fills through the wheel well that I'm getting ready to install on my '72.

jrb71c20 · 09-28-2006, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badpeanut

I have an aftermarket driver's side tank that fills through the wheel well that I'm getting ready to install on my '72.

Thats what I found under my right rear wheel well, the cap is rested on the filler neck. I thought I might replace it one day if I can figure out what to replace it with.

**402Bowtie** · 09-28-2006, 01:01 AM

Does anybody know if they reproduce this sticker? My 72 K20 has this same exact sticker.

If they don't reproduce the sticker, is it possible to peel the sticker off somehow and then remount it after the cab has been blasted and painted....or should the original sticker be taped off while the rest of the cab is blasted and painted?

al's71gmc · 09-28-2006, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Why does everyone call these dealer installed?How do we know that?I say aftermarket.

I thought you ordered them from the dealer when you ordered your truck. When the truck gets to the lot, they installed the tank/tanks, spotlight, or other dealer installed options. ???
Of the 4 londbeds that I have, 2 have dual aux tanks, 1 has single aux, and the other has none.

**special-K** · 09-28-2006, 08:59 AM

The dealer could have installed them.But no more likely than anywhere else.They aren`t in the GM Accessory program.
The Main/Aux sticker is not reproduced,as far as I know.It would not be hard to have them done,though.It`s hangin`me up when it comes to when I restore mine and want to re-paint the interior.

396muncie · 09-28-2006, 09:38 AM

Well, like I said, mine is like the very first picture and on the inside of the fuel door it says, "Traveling Tanks" and a city and CA. It's like people took them somewhere to get them installed. Kind of like Zeibart undercoating or Rusty Jones or something. If it was dealer installed I'd be surprised if a GM dealer would put the Traveling Tanks sticker on and help sell them. But maybe GM got a cut of the profits. Who knows?

Lemield · 09-28-2006, 09:49 AM

My 70 C20 has a factory installed second tank...it's listed on the glove box sticker.

**passthebuck** · 09-28-2006, 12:51 PM

Lemield, do you have any pics of how your rear tank/filler tube look from the underside? Does the filler tube go up through the bed, or in between the inner & outer bed walls? thanks!

bartstoy · 09-28-2006, 05:34 PM

The name is TRAVL - TANKS made in El Monte Ca. and they are aftermarket, very heavy iron and about two inches of the bottom of the tank are exposed just aft of the cab. A local radiator shop installed mine many years ago. My tanks had two large bolts that passed through a sleeve in the tank. The problem with these tanks was they did not have floats until later years, '75 on. They could not be retrofitted either. So when the portside tank would empty, the truck would sputter and you would reach under the seat and turn the valve to the OE tank or starboard tank whatever was easiest. Believe me this is an interesting experience while driving on a Calif. freeway. Before I did the resto on my truck the bed rotted just above the tank and of course the bolts no longer held. So I took them off and they are gone. They rusted quicky once the fuel dried out. Factory installed soon replaced these things.

I left the access doors because someday, I will find tanks with floats. On the plus side of this scenario is you had 55 gallons of fuel, 17.5 in each of the side tanks and 20 in the main.

69TowRig · 09-28-2006, 09:58 PM

My K5 has the switch next to the driver's seat, there's lots of piping just hanging under the truck, but apparently the tanks are long gone. Now at least I know that it was a dealer add on at one point. Thanks!

montana70 · 09-28-2006, 10:45 PM

I have a 70 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 and it says that it was a factory install. I was just thinking that I would take that sucker out when I get the truck ready to paint, I don't like the looks of them and I'm not ever sure you could fill it without useing a 5 gallon gas can the way they have the fill tube ran.

RSRXION · 09-28-2006, 10:48 PM

Damn , This threads' got some legs to it ! I never dreamed my question would still be around. Dean

09-05-2006, 11:45 PM	#1
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Ok guys, I can't stand it anymore. When I bought my hauler I noticed that it had a fuel tank switch mounted just under the edge of the drivers side seat. I just asumed that it was an add on that somebody had installed and since my hauler only had one massive tank under the bed, I removed the switch and threw it away. Then last week I sold my GMC parts truck to a friend of mine who had a twin GMC with the exception that his truck is a 3/4 ton. As I was looking his GMC over I noticed that it had a pair of aluminum fuel doors on the bedsides and that same funny looking little switch in the same location as my car hauler . Hmmmmmmmmmmm............................ Then today I go pick up my 71 1/2 ton parts truck and to my surprise I notice a pair of little aluminum doors on the bedsides , a couple of tanks visible just under the edges of the bed and that same little switch in the same location ! What gives ? Surely this isn't a factory install................... IS IT ? Thanks, Dean Attached Images __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin

09-06-2006, 12:12 AM	#2
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ I'm not sure if that was a factory option or dealer installed- others more enlightened will chime in shortly. However, I want to install one of these down the road and would certainly appreciate it if you could take some detailed pics of how and where it's located. I have the switch, but have never seen it installed on a truck. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

09-06-2006, 04:46 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ dealer installeds.

09-06-2006, 06:17 AM	#4
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ mine has them and the switch Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:02 AM.

09-06-2006, 07:42 AM	#5
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ RagenRats bedside openings are much lower on the bedside than mine or my friends' trucks. I'll slide under my parts truck and get you some pics later on this week. Thanks, Dean __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin

09-06-2006, 07:49 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Those tanks,usually there`s two,are dealer-installed/aftermarket.GM did start offering a single driver-side auxilary tank in`71.It would have a filler out of the bed near the top and front of the bedside.There will be a matching knob to the left of the instrument panel on a switch that controls the gaude.There`s a little label stuck there that says,"Main/Aux".The valve/switch would be located in the same location or similar to the others described. Here`s a shot of a factory filler location: __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-06-2006, 08:57 AM	#7
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ How's that brake booster setup on that 71 1/2 ton? We spoke about it last week. Also, I'd like to discuss that plastic indicator bezel that is under that tank switch if you're parting this beauty. PM me. Thanks __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

09-06-2006, 01:22 PM	#8
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ CPNE , I sent you an email on the brake booster . I am sorry to say that this 71 IS NOT a power brake truck as I originally thought. There were several 67-72's being sold and I guess I got them mixed up. I picked this red 71 up this week and found that I was mistaken. Sorry if I got your hopes up. With respect to the switch plate, I am going to part this truck out but I don't know yet if I'll try to sell the whole tank and switch system or sell the pieces. Thanks and sorry, Dean __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin

09-06-2006, 02:46 PM	#9
dave666693 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Edgewood, WA Posts: 899	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ It was a dealer option. I just removed mine and filled in the doors in the bed. If anyone is looking for the tanks, doors or valve let me know.

09-27-2006, 09:19 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Why does everyone call these dealer installed?How do we know that?I say aftermarket.They aren`t part of the accessory program and RV shops installed most.Would you have a dealer do aftermarket mods to your truck?I installed my own on a couple and know of many others that did.No biggy,call them what you like.I call`em aftermarket. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-27-2006, 10:03 PM	#12
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Well how about a picture or two. Note factory option NL2. I had one with the knob like the radios and such..still have the switch and the wiring actually. Attached Images __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

09-27-2006, 10:34 PM	#13
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Anyone else got dual tanks that have the filler necks under the rear fenders? __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

09-28-2006, 01:01 AM	#16
402Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,710	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Does anybody know if they reproduce this sticker? My 72 K20 has this same exact sticker. If they don't reproduce the sticker, is it possible to peel the sticker off somehow and then remount it after the cab has been blasted and painted....or should the original sticker be taped off while the rest of the cab is blasted and painted? Attached Images Last edited by 402Bowtie; 09-28-2006 at 01:10 AM.

09-28-2006, 08:59 AM	#18
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ The dealer could have installed them.But no more likely than anywhere else.They aren`t in the GM Accessory program. The Main/Aux sticker is not reproduced,as far as I know.It would not be hard to have them done,though.It`s hangin`me up when it comes to when I restore mine and want to re-paint the interior. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

09-28-2006, 09:38 AM	#19
396muncie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 271	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Well, like I said, mine is like the very first picture and on the inside of the fuel door it says, "Traveling Tanks" and a city and CA. It's like people took them somewhere to get them installed. Kind of like Zeibart undercoating or Rusty Jones or something. If it was dealer installed I'd be surprised if a GM dealer would put the Traveling Tanks sticker on and help sell them. But maybe GM got a cut of the profits. Who knows?



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09-28-2006, 09:49 AM	#20
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ My 70 C20 has a factory installed second tank...it's listed on the glove box sticker. Attached Images __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet" Last edited by Lemield; 09-28-2006 at 09:50 AM.

09-28-2006, 12:51 PM	#21
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Lemield, do you have any pics of how your rear tank/filler tube look from the underside? Does the filler tube go up through the bed, or in between the inner & outer bed walls? thanks! __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

09-28-2006, 05:34 PM	#22
bartstoy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: El Cajon, Cal. Posts: 75	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ The name is TRAVL - TANKS made in El Monte Ca. and they are aftermarket, very heavy iron and about two inches of the bottom of the tank are exposed just aft of the cab. A local radiator shop installed mine many years ago. My tanks had two large bolts that passed through a sleeve in the tank. The problem with these tanks was they did not have floats until later years, '75 on. They could not be retrofitted either. So when the portside tank would empty, the truck would sputter and you would reach under the seat and turn the valve to the OE tank or starboard tank whatever was easiest. Believe me this is an interesting experience while driving on a Calif. freeway. Before I did the resto on my truck the bed rotted just above the tank and of course the bolts no longer held. So I took them off and they are gone. They rusted quicky once the fuel dried out. Factory installed soon replaced these things. I left the access doors because someday, I will find tanks with floats. On the plus side of this scenario is you had 55 gallons of fuel, 17.5 in each of the side tanks and 20 in the main. __________________ Original owner '69 C20, long, fleet. 454 BB with Edelbrock stuff. Work truck for years, 2nd restoration going on. '69 C20 '03 Tahoe Z71 70 Hp Johnson pushing aluminum bass boat. All things in life are uncertain, so eat dessert first.

09-28-2006, 09:58 PM	#23
69TowRig Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 894	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ My K5 has the switch next to the driver's seat, there's lots of piping just hanging under the truck, but apparently the tanks are long gone. Now at least I know that it was a dealer add on at one point. Thanks! __________________ -Chris Building a stripper, one part at a time: 1969 K5, 307, 3spd, 3 seats, hard top. Added Pwr Discs, Pwr Steering, Aux Battery, T-case Skid, Lighted Sidemarkers, HEI, Lock-Right Diff, ECE Class IV Hitch, 32" MT/Rs. Parts to Install: Hand Throttle, Console, Tow Hooks, Dual Horns, AM-FM, Dealer Swing-Away Tire Carrier, Gas Tank Skid. Also building a 1950 Willys CJ-3A and off-roading a 2001 Nissan Frontier on 1-Ton Portals...

09-28-2006, 10:45 PM	#24
montana70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Glasgow Montana Posts: 6	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ I have a 70 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 and it says that it was a factory install. I was just thinking that I would take that sucker out when I get the truck ready to paint, I don't like the looks of them and I'm not ever sure you could fill it without useing a 5 gallon gas can the way they have the fill tube ran.

09-28-2006, 10:48 PM	#25
RSRXION Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 227	Re: Factory auxiliary fuel tanks ? Surely not................ Damn , This threads' got some legs to it ! I never dreamed my question would still be around. Dean __________________ "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin

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