Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DarkFlounder · 11-02-2016, 03:35 PM

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.

383gmc · 11-02-2016, 03:49 PM

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.

71meangreenc10 · 11-02-2016, 05:46 PM

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

**ho70** · 11-03-2016, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

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

the best

71meangreenc10 · 11-03-2016, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ho70

the best

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

Smitty

ForrestHead · 11-02-2016, 06:03 PM

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.

**Boog** · 11-02-2016, 06:47 PM

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.

iGreek · 11-03-2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

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.

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

**dmjlambert** · 11-02-2016, 08:41 PM

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

prodjay10 · 11-02-2016, 10:28 PM

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

DarkFlounder · 11-03-2016, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prodjay10

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

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

**jocko** · 11-03-2016, 01:09 PM

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.

Bigdav160 · 11-03-2016, 03:29 PM

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

WarMonger · 11-03-2016, 06:16 PM

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.

ajviper · 11-03-2016, 06:26 PM

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.

**Bob B.** · 11-03-2016, 11:11 PM

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

Katrina/10 · 11-04-2016, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob B.

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

Same here.

MaxFlatbed · 09-15-2017, 02:00 PM

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.

697498chevy · 09-15-2017, 02:51 PM

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 .

11-02-2016, 03:35 PM	#1
DarkFlounder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 281	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. __________________ 72 K2500 Sierra Longbed Wideside 350/TH350/NP205 66 Plymouth Barracuda 225 Slant6

11-02-2016, 03:49 PM	#2
383gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 11	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.

11-02-2016, 05:46 PM	#3
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	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 __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

11-02-2016, 06:03 PM	#6
ForrestHead Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Gainesville, Tx Posts: 30	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.

11-02-2016, 06:47 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,514	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. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-02-2016, 08:41 PM	#9
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,859	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

11-02-2016, 10:28 PM	#10
prodjay10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 429	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 Last edited by prodjay10; 11-02-2016 at 10:33 PM.

11-03-2016, 01:09 PM	#12
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,975	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.

11-03-2016, 03:29 PM	#13
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank Universal, GM gauge compatible, sending units are easy to come by __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

11-03-2016, 06:16 PM	#14
WarMonger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 818	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. Attached Images __________________ ..................... ____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1970 C20 -_--_--_- ______ _--_--_- /___\|__\____ -_--_-_ \|_(0)\|__\|_(0)] 1972 K5

11-03-2016, 06:26 PM	#15
ajviper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lakewood, Colorado Posts: 90	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. __________________ Chevy Runs Deep. 1956 210 LS1 TH350 3.31 Posi 12 Bolt 1969 Z/28 5.3 T56 3.73 Posi 12 Bolt 1973 Nova SS 355 TH350 2.73 Posi 12 Bolt 2000 K2500 Suburban LS 6.0 4L80 3.73 G80 2005 K2500HD CCSB LS 6.0 4L80 4.10 G80 2010 2SS/RS Camaro LS3 T56 Aqua Blue Metallic

11-03-2016, 11:11 PM	#16
Bob B. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,363	Re: Best replacement behind-the-seat fuel tank Have a Canadian made Spectra in my truck. No issues at all. __________________ 1967 GMC CM-2500 Camper Cruiser, 351E V-6, NP 435 4 speed, Dana 60, and factory A/C. 2012 GMC K-3500 WT regular cab, 6.0L Vortec, 6L90.

09-15-2017, 02:00 PM	#18
MaxFlatbed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Rural Wa Posts: 3	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.

09-15-2017, 02:51 PM	#19
697498chevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Carolina Posts: 266	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 .

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