Blazer tank swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 10:22 AM

After a lenghty chat with Brandon (thanks a million!) and some back and forth with a friend (the 77 Vette guy), it looks like the root of my truck not running is the piso fuel cell I've got in the bed. I've always wanted to put in a Blazer tank like Chris, so that looks like my next project.
I've read and reread Chris's site and have that method understood. My friend seems to think that if you take all the mouting and brackets from a donor Blazer, you should be able to just drop it right in. Anyone know if this is true?
I looked at JC Whitney and they have new tanks for $167 which isn't bad, but I'm wondering if they come with the sending unit or not, and how much extra that would be. They offer a 25 and 31 gallon unit. Would the 31 fit? Chris and anyone else with experience please give me some tips. I've got to get going on this so I can hear the 305 roar again!

**Captkaos** · 02-12-2003, 12:56 PM

Greg,
I had issues with using the stock brackets when I got the tank. The Blazer I took mine out of had the skid plate (which I took) that mounted to the blazer bracket/crossmembers. There is NO way I can use the skid plate without fabbing a new mount and bending it due to interference with the diff cover. There is about 3" between it and the tank. This pic is a little decieving because the front strap mount isn't there....

Also, if you notched the frame you will run into troubles because you would have to cut/notch the blazermounts from what I remember. There is NO clearance between my C-notch and the front strap mount, in fact, I had to grind it a little (I am a perfectionist and it pissed me off)

I am not saying it won't work, but from memory I decided while they were cutting the stuff out that it wasn't going to work for me. Let me know what you find out.

As for the 25gal vs 31gal tank, the 31 hangs lower a couple inches. It will physically fit the same as the 25, but do you really need that extra depth on your drop? I am only 4/6....

**Captkaos** · 02-12-2003, 12:58 PM

BTW, get a tank for the '87-91 blazer so you will have your intank pump for the EFI. Unless you want to get away from that.....

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 01:19 PM

First off, I definitely don't want the tank to hang any lower, I'm worried enough about that as it is. I really do want to try and make the skid plate work just for the added peace of mind.
I'd like to find an 87-91, but it's no big deal since I already have an external fuel pump and will someday be going to TPI, which would require a different fuel pump anyways.
I'm hoping to find a bit less complicated way of doing it since I don't have the skills or most of the tools needed to do it your way. We'll see what kind of mess I get myself into once I find a tank. How much did you pay at the salvage yard for everything you pulled?

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 01:21 PM

Also, where are you planning to run your filler neck?

**Captkaos** · 02-12-2003, 01:35 PM

The only "tools" I used was an air hammer for the rivets (could use a chisle and hammer), a drill for the new holes, a grinder, a chopsaw for the piece of angle (steel supplier will cut it to length for you), a jack, some jackstands and a cuttoff wheel for the bed support.... What special items were in there?

I did it the cheapest way I could without using extra parts.

I payed $75 for all the pieces I got; tank, skid, filler hose, vent hose, bolts and straps.
I am going to be running IFI (hilborn) and a high volume Pump made to replace a corvettes intank will work on this...

The filler neck will either come out to the fender, or out the floor. I really haven't decided....

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 01:59 PM

air hammer for the rivets (could use a chisle and hammer)
>I've got an electric jack hammer I use for pavement work!
a drill for the new holes
>got that!
a grinder
>nope
a chopsaw for the piece of angle (steel supplier will cut it to length for you)
>nope, steel guy will have to do
a jack
>check
some jackstands
>4 even!
a cuttoff wheel for the bed support....
>nope, but I do have a Dremel....

Gotta understand, I just bought a house, so I have a garage, it's just not decked out yet. I don't even have a full set of rachets, someone stole my Craftsman set

I guess I'll put my filler in the floor of the bed, the less body work the better.

Thanks for all your help Chris!

bigblock73 · 02-12-2003, 02:06 PM

I have a similar setup, but instead of using a Blazer tank I used a fuel cell, here are a couple pics...

bigblock73 · 02-12-2003, 02:08 PM

it was a very easy install, only had to remove the spare tire carrier.

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:24 PM

That looks nice bigblock. I was just looking at a poly tank on GMCPaul's website (Thanks again Brandon!). That appeals to me more for the safety factor, looks like it has more ground clearance too.

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:27 PM

No prob. Just let me know when I need to come and install it all

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:29 PM

Well, I think Dave is coming over the first weekend of March, so you'll want to find another one

Seriously though, we'll plan something. A free place to stay and free beer are taken care of.

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:29 PM

Jeff what did you use to coat the axle with? Looks great!!

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:31 PM

Dave do his own work? ROFLMFAO!!! Now that's funny!!!

Inlaws live up there so should be easy to get away one weekend.

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:41 PM

I thought maybe Dave could hand us tools or something....

"Hey Bish, I mean Dave, go get us another beer!"

Works for me...

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:46 PM

No actually Dave (Anal Andy) will have a belt on with a 6 pack of B-12 chemtool holstered just waiting to get grease out of the garage's carpet. I did mention we're doing this messy job at Dave's house right?

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:49 PM

That works for me too, that way Dave can buy the beer. Now, who's got a car hauler so I can get my truck to Dave's house? I guess while we're on his carpet we can do an oil change and tranny flush.

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:52 PM

I think Dave's leaving the keys to the truck and house with you while he's out hunting down Britney in Daytona. We'll make sure to leave him a nice surprise

LOHRTBT · 02-12-2003, 02:55 PM

HHAAHAHAHA!!
All you piso bishes can get a spoon and eat my a$$!! hahahaahah

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:55 PM

LOL, yeah, I could have some fun with that. Leave a few presents that B12 wouldn't even put a dent in.

PHOENIX · 02-12-2003, 02:55 PM

That reminds me. What happen to the CD that was gonna get sent out about the meet at Dave's house? I never got one. Is there any chance someone can send it to me?

LOHRTBT · 02-12-2003, 02:56 PM

and I DO oil changes in the garage..just put down cardboard first in case I spilll....which I never do!! lmao

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:56 PM

Dave, keep your fantasies to yourself.

79BIG10 · 02-12-2003, 02:57 PM

You sure about that Dave? Might want to reconsider that

Low87 · 02-12-2003, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LOHRTBT
and I DO oil changes in the garage..just put down cardboard first in case I spilll....which I never do!! lmao

LMFAO @ Dave! You put down cardboard to protect the carpet in your garage? I suppose if you actually work on your truck you also wear latex gloves?

02-12-2003, 10:22 AM	#1
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Blazer tank swap After a lenghty chat with Brandon (thanks a million!) and some back and forth with a friend (the 77 Vette guy), it looks like the root of my truck not running is the piso fuel cell I've got in the bed. I've always wanted to put in a Blazer tank like Chris, so that looks like my next project. I've read and reread Chris's site and have that method understood. My friend seems to think that if you take all the mouting and brackets from a donor Blazer, you should be able to just drop it right in. Anyone know if this is true? I looked at JC Whitney and they have new tanks for $167 which isn't bad, but I'm wondering if they come with the sending unit or not, and how much extra that would be. They offer a 25 and 31 gallon unit. Would the 31 fit? Chris and anyone else with experience please give me some tips. I've got to get going on this so I can hear the 305 roar again! __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 12:56 PM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Greg, I had issues with using the stock brackets when I got the tank. The Blazer I took mine out of had the skid plate (which I took) that mounted to the blazer bracket/crossmembers. There is NO way I can use the skid plate without fabbing a new mount and bending it due to interference with the diff cover. There is about 3" between it and the tank. This pic is a little decieving because the front strap mount isn't there.... Also, if you notched the frame you will run into troubles because you would have to cut/notch the blazermounts from what I remember. There is NO clearance between my C-notch and the front strap mount, in fact, I had to grind it a little (I am a perfectionist and it pissed me off) I am not saying it won't work, but from memory I decided while they were cutting the stuff out that it wasn't going to work for me. Let me know what you find out. As for the 25gal vs 31gal tank, the 31 hangs lower a couple inches. It will physically fit the same as the 25, but do you really need that extra depth on your drop? I am only 4/6.... __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

02-12-2003, 12:58 PM	#3
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	BTW, get a tank for the '87-91 blazer so you will have your intank pump for the EFI. Unless you want to get away from that..... __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

02-12-2003, 01:19 PM	#4
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	First off, I definitely don't want the tank to hang any lower, I'm worried enough about that as it is. I really do want to try and make the skid plate work just for the added peace of mind. I'd like to find an 87-91, but it's no big deal since I already have an external fuel pump and will someday be going to TPI, which would require a different fuel pump anyways. I'm hoping to find a bit less complicated way of doing it since I don't have the skills or most of the tools needed to do it your way. We'll see what kind of mess I get myself into once I find a tank. How much did you pay at the salvage yard for everything you pulled? __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 01:21 PM	#5
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Also, where are you planning to run your filler neck? __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 01:35 PM	#6
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	The only "tools" I used was an air hammer for the rivets (could use a chisle and hammer), a drill for the new holes, a grinder, a chopsaw for the piece of angle (steel supplier will cut it to length for you), a jack, some jackstands and a cuttoff wheel for the bed support.... What special items were in there? I did it the cheapest way I could without using extra parts. I payed $75 for all the pieces I got; tank, skid, filler hose, vent hose, bolts and straps. I am going to be running IFI (hilborn) and a high volume Pump made to replace a corvettes intank will work on this... The filler neck will either come out to the fender, or out the floor. I really haven't decided.... __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

02-12-2003, 01:59 PM	#7
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	air hammer for the rivets (could use a chisle and hammer) >I've got an electric jack hammer I use for pavement work! a drill for the new holes >got that! a grinder >nope a chopsaw for the piece of angle (steel supplier will cut it to length for you) >nope, steel guy will have to do a jack >check some jackstands >4 even! a cuttoff wheel for the bed support.... >nope, but I do have a Dremel.... Gotta understand, I just bought a house, so I have a garage, it's just not decked out yet. I don't even have a full set of rachets, someone stole my Craftsman set I guess I'll put my filler in the floor of the bed, the less body work the better. Thanks for all your help Chris! __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:06 PM	#8
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	I have a similar setup, but instead of using a Blazer tank I used a fuel cell, here are a couple pics... Attached Images

02-12-2003, 02:08 PM	#9
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	it was a very easy install, only had to remove the spare tire carrier. Attached Images

02-12-2003, 02:24 PM	#10
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	That looks nice bigblock. I was just looking at a poly tank on GMCPaul's website (Thanks again Brandon!). That appeals to me more for the safety factor, looks like it has more ground clearance too. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:27 PM	#11
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	No prob. Just let me know when I need to come and install it all __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-12-2003, 02:29 PM	#12
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Well, I think Dave is coming over the first weekend of March, so you'll want to find another one Seriously though, we'll plan something. A free place to stay and free beer are taken care of. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:31 PM	#14
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	Dave do his own work? ROFLMFAO!!! Now that's funny!!! Inlaws live up there so should be easy to get away one weekend. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-12-2003, 02:41 PM	#15
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I thought maybe Dave could hand us tools or something.... "Hey Bish, I mean Dave, go get us another beer!" Works for me... __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:46 PM	#16
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	No actually Dave (Anal Andy) will have a belt on with a 6 pack of B-12 chemtool holstered just waiting to get grease out of the garage's carpet. I did mention we're doing this messy job at Dave's house right? __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson



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02-12-2003, 02:49 PM	#17
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	That works for me too, that way Dave can buy the beer. Now, who's got a car hauler so I can get my truck to Dave's house? I guess while we're on his carpet we can do an oil change and tranny flush. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:52 PM	#18
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	I think Dave's leaving the keys to the truck and house with you while he's out hunting down Britney in Daytona. We'll make sure to leave him a nice surprise __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-12-2003, 02:55 PM	#19
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	HHAAHAHAHA!! All you piso bishes can get a spoon and eat my a$$!! hahahaahah __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

02-12-2003, 02:55 PM	#21
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	That reminds me. What happen to the CD that was gonna get sent out about the meet at Dave's house? I never got one. Is there any chance someone can send it to me? __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

02-12-2003, 02:56 PM	#22
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	and I DO oil changes in the garage..just put down cardboard first in case I spilll....which I never do!! lmao __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

02-12-2003, 02:56 PM	#23
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Dave, keep your fantasies to yourself. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

02-12-2003, 02:57 PM	#24
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	You sure about that Dave? Might want to reconsider that __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

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