Should I get rid of this extra bed gas tank?

[Mister-B]

This is the '69 I just bought. It came with this extra tank. There's a switch under the dash to switch from the main tank to this one, but the gas cap has been off for years, so it is probably full of who knows what, and would take a lot to bring back to working order. I'm a little afraid to see what rust holes might be lurking under it.

It appears to have two bolts on one side that attach it to the bed. Any idea if there are other bolts that attach it? I can't see any, but am curious how hard this would be to remove.

What say you. Keep it, or remove it?


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[SS Tim]

Think you pretty much made up your mind already. If it has been left open it will need a lot of cleaning and probably sealing as well. Either way it needs to come out. So pull it and check out the rust along the edge of the bed. Take a look inside the tank too. Know anyone with a video snake inspection tool? If you decide to reuse the tank great. If it needs work and you want more that the stock 21 gal. I'd look for a pair of wheel well filler underbody tanks. That way they are out of sight and hopefully mind as well ($200.00 of gas). Plus it will free up bed space for maybe a low profile bed box.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Think you pretty much made up your mind already. If it has been left open it will need a lot of cleaning and probably sealing as well. Either way it needs to come out. So pull it and check out the rust along the edge of the bed. Take a look inside the tank too. Know anyone with a video snake inspection tool? If you decide to reuse the tank great. If it needs work and you want more that the stock 21 gal. I'd look for a pair of wheel well filler underbody tanks. That way they are out of sight and hopefully mind as well ($200.00 of gas). Plus it will free up bed space for maybe a low profile bed box.

Hey Tim,

So I got the tank off, and was surprised to find the bottom inside part of the tank was totally rusted through all the way. Huge holes everywhere. So, I gave it to a metal scrapper guy so it at least went to a good cause.

The bed under and behind is in pretty decent shape. No rust holes. There was 40 years of dirt, clay, mud, and leaves caked under it. Oh, and an old pull top beer can top lol. Ended up power washing the bed to get the rest off. I'm pleased to have the extra space in the bed, and it looks much cleaner. Did you see my other post about the wiring left behind? Maybe you could chime in on what I can do with it.

One negative, is that I used to tie my Husky up to the filler neck of the tank, so now I'm not sure where to attach him. Any ideas?
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[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by Mister-B

Hey Tim...
One negative, is that I used to tie my Husky up to the filler neck of the tank, so now I'm not sure where to attach him. Any ideas?

If you put an eyebolt or a folding tie ring in the front center of the bed or front panel the dog with a propely sized lead can move about, to both side to "see" and lay down for wind protection. More importantly not up on or off the sides
Then it is just a matter of clipping on the leash and lifting over the side or off the back for unloading or loading.
A little clip/eye at the front post keeps the travel lead handy and from flopping around.

[shawno72]

Ditch it and add one under the bed if you want a spare.