Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

The PO of my '72 K2500 removed the behind-the-seat tank and put in plastic saddle tanks.

I'm replacing the bed, and rather than cut holes in the nice sides for the fuel filler, I'm planning on putting a tank back in behind the seat. The filler cap/neck are still in place (just not attached to anything).

So, new reproduction or used tank? Who sells the best reproduction tank? What should I look for/avoid in a used tank? What's the best method for ensuring a long tank life (pour-in tank liner?)

I only plan on doing this once, so I want to do it right.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

My tank cracked so I replaced it with an aftermarket tank. Unfortunately I don't remember where I bought it. It's been too long. However, it did not fit well. The fill neck wasn't centered with the hole in the cab, and it was at a slightly different angle than stock. The tank was also bigger so it didn't allow the seat to move back all the way. I was able to make it work, but it wasn't ideal. I would recommend looking for a good, used OEM tank. They pop up fairly regularly around here.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Spectra is a good brand and you can get them shipped from Rock Auto. I have used them several times no issues at all.

Smitty

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

I got a new tank for my 72 C10 from LMC and it fits perfect and wasn't hard to install. Tank and sending unit were around $200. I was able to pick it up in KC and didn't have to pay shipping, tho. Oversized freight charges can be wretched.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

I also bought one from LMC. The filler pipe wasn't centered in the cab hole but it was no problem inserting a pipe in the filler neck and move it to center.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

I am pleased with the one I got from Classic Industries. I picked the tank and wrote to their tech support to ask them what else they suggested I buy to make it a complete deal with everything correct and matching. They suggested a gas cap, grommet, and sending unit to make it complete.

The bottom lip of the tank was straight and needed to be bent to fit the contour of the floor where it bolts. The neck was not perfectly centered, but was easy to bend into position.

The part numbers were:
ST10491
6428361
FT5002A
3886792

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

What if you kept the tanks you have and put the fuel cap/filler hole through the wood bed.

There is also this option. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=77104

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

The bed is steel. And the current tanks don't have a provision for the fuel gauge.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

My favorite approach is the somewhat hidden filler necks for saddle tanks that only protrude into the wheel well. An option if you can find them. I've squirreled away two from old projects for future use. They are out there, it's amazing how many of these trucks had add-on tanks. Most were, unfortunately, with the bedside filler cut, but some are not. Just another option.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Bought one from Rockauto, had the same problem and did the same thing. Great otherwise. Haven't had a problem yet.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Universal, GM gauge compatible, sending units are easy to come by

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

I got mine from LMC about 3 weeks ago. Worked out good. Filler tube had to be massaged a little, but overall I'm happy. My opinion, if your getting a new tank, get a sending unit and little stuff like new cap. Go in there one time.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Got mine from Wes at Classic Heartbeat. No issues with the install whatsoever. Got a bad float on the new sending unit so I just tossed my old one back in.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

the best

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Very good quality product from up north......:metal:


Smitty

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Have a Canadian made Spectra in my truck. No issues at all.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Same here.

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Hey all, I went through THREE Summit Racing fuel tanks, all with the filler neck angle way off for it sticking through the cab. ...Returned them.
I now have a Spectra tank ordered for my '68 C30 flatbed through Rock Auto. Rock Auto does not carry sending units for it, nor can I get through on the phone with them. Rock Auto kinda sucks (had previous issues with them also on a Nissan truck).
I ordered a sending unit through Summit.
My rotted and rinsed stock tank still releases rust into my fuel line & plugs the filter & pretty much destroyed a recent rebuilt stock carb.
My search for info landed me here on this thread. ;) Hopefully the Spectra tank has the filler neck at the correct angle...
Reproduction anything is very poor these days. :waah:

Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank
 

Also bought my tank from LMC . Filler neck wasn't centered . Was worried I might break something trying to bend the filler neck , so I took the tank back out and enlarged the tank mounting holes . Wish I'd known others had bent the filler neck with no problem . Good info .