another gas tank option for relocation

[46redsled]

I have found another option for gas tank relocation on the 67-72 GM trucks. I used 92 GM full size van 22 gallon tank. I had to trim the inner bottom and top side of Frame rail. cut a 1 1/2" hole in the side of the frame for filler neck.

[Mbeef61]

Did you reinforce the frame?

[Getter-Done]

Did you take pictures of the project?








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[46redsled]

Originally Posted by Mbeef61

Did you reinforce the frame?

I will be adding a cross bar on the top of the frame. This will also be a good stop for the top of the tank to not hit my internal fuel pump and lines and bottom of bed.

[Overdriven]

Where did you mount the tank? Where was the 1.5” hole drilled? Pictures for these kinds of mods are very helpful for our curious minds.

If the 1.5” hole was drilled in the side of the frame rail somewhere between the wheels and suspension mounts, reinforcement is recommended, if it’s aft of the suspension mounting points it’s not as critical. Running a crossbar (from left to right frame rails) isn’t going to reinforce the frame rail from the hole drilled. An easy way to reinforce a hole drilled is to use a thick walled tube or even pipe with the desired inner diameter. Drill the hole large enough to slip the pipe into the rail, cut the pipe long enough to stick out both sides of the rail by 1/4-1/2 inch and weld it up. This is a common practice when modding the trailing arm crossmember for exhaust pass through. If the diameter of the hole is large enough compared to the frame rail height you should box the rail and have the tube or pipe long enough to be welded on both sides of the frame rail.

[46redsled]

I am going to put around pipe through and had planned on boxing that area. I am mocking things up now.The hole is going on the left side rear frame rail. I have coils and not leaf so I didn't think it was going to be to critical of support. I am open to any advice and appreciate them. here is a couple of photos.

[Getter-Done]

Sounds like a good plan to box the frame.
What's your plan for the bed bolts?
Will you drill a hole on bottom frame flange
and weld a big pipe to access them
thru the frame without dropping
the tank to remove the bed?






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[46redsled]

That sounds like a good plan. I’m glad I joined this group because of the wealth of knowledge. I am adding to my list of things to do next. Please keep your ideas coming. I did find out that i didn’t need to cut as much off each side of the inner frame rails.

[Steeveedee]

Holes close to the center of the web have the least effect on the strength. I'd still beef it up like you were saying, though.