tell me if this is safe - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

matthufham · 12-31-2005, 10:46 PM

when i bought the truck the p/o had put a keg in the bed used for a gas tank. it had 3/8 hose to the fuel pump and worked fine. i now have a blazer tank but i still want to keep the keg. the blazer thanks has 5 fittings on it, here's what i have.
1)filler 1 1/4"
2)vent 5/8"
3)open 3/8"
4)charcoal canister (capped)
5)sending unit to pump

i was thinking i could use that 3/8 fitting by running hose to the keg and then i can use it as an auxilary tank. what i want to be able to do is fill the blazer tank and fill the keg with gas. the keg will gravity drain into the tank until all it's gas is gone, then the blazer tank's gas will be used. i can then go twice as far without filling up.

Is this safe? the keg is way stronger and better fit to hold gas than the blazer tank and i don't think it'll leak at all, so it seems safe but my dad says it's dangerous. i'm pretty sure he just doesn't want the keg to go back in the truck when all is said and done though.

so i ask the experts.

or

i found a pic

Green Machine · 12-31-2005, 11:01 PM

The gas level in the full keg will likely be much higher than the fill neck on the blazer tank, unless you have a completely sealed cap on that, gas will leak out around the fill neck. Or if you happen to remove blazer cap before keg is empty, you will have a big mess. Listen to your father

pebbleboy · 12-31-2005, 11:04 PM

Listen to dad

I would have prefered the keg when it was full of coors

Americanrider · 12-31-2005, 11:25 PM

Reading this made me think of Hank Hill....lol Just install a selector switch that will shut off the gravity drain to the blazer tank. When the blazer tank is empty flip the switch and run the keg tank. Everything you need you can find on a camper special truck in a wrecking yard. I found an electric tank switch in a 76 with dual tanks, it mounts to the frame rail and it works great.

matthufham · 12-31-2005, 11:24 PM

hmm ok i can see that happening, pulling the fill cap and releasing gas everywhere. i have a 77 c10 filler with a locking/vented cap but it would make no difference if i remove it with a full keg, unless i have some sort of 1 way filter something on it. anybody else?

possibly put a valve on the keg to control when it flows, or maybe an electric pump.

matthufham · 12-31-2005, 11:35 PM

i actually had a selector switch, but i think i threw it away. the 77 it came from had 1 tank but used to have 2 so it had the swith but that's all that remained except a vacent fuel door. i'm thinking of an electric fuel pump on a switch, and a fuel pressure gauge so i know when to shut it off. then as you said when the tank is low, fill it up, and no gravity feed.

matthufham · 01-01-2006, 12:14 AM

ok here's another idea to make this silly thing work. when at the gas station, if the fuel gauge says full, fill up the keg, if it's half empty, fill the blazer tank til it's full, and then cap and fill the keg. this is using the gravity feed system.

Longhorn Man · 01-01-2006, 12:43 AM

Personally, I'd forget the whole thing.
Go down to your corner inspection station and see what they have to say.

pebbleboy · 01-01-2006, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Go down to your corner inspection station and see what they have to say.

Thats part of the reson I bought a 70.

When the manager comes out intyroduces himself and says there is no way were even looking at this vheicle you know life is good

70short/step · 01-01-2006, 01:25 AM

The Keg will work and is safe with the ideas that were offered here, Just mount it without using those 2X4s that are in the pic!

Longhorn Man · 01-01-2006, 01:27 AM

Come to Columbus...no inspection at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pebbleboy

Thats part of the reson I bought a 70.

When the manager comes out intyroduces himself and says there is no way were even looking at this vheicle you know life is good

Blazer1970 · 01-01-2006, 08:42 AM

I don't know why you would want that keg taking up space in your bed. It will be in the way all the time. Just stop at the gas station more often. They are always open and willing to sell you fuel. If you have to keep the keg, plumb it like a normal dual tank set-up with a selector.

**special-K** · 01-01-2006, 09:05 AM

I wouldn`t put beer in a gas tank.So,I wouldn`t put gas in a keg.I put cargo in the bed and install auxilary tanks for extra fuel under the truck.I`d rather have the original gas tank.I would definately use a tranfer switch for more than one tank.

68C15 · 01-01-2006, 09:12 AM

if you have to ask then it probably isnt safe. whats gonna keep the keg in place in an accident?

not being mean, just giving my .02

LSGarage · 01-01-2006, 11:48 AM

Like special-K said, beer, gas and truck beds have their own places in this world.

matthufham · 01-01-2006, 08:33 PM

to clear things up and continue the thread...
1) i have a spare tire on the right side of the bed, and i want the keg on the left
2)no inspection for antique vehicles registered vehicles in texas
3)if i get t-boned where i plan to mount the keg, i've got more problems than an explosion or rupture.
4)if i run a fuel tank selector, the keg has no sending unit and i'll never know when to fill up. That's why i wanted to plumb it into the blazer tank.
5) the 2X4's raise the keg, so the drain fitting doesn't touch the floor. it's lower than the mounting flange, but overall, a sturdy package with the 2X4's.

so even though today isn't the thinking man's day to be thinking, anybody else got an idea.

low'n slow · 01-01-2006, 08:40 PM

No reason to have a sending unit. If you're determined to run the thing. Just run it dry and switch to the other tank. Myself, I think I'd listen to the majority on this thread.

matthufham · 01-01-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low'n slow

No reason to have a sending unit. If you're determined to run the thing. Just run it dry and switch to the other tank. Myself, I think I'd listen to the majority on this thread.

yea that's how old farmer ricky ran it, the truck came with a fuel gauge about 4 feet long (a wooden dipstick).

i'm destined to not use it as an auxilary tank, but i'm putting it in the truck no matter what, it might as well have a function.

70short/step · 01-01-2006, 09:10 PM

Use something else besides wood 2X4's to space it above the floor. Make some steel brackets, but I would not use wood!

krue · 01-01-2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70short/step

Use something else besides wood 2X4's to space it above the floor. Make some steel brackets, but I would not use wood!

Properly mounted I don't see a problem. BTW I've got one just like that I'm gonna use for a gas tank for my rail buggy. Seen them used for years, never heard of a problem.

*FormerMember* · 01-01-2006, 09:18 PM

People have done this for years. "Rat Rod" is function over form. I don't have a problem with the keg's strength, take a look at most of the gas tanks out there {plastic}. If it's mounted sturdily, then a vehicle impact has a ton of frame to go through to get to it.

My only issue would be abraision on the rubber fuel lines causing a leak.

My last diesel truck had a 55 gallon home fabricated tank in the bed that would trickle into the fill neck of my main tank. Perhaps you could do that, with a cut off /check valve?

dwaite72lnghrn · 01-02-2006, 08:45 AM

Personally I think it's a bomb just waiting to go off... The gas tanks made of plastic and tin are ment to expand and it ruptured they will leak yes and spill gas but that tank will hold and violently explode. Yes they used them in the old dune buggies and rat rods but today there is better things to use. You as the driver/owner are responsible for any damage done by your not complying with federal transportation laws.
You lend your truck to someone or sell it and they do something stupid and it blows up you have to live with and pay for it. If you want it be aware just because you have no inspections you are still required to obey the laws governing these things. be safe disconnect it, polish it make it look good but don't put fuel in it.
My opinion. Better to be SAFE than SORRY.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-02-2006, 08:51 AM

Wow, as usual, opinions are like you know what, everyone's got em

I say run it if that's what you want, but I also agree with the majority.

Longhorn Man · 01-02-2006, 11:56 AM

I say look into the legality. If Tx says go for it and tells you to use a fuel tank that is not D.O.T. aproved, then when something happens, you can file charges again's the state after the victoms of the accudent get you for all you are worth.

Professor · 01-03-2006, 03:21 PM

Isn't that a steel pipe and steel cap used as the filler? Isn't steel (ferrous metal) more likely to cause a spark (on top of several gallons of gas) than a DOT approved filler and tank?
Also, where is the vent system? What happens when you fill up some cool morning, park it in the sun, and as the gas expands it pushes gas through your system (fuel lines, pump, and carb, and into your cylinders)? ...especially when the truck is not running?

12-31-2005, 10:46 PM	#1
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	tell me if this is safe when i bought the truck the p/o had put a keg in the bed used for a gas tank. it had 3/8 hose to the fuel pump and worked fine. i now have a blazer tank but i still want to keep the keg. the blazer thanks has 5 fittings on it, here's what i have. 1)filler 1 1/4" 2)vent 5/8" 3)open 3/8" 4)charcoal canister (capped) 5)sending unit to pump i was thinking i could use that 3/8 fitting by running hose to the keg and then i can use it as an auxilary tank. what i want to be able to do is fill the blazer tank and fill the keg with gas. the keg will gravity drain into the tank until all it's gas is gone, then the blazer tank's gas will be used. i can then go twice as far without filling up. Is this safe? the keg is way stronger and better fit to hold gas than the blazer tank and i don't think it'll leak at all, so it seems safe but my dad says it's dangerous. i'm pretty sure he just doesn't want the keg to go back in the truck when all is said and done though. so i ask the experts. or i found a pic Last edited by matthufham; 01-01-2006 at 08:53 PM.

12-31-2005, 11:01 PM	#2
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: tell me if this is safe The gas level in the full keg will likely be much higher than the fill neck on the blazer tank, unless you have a completely sealed cap on that, gas will leak out around the fill neck. Or if you happen to remove blazer cap before keg is empty, you will have a big mess. Listen to your father __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

12-31-2005, 11:25 PM	#4
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: tell me if this is safe Reading this made me think of Hank Hill....lol Just install a selector switch that will shut off the gravity drain to the blazer tank. When the blazer tank is empty flip the switch and run the keg tank. Everything you need you can find on a camper special truck in a wrecking yard. I found an electric tank switch in a 76 with dual tanks, it mounts to the frame rail and it works great.

12-31-2005, 11:24 PM	#5
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: tell me if this is safe hmm ok i can see that happening, pulling the fill cap and releasing gas everywhere. i have a 77 c10 filler with a locking/vented cap but it would make no difference if i remove it with a full keg, unless i have some sort of 1 way filter something on it. anybody else? possibly put a valve on the keg to control when it flows, or maybe an electric pump. Last edited by matthufham; 12-31-2005 at 11:26 PM.

12-31-2005, 11:35 PM	#6
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: tell me if this is safe i actually had a selector switch, but i think i threw it away. the 77 it came from had 1 tank but used to have 2 so it had the swith but that's all that remained except a vacent fuel door. i'm thinking of an electric fuel pump on a switch, and a fuel pressure gauge so i know when to shut it off. then as you said when the tank is low, fill it up, and no gravity feed.

01-01-2006, 12:14 AM	#7
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: tell me if this is safe ok here's another idea to make this silly thing work. when at the gas station, if the fuel gauge says full, fill up the keg, if it's half empty, fill the blazer tank til it's full, and then cap and fill the keg. this is using the gravity feed system.

01-01-2006, 12:43 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: tell me if this is safe Personally, I'd forget the whole thing. Go down to your corner inspection station and see what they have to say.

01-01-2006, 01:25 AM	#10
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	Re: tell me if this is safe The Keg will work and is safe with the ideas that were offered here, Just mount it without using those 2X4s that are in the pic! __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step

01-01-2006, 08:42 AM	#12
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	Re: tell me if this is safe I don't know why you would want that keg taking up space in your bed. It will be in the way all the time. Just stop at the gas station more often. They are always open and willing to sell you fuel. If you have to keep the keg, plumb it like a normal dual tank set-up with a selector. __________________ Tim

01-01-2006, 09:05 AM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: tell me if this is safe I wouldn`t put beer in a gas tank.So,I wouldn`t put gas in a keg.I put cargo in the bed and install auxilary tanks for extra fuel under the truck.I`d rather have the original gas tank.I would definately use a tranfer switch for more than one tank. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-01-2006, 09:12 AM	#14
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: tell me if this is safe if you have to ask then it probably isnt safe. whats gonna keep the keg in place in an accident? not being mean, just giving my .02 __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

01-01-2006, 11:48 AM	#15
LSGarage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Posts: 86	Re: tell me if this is safe Like special-K said, beer, gas and truck beds have their own places in this world. __________________ 67 GMC 4x4, 305 V-6, 4-spd 86 S-10, 2.8 2WD LWB 01 Suburban (family hauler) 13 Honda CRV (wife's wheels) 03 Malibu (daughter’s car)

01-01-2006, 08:33 PM	#16
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: tell me if this is safe to clear things up and continue the thread... 1) i have a spare tire on the right side of the bed, and i want the keg on the left 2)no inspection for antique vehicles registered vehicles in texas 3)if i get t-boned where i plan to mount the keg, i've got more problems than an explosion or rupture. 4)if i run a fuel tank selector, the keg has no sending unit and i'll never know when to fill up. That's why i wanted to plumb it into the blazer tank. 5) the 2X4's raise the keg, so the drain fitting doesn't touch the floor. it's lower than the mounting flange, but overall, a sturdy package with the 2X4's. so even though today isn't the thinking man's day to be thinking, anybody else got an idea. Last edited by matthufham; 01-01-2006 at 08:34 PM.

01-01-2006, 08:40 PM	#17
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 882	Re: tell me if this is safe No reason to have a sending unit. If you're determined to run the thing. Just run it dry and switch to the other tank. Myself, I think I'd listen to the majority on this thread.

01-01-2006, 09:10 PM	#19
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	Re: tell me if this is safe Use something else besides wood 2X4's to space it above the floor. Make some steel brackets, but I would not use wood! __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step



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01-01-2006, 09:18 PM	#21
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: tell me if this is safe People have done this for years. "Rat Rod" is function over form. I don't have a problem with the keg's strength, take a look at most of the gas tanks out there {plastic}. If it's mounted sturdily, then a vehicle impact has a ton of frame to go through to get to it. My only issue would be abraision on the rubber fuel lines causing a leak. My last diesel truck had a 55 gallon home fabricated tank in the bed that would trickle into the fill neck of my main tank. Perhaps you could do that, with a cut off /check valve?

01-02-2006, 08:45 AM	#22
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Re: tell me if this is safe Personally I think it's a bomb just waiting to go off... The gas tanks made of plastic and tin are ment to expand and it ruptured they will leak yes and spill gas but that tank will hold and violently explode. Yes they used them in the old dune buggies and rat rods but today there is better things to use. You as the driver/owner are responsible for any damage done by your not complying with federal transportation laws. You lend your truck to someone or sell it and they do something stupid and it blows up you have to live with and pay for it. If you want it be aware just because you have no inspections you are still required to obey the laws governing these things. be safe disconnect it, polish it make it look good but don't put fuel in it. My opinion. Better to be SAFE than SORRY. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

01-02-2006, 08:51 AM	#23
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,482	Re: tell me if this is safe Wow, as usual, opinions are like you know what, everyone's got em I say run it if that's what you want, but I also agree with the majority. __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-02-2006, 11:56 AM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: tell me if this is safe I say look into the legality. If Tx says go for it and tells you to use a fuel tank that is not D.O.T. aproved, then when something happens, you can file charges again's the state after the victoms of the accudent get you for all you are worth.

01-03-2006, 03:21 PM	#25
Professor Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Posts: 160	Re: tell me if this is safe Isn't that a steel pipe and steel cap used as the filler? Isn't steel (ferrous metal) more likely to cause a spark (on top of several gallons of gas) than a DOT approved filler and tank? Also, where is the vent system? What happens when you fill up some cool morning, park it in the sun, and as the gas expands it pushes gas through your system (fuel lines, pump, and carb, and into your cylinders)? ...especially when the truck is not running?

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