Fuel line Questions

[2001convertable]

Hi, Iam relocating my fuel tank back to inside my 1959 3100. I see the tank straps with hardware I need. I also see the filler neck connection areas. The question I have and can not answer is many may fuel lines go from the pump to the tank.Also how many lines come off the tank? Pictures in LML trucks show two but they only offer one for the 59. Pictures are a plus. thanks

[1project2many]

From the pump back an OEM configuration switches between hose and hard line a couple of times. First, a 5/16" hose section connects to the pump and to 5/16" steel line on the frame. IIRC this hose has 5/16" inverted flare female fittings crimped to both ends. Next, the 5/16" steel line extends down the frame rail then under the cab and connects to a 5/16" hose section which transitions into the cab. Both ends of the hose are again 5/16" inverted flare female. Next is a short section of 5/16" tube which connects with the 5/16" hose near the floor on one end and connects with the sender at the top of the tank at the other.

You can find the factory assembly manual on trifive.com:
http://www.trifive.com/55-59Assy.pdf

Chapter 8 shows the fuel line and fuel tank details.

[mr48chev]

Stock had one line running from the tank to the spot on the frame where the short hose connects from the steel line to the fuel pump.

Depending on what engine you plan to run you have to consider if 5/16 line will handle the volume of fuel you need or if you have to switch to 3/8 line for a performance oriented engine. The outlet on the tank you choose might dictate the diameter of the fuel line too as no matter what size you run it will only flow what the smallest diameter section will flow. I found that out on a 57 Panel with a 327 that I had back in the early 70's. They had put one brass fitting in the line with a tiny orifice that choked the flow to the whole system and caused the float bowls in the carbs to go dry when under hard acceleration.

[_Ogre]

carbureted one 5/16 line
fuel injected two 3/8 lines

[dsraven]

why the change to put the fuel tank behind the seat? just curious.

[2001convertable]

I figured that it would be a nice touch as the whole truck is original. Any ideas to this decision?

[1project2many]

With most fuel stations selling ethanol included gasoline you may need to use modern materials to ensure everything seals properly. Fuel smell in the cab is no fun.

[2001convertable]

I took out the rear tank and rear hitch behind it.I ordered the original tank with all the parts to install it. The tank I took out is in new condition.I also did the wood in the bed over.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by 2001convertable

I figured that it would be a nice touch as the whole truck is original. Any ideas to this decision?

different strokes for different folks
i can appreciate stock to full custom

[CountofMonteCarlo84]

Its not a part of your question, but if you use braided fuel lines, make sure they are lined with teflon and not rubber.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 2001convertable

I figured that it would be a nice touch as the whole truck is original. Any ideas to this decision?

Truthfully in the long run I have to believe you will decide that was not the smartest thing you ever did.
The caps on those tanks have to be vented caps for the system to work, you end up smelling gas fumes more often than not if you are sitting in the truck on a hot day with the window down It is too easy to spill gas down the side of the truck on the paint. There is always the chance of a gas leak inside the cab right behind your back.

Hate to sound negative but putting the gas tank behind the seats of trucks was never the smartest thing any truck designer did, they did it because it was cheap and simple.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by CountofMonteCarlo84

Its not a part of your question, but if you use braided fuel lines, make sure they are lined with teflon and not rubber.

There are a lot of similar looking braided lines with different liners. If you buy your line from Russel and they sell it as fuel line you shouldn't have a problem. If you are picking up a piece of braided line you snagged at a swap meet or something you have to know exactly what liner hit has and what that liner is compatible with. If you look at the Aerouip catalog http://aeroquipperformance.com/files/2013-catalog.pdf They show dozens of different lines for different materials, uses and situations. Some are for fuel, some are for hydraulics and some may be for high pressure air.