Fuel Tank Options

[MacQuigley]

My 62 Stepside came with a really crappy underbed fuel tank sort of fitted.

My original plan was to replace this with an original in cab tank and I think that's still my preferred option as I really don't want to drill a new bed for an under bed filler, but I have a question.

How much space will I lose in the cab if I return it to an original tank? Also as I think about it, are fuel fumes an issue with an in cab tank?

[dragon65]

I just went through the same thought process and decided to move it to the rear. I have read about the fumes being an issue in a lot of cases here. You do gain storage room and a clean look if you keep it out of the cab and I believe the safety issue is real important to consider. I just insulated my entire cab and will be rugging over the rear section where the tank was.

[PGSigns]

I have moved mine out the cab on both my trucks. In the old days I did not mind having it in the cab but now I don't like the smell at times and really don't like the safety aspect of it. The fuels we have now are all formulated for sealed tanks and evaperative control systems. They have lots of additives in them that make the new gas stink. For me the further away the better. There are some other advantages to keeping you tank on the back. It does help the weight split on the truck and that helps the handling.
Jimmy

[MacQuigley]

s there a bed tank available for a Stepside that doesn't have the filler come up through the wood?

[dragon65]

sure is.....they have side vent tanks. A lot of guys here have the fender-panel side conversion filler door installed---behind the license plate drop down and in the bed stake, also even in the fender well. A ton of choices and the tanks can be gotten for under $200

[MacQuigley]

Would I have to modify a top/side will tank to do that or is there a kit available?

Sorry to ask so many dumb questions but these trucks and American vehicles in general are new to me and Im still finding suppliers for parts.

[dragon65]

they sell tanks that have the side fill ready to go. You just need to get the extra specified parts to go from the fill tube to wherever you are routing it. I mounted mine and got the fuel line and the fill pieces and cap for under $250 all in

[ol_skool_chevy]

1965 mustang tank...

[Paul Y]

Originally Posted by ol_skool_chevy

1965 mustang tank...

That looks like a nice installation.

I am in the same boat of looking for a 'cost effective' rear mount tank with the added complication of needing in tank pump for my LS conversion. Would love a Tanks or No Limit unit but the near $800 price tag means it is a no go along with the shipping.

Fuel is a different formula in the UK, I only get smell in the cab if I fill the tank to the top, but think this is more to do with an old sender and seal than anything else.

Agree on the safety issue, mind you I think I would be more worried about the steering spear...I mean shaft....

Look forward to hearing more options especially the $200 dollar tank mentioned above. Do you have details?

P.

[ol_skool_chevy]

Originally Posted by Paul Y

That looks like a nice installation.

I am in the same boat of looking for a 'cost effective' rear mount tank with the added complication of needing in tank pump for my LS conversion. Would love a Tanks or No Limit unit but the near $800 price tag means it is a no go along with the shipping.

Fuel is a different formula in the UK, I only get smell in the cab if I fill the tank to the top, but think this is more to do with an old sender and seal than anything else.

Agree on the safety issue, mind you I think I would be more worried about the steering spear...I mean shaft....

Look forward to hearing more options especially the $200 dollar tank mentioned above. Do you have details?

P.

the mustang tank was under $100.00 on ebay

[Captainfab]

The Mustang tank will not fit the '60-'62 frame as it does a '63-'72 frame. Plus a Ford sending unit will not work with a GM gauge let alone accept an in tank fuel pump without extensive work..

Most of the rear gas tanks mentioned are designed to or just happen to fit the '63-'72 frames nicely. The '60-'62 frames are wider and consequently will require some extra work to fit a different tank. I believe Dave Boyd makes a fuel tank specifically for the '60-'62's which can also be fitted with an in tank pump. But it is not going to be cheap.

http://www.boydwelding.com/

Boyd welding is a forum vendor and can be found in the Vendor Marketplace.

The tank shown by Chevy Fleetside is a nice universal tank that would fit your need also.

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The Mustang tank will not fit the '60-'62 frame as it does a '63-'72 frame. Plus a Ford sending unit will not work with a GM gauge let alone accept an in tank fuel pump without extensive work..

Most of the rear gas tanks mentioned are designed to or just happen to fit the '63-'72 frames nicely. The '60-'62 frames are wider and consequently will require some extra work to fit a different tank. I believe Dave Boyd makes a fuel tank specifically for the '60-'62's which can also be fitted with an in tank pump. But it is not going to be cheap.

http://www.boydwelding.com/

Boyd welding is a forum vendor and can be found in the Vendor Marketplace.

The tank shown by Chevy Fleetside is a nice universal tank that would fit your need also.

Hey Captain, any idea how much wider the 60-62 frame rails are at the insides? I had to trim the lower rails on the '63 to get the Blazer tank in. IIRC almost 3/4" off of each side. If he were to run the Blazer style tank, he may not have to do any trimming? It could also be set up for the in tank pump and rewired for the right sending unit.

[ol_skool_chevy]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The Mustang tank will not fit the '60-'62 frame as it does a '63-'72 frame. Plus a Ford sending unit will not work with a GM gauge let alone accept an in tank fuel pump without extensive work..

Most of the rear gas tanks mentioned are designed to or just happen to fit the '63-'72 frames nicely. The '60-'62 frames are wider and consequently will require some extra work to fit a different tank. I believe Dave Boyd makes a fuel tank specifically for the '60-'62's which can also be fitted with an in tank pump. But it is not going to be cheap.

http://www.boydwelding.com/

Boyd welding is a forum vendor and can be found in the Vendor Marketplace.

The tank shown by Chevy Fleetside is a nice universal tank that would fit your need also.

Sorry......they make a Universal sending unit that fits the Mustang tanks now to work in GM cars and trucks....

[verdell]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The Mustang tank will not fit the '60-'62 frame as it does a '63-'72 frame. Plus a Ford sending unit will not work with a GM gauge let alone accept an in tank fuel pump without extensive work..

Most of the rear gas tanks mentioned are designed to or just happen to fit the '63-'72 frames nicely. The '60-'62 frames are wider and consequently will require some extra work to fit a different tank. I believe Dave Boyd makes a fuel tank specifically for the '60-'62's which can also be fitted with an in tank pump. But it is not going to be cheap.

http://www.boydwelding.com/

Boyd welding is a forum vendor and can be found in the Vendor Marketplace.

The tank shown by Chevy Fleetside is a nice universal tank that would fit your need also.

I've had success using a '78 chevy van fuel tank that fit right between the frame rails and doesn't hang very low. Been running it for the last 9 years in my '60. Fuel sending unit works with my aftermarket Dolphin gauges.

[Mackie]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

How much space will I lose in the cab if I return it to an original tank?

You lose some storage space but not leg room. The seat won't go back any farther.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I went through Tanks inc and put this tank in one of my trucks. http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...rod/prd173.htm . I did have to shave the frame a tiny bit on the sides but not a lot. I also used 3/4 pipe on top to drop it down a bit as this tank doesn't hang real low. This will allow me to put on a 90º spout so I can put the fill out side the bed. Right now I am filling through the bed. The down side is it is only 16 gal. You can also get an in tank fuel pump if you want one. I don't have any pictures of the top but can take some when it is empty.

[MacQuigley]

Im desperate to order some parts because of the time it will take to get them here but I need to make the right decision which ever way I go so a bit more research is required.

Thanks for all the ideas so far guy's. Feel free to keep them coming.

As for where I got my truck, there is a chap in Grangemouth that regularly ships in American cars and trucks, even the odd bus. But there still isn't a lot of choice.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Looks like Tanks inc has a mustang universal gas tank that you can use one of their universal sending units. Unlike regular mustangs this tank has the sender on the top of the tank and not on the front side. http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...rod/prd129.htm

[Dans1960SWB]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Looks like Tanks inc has a mustang universal gas tank that you can use one of their universal sending units. Unlike regular mustangs this tank has the sender on the top of the tank and not on the front side. http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...rod/prd129.htm

Ok got it...this is the best way to go for me anyway...THANK YOU

[Brad54]

How much space is there between the top of the frame rail and the bed of the truck? Wondering how much clearance there is for the fill neck out of the side-fill tank in GENIII's post.

[DakotaKid]

POL Advertizes an aluminum tank for 60-62. 21 Gallons. right around 400$ I believe.

didn't think that was too bad.

https://www.performanceonline.com/19...as-Tank-19809/

[MacQuigley]

I t 60 - 62 frame is wider then in theory I could fabricate mounts for a 63 - 66 tank such as the one's LMC sell;

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cbe/full.aspx?Page=82

As Brad54 asks it would be handy to know how much space there is between the bed and frame. At the moment I don't have a bed or bed supports in my truck so I cant measure it.

There are 2 options with from LMC a side fill tank or top fill. Not really sure I like top fill as it would mean Id have to drill new wood which seems a shame and it strikes me as being a bit awkward.

[Chevystep]

Man, I'd LOVE to have a rear tank/license filler in my 66 longstep, but I'd also like it between the frame rails as opposed to hanging below. With all them crosspieces, it looks to be a tough sell, although I think the little one can be removed, it might be for a spare tire carrier and mine is on the bed side.

[dragon65]

The little one is the spare tire support. I removed mine. The side holes are perfect for the mounting of the blazer style tank. They lined up perfectly and the straps that come with the tank I used as well and fit perfect. All with the blazer style tank that cost under $200 complete with sending unit and straps. And the choice of side fill or top fill

[MacQuigley]

Guy's

Just a question, a bit off topic. A few of you have mentioned that the frame of a 63-66 is narrower at the rear, is it also narrower at the front?

Im asking as something else Im thinking of doing is changing the front suspension with a clip from a later vehicle. I believe a front clip from a 73 - 97 would be the best option but I just want to be sure that if all I can get is a 63-66 that it will fit (or not in which case I wont bother).

Bill