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08-13-2022, 10:20 PM | #1 |
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Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl
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Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I am thinking about building my own fuel tank for my 51 and was wondering if anyone had ever done it. I have a sheet of stainless I plan on making it out of. I am trying to get as much capacity as possible. All the swap options are all around,17 gallons and with the BB I want more than 20. Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated
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08-14-2022, 12:27 AM | #2 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
You know your own welding skills. I'm not being snarky there.
What I would do first is get some cardboard and cut my tank out of it and get it all together and taped up and set in place to stand back and see that that is exactly what you want. Then I would get a sheet metal shop to shear the pieces and bend up as much of it in a brake as they can manage. That will cost a few bucks unless you can get a buddy deal but it should eliminate a few welded seams. On the other hand, back about 20 years ago my son had a 79 Elcamino that had a 45 gallon tank that the owner had had a shop weld up out of mild steel. The tank was welded up of all flat pieces with no bends and all seams. I think I finally hauled the remains for scrap after cutting a lot of pieces out of it to fab things as it was 1/8 steel and heavy as all get out. Receipts showed that a previous owner had driven between Arizona and Southern California on about a weekly basis. That thing about broke me the first and only time I ever filled the tank.
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08-14-2022, 10:31 AM | #3 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
That's the plan I had in mind. I will cut it out with my plasma cutter and get our fab shop to break it for me. As far as welding that's not a problem I am structural, tank and pipe certified. Surely as many talented people here I can't be the first one to try this.
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08-14-2022, 01:43 PM | #4 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
i did what mr 48 mentioned one of the vendors had the measurements for some of there tanks and i made cardboard one and put it in place in the rear. to check fit worked out good.$600 tank to buy.pic is before trimming out around spring mount.
Last edited by 56 3100; 08-14-2022 at 01:51 PM. |
08-14-2022, 06:52 PM | #5 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
That shape is kinda what I had in mind. I have a sheet of 316 stainless to build it with and access to any size pipe I could want. I plan on starting on it as soon as I can get the frame back in the garage.
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08-15-2022, 12:13 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Quote:
I'd still make the cardboard mockup for the stand back and look from all angles session. I've got a 35 gallon stainless tank in the front of the bed of my 71 that someone bult and had in another truck I had that has some nice work on it. The thing has bad gas in it now and reeks of varnish.
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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
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08-15-2022, 02:17 PM | #7 |
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Location: Suwanee GA
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Don't forget the Baffles. This is not hauling food grade .
No need a half a tank sloshing around and moving the rear end on you. Also they provide some nice structural internally. |
08-15-2022, 09:11 PM | #8 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I am really looking at running fuel injection on it and if not I will still put a return in. Baffles will be a must as well. It's going to be a challenge but when it comes to fab work I enjoy it. I will put up some pictures as I go on it.
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08-15-2022, 08:41 AM | #9 | |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Quote:
One suggestion... design the tank to be EFI friendly. An EFI system attached to a tank with no baffles makes the truck no fun to drive through turns and corners when the fuel level gets lower. |
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08-25-2022, 04:35 PM | #10 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I don't think that will be an issue for him and he may give us a lesson or two on how to accomplish that and have it seal properly.
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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
08-26-2022, 11:14 PM | #11 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
If I can find a weld in adapter that would work great. I have a buddy that just got a new CNC machine and is looking for things to machine so I may give him a drawing to see if he can make it.
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08-27-2022, 06:52 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
This one required me to buy an oversized holesaw bit and punch a hole in the tank I already had for their unit. I plug the hole that was designed for the small pump they sent with the tank. Posted via Mobile Device |
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08-27-2022, 06:54 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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08-27-2022, 06:56 PM | #14 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Oh, and I didn’t really explain. The Aeromotive unit you just use the jigs they provide cut a hole in the tank and there are some holes to drill for their ring to fit with gaskets on just smooth wall. No need for welding adapter.
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08-27-2022, 09:05 PM | #15 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Thanks for the info. A flat mount will be a lot easier. Does it have a sending unit as well?
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08-27-2022, 09:55 PM | #16 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I used the sending unit that came with the tank. I imagine they sell them, I have not looked at the arrow motive website extensively.
Typically, you have one hole that you drop a sending unit in, and the second hole that has your fuel pump port. I think this is pretty much the kit I bought, just didn’t use the pump. Fit perfectly between rails on custom frame I built but not sure on stock 51 rails |
08-27-2022, 09:58 PM | #17 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
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08-27-2022, 10:02 PM | #18 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
20 gallon. I mounted deep side toward C6 differential and made frame where will drop straight out bottom plus slack in lines to allow it.
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08-29-2022, 09:19 AM | #19 |
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Location: Lakes Region NH
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
That bolt in pump hanger looks like an easy solution for a lot of folks. Here's a stainless option that uses a late model GM pump and well for DIY tanks.
https://rickstanks.com/product/weld-in/ This kit includes the plate and a few other goodies and looks like it's under $150. https://rickstanks.com/product/d-i-y...v=47e5dceea252 Here's info about Earl's pump mounting rings. Stainless, mild steel, or aluminum options are available. https://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/...-installation/ Last edited by 1project2many; 08-29-2022 at 09:25 AM. |
09-01-2022, 09:51 PM | #20 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Thanks for the info. I hope to get started in the next month or so. I have a couple of things to get done first. I will definitely update when I get working on it.
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09-02-2022, 06:13 PM | #21 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Month or so? Didjaorderitfromchina?
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03-12-2023, 10:05 PM | #22 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I finally got started on the fuel tank. It's just tacked together right now. I still have to get the filler neck and fittings for the pickup and return
Last edited by Rickysnickers; 03-13-2023 at 10:08 AM. |
03-12-2023, 10:08 PM | #23 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
More pics
Last edited by Rickysnickers; 03-13-2023 at 10:09 AM. |
03-12-2023, 10:13 PM | #24 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
Looking Good
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03-13-2023, 12:32 AM | #25 |
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Re: Has anyone built a custom fuel tank
I have built a few tanks in my time. I usually pressure them up a few pounds with air and spray soapy water mix on them, see if anything bubbles. then pressure them up and close the air pressure supply valve. see if the tank pressure drops overnight. like testing a gas line. gotta have an inline guage on the tank side of the air line valve.
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