bluesman2a : Let's talk tanks...

Let's talk tanks...
Post by bluesman2a on Apr 27, 2006, 11:26pm

I'ma lookin at that big honkin' tank and I'm thinking it's not gonna be in my truck for long. Thinking about replacements and I've come up with some criteria:

1) has to be at least as large as stock, would prefer 30+ gallon.
2) Can mount to the rear/above the rear axle or in the bed.
3) must have a side/top mount filler (i.e. standard fuel cell opening mounted under the bed won't cut it).

The first couple I've come up with are:
1) http://www.aerotanks.com/diamondplates.html (like the idea, the shape and the mounting, but really don't like diamond-plate)

2) fuel cell (need to find one that will mount properly).

3) there's a 33 gallong Bronco tank that's a common swap for FSJ's, this is my current favorite and also the cheapest.

Any other ideas I should be considering?

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by kaiser715 on Apr 27, 2006, 11:46pm

I had one made in stainless to match the original, except square corners instead of rounded. Traded out work for it at about $300 more or less. Measure the space available, have one made to fit that won't hang as low. You may be able to make the stock filler work.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on Apr 28, 2006, 9:42am

I got a 91 Bronco 35 gal where the spare tire used to sit

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by brute4c on Apr 28, 2006, 10:21am

Pics??????

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on Apr 28, 2006, 11:05am

which pics? DP or me? I haven't taken any of the tank yet...let me see if I can get a few. Nike commercial is blocking everything at work

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by brute4c on Apr 28, 2006, 12:24pm

I was thinking pics of yours to use as a page detailing a lager/new tank or additional tank installation...if you can...

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on Apr 28, 2006, 2:39pm

I'll get them tomorrow after the TV crew is gone

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by elwenil on Apr 28, 2006, 2:44pm

Yes I am VERY interested in any pics of a Lager tank installed in a 715. Does it keep the beer cold? Any DUI issues? If it's on tap and the tap is off, is it still considered an open container?


On a more serious note, I have looked at various options of replacing my missing fuel tank only to come up with having one made as the best solution in order to keep the factory fill tube. No fuel cell that I have found will work, from RV style, racing, or secondary. all need some sort of modification and I was told by Jaz that you could not put a fuel inlet on the side of their tanks and not have it leak when the fuel level was above the hole. All the metal tanks either need the mounting modified or the inlet tube welded on or both. With all that hassle I think I'll just have one custom made. Just my .02

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by bluesman2a on Apr 28, 2006, 4:16pm

Here's what I found on the Bronco tank...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/78-Ford-B....itemZ8059301457
$90. for NIB... Works for me...

Capacity: 33 Gallons/125 Liters
Dimensions: 31-1/8 X 22-1/4 X 15-3/4 inches
Vent pipe to Right side of filler pipe

Includes the lock ring and gasket for the sending unit.

40 Grit, would VERY much like pics of your setup, and any thoughts on the project you would like to share, sir!

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by beast on Apr 29, 2006, 11:34am

I built a custom tank for mine like DP did. I use steel though and sealed it with a product call Kream tank sealant. It's used a lot in motorcycles to seal metal gas tanks that leak or have rusted. My tank is also stock dementions other than the square corners. It holds 30 - 35 gallons.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on May 1, 2006, 6:53pm

pictures delayed, should be ready tommorow, BTT

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by brute4c on May 1, 2006, 7:42pm

No sweat...but thanks for the update!!

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on May 5, 2006, 3:06pm

Ok, finally got some free time. I got sidetracked buying a 24' wellcraft boat..another project..

here's the tank pics. I used 3"x3"x1/4" angle since I had it laying around, along with a drawtite adjustable hitch designed for RV's...I still need to finish the hold-down straps and route the hose up thru the stock filler neck once the bed is on, but here's some pics to get the idea..
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/9740/mvc015f6wp.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/6908/mvc014f4ra.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/2043/mvc013f4zf.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/8189/mvc012f0rh.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7742/mvc011f8gy.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8845/mvc010f7au.jpg

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by brute4c on May 5, 2006, 3:24pm

Looks pretty good...though, for me, seems like more stick down than I would want...of course, I would bash it because it might be possible to do so....I just have that talent...

I do know there is a 25 gallon Ranchero tank, mid 70's era, yeah a little smaller than stock, that will fit back there and not sit below the bottom of the frame rails. I was thinking of adding it as a 2nd tank...not a primary as you are...so a little less capacit doesnt hurt me. For me, I would still need to skidplate the whole tank...cause I'm talented again...

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by 40grit on May 5, 2006, 3:49pm

It has the stock ford skidplate on it. If you mounted it any higher it hits the bottom of the bed, I thought about smacking it when driving off a ledge or something, but it's almost 30" from the ground. Mudog has his the same way, mounted lower due to smaller tires and hasn't smashed it yet and he likes to use his truck...I think it will be fine, with the extra protection from the hitch there's only a little bit that can get whacked before the hitch hits...there is room on both sides ( about 6 or 8") for a wider tank if you custom built one...you may be able to go wider and not so deep and get the same amount of gas.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by socal715 on May 5, 2006, 4:54pm

OT: hey while your there, shoot some other pics of your truck slacker! since ive never seen it!

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by elwenil on May 5, 2006, 8:58pm

On the subject of tanks, I called today about getting one made from a fab shop. I thought about making my own, but since I only have my MIG, I'd have to make it out of steel and it would be heavy and a PITA to deal with. With that in mind I called about having one made out of 3/16" aluminum plate. Basically a box, 2' long, 15" tall and an indeterminate width of something around 15-20". I had measured one out before and it would be 2' wide, but with the NP205 swap, the driveshaft is closer to center so I need to remeasure that part tomorrow.


At any rate, my "box" will run me somewhere between $200-$300 with a 6" long, 3" OD fill tube on the side to use the stock M715 filler, a dip tube for the fuel pick-up, a drain, and a hole cut for an aftermarket sending unit. The way I've measured it out, it will tuck in the factory location, but not hang down past the frame rail. After all my measurements are complete and the mock-up is done and I know it works, I'll post up my plans I have drawn up in JPG format. It's not CAD, but something I whipped up in greytone on Photoshop, complete with measurements so someone can use them to have their own tank made, or use them as a starting point and modify them to suit what they need.

With any luck I'll have this done and posted this weekend. Jon, if you are interested I can Email them to you in BMP format and you can make a page on the new site at some point when you have time. Since gas tanks are becoming more and more scarce, I think it might be useful to have some plans around to have a tank made that will replace the stock one without many modifications.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by socal715 on May 5, 2006, 9:07pm


Quote: <TABLE class=bordercolor cellSpacing=1 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE class=quote cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">
The first couple I've come up with are:
1) http://www.aerotanks.com/diamondplates.html (like the idea, the shape and the mounting, but really don't like diamond-plate)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Hey dude, i live like 4 blocks from aerotanks... if there's anything you need let me know..(and no, im not buying you a fuel cell!)

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by bluesman2a on May 28, 2006, 1:31am

Found another alternative, a little better dimensions and more capacity.

Make: GM (Inc. Truck)
Dimension: 35" x 28-3/4" x 13-1/8"
Gallons: 40
Hollander #: 197-1283
Liters: 151
Lock Ring #: LO01
Brand:
GENERAL MOTORS (Inc. Truck), 1991-82, FUEL TANK, SUBURBAN 40 GAL, LARGE FILLER PIPE 1-5/8" ID
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fuel-Gas-....809906 75QQrdZ1

Also has two added bonuses:
1) GM senders aren't as hard to find as Ford stuff. I can get a matching sender for about $60.
2) Don't have to put any more Ford stuff back in my truck!!!

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by over2land on May 28, 2006, 1:51am


Quote: <TABLE class=bordercolor cellSpacing=1 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE class=quote cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">Found another alternative, a little better dimensions and more capacity.

Make: GM (Inc. Truck)
Dimension: 35" x 28-3/4" x 13-1/8"
Gallons: 40
Hollander #: 197-1283
Liters: 151
Lock Ring #: LO01
Brand:
GENERAL MOTORS (Inc. Truck), 1991-82, FUEL TANK, SUBURBAN 40 GAL, LARGE FILLER PIPE 1-5/8" ID
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fuel-Gas-....809906 75QQrdZ1

Also has two added bonuses:
1) GM senders aren't as hard to find as Ford stuff. I can get a matching sender for about $60.
2) Don't have to put any more Ford stuff back in my truck!!!</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Man, that's the tank I had in my '71 C-20... when gas prices were around 1.20 a gallon, it was painful for me to fill... only got more so in the following 2 years. Nowadays I can't imagine.

That said, if I end up with 40's on the 715 and have to ditch the under bed spare, I'll be looking at one of those tanks again as an auxiliary.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by airborne on May 29, 2006, 7:14am

I used a tank from Skyline, it's a boat tank,not DOT rated, but it was cheap, will never rust, used a 3in street light arm to make the filler. Fit right in place of the stock tank, did change the sending unit,but since the truck only goes to the dump,didn't NEED to.

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by maccj715 on Jul 12, 2006, 12:03am

i got a side tank fron a big chevy tilt front truck about 50 gal but dont know cant afford to fill it its kind of boxy but otherwise like a big rig side tank it is mounted in the bed

Re: Let's talk tanks...
Post by airborne on Jul 12, 2006, 8:06am

I used a skyline boat tank (26 gal), had to get a S/W sending unit. Same w x l,but depth is 2" less. I like the Bronco tank. Also the Suburban tank (40 gal),placed in the spare spot is my other choice.