what not to do with fuel cell - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

frost89434 · 05-28-2003, 07:40 PM

Well If you have a fuel cell in your truck and don't have a bed on it . Take my advise and don't let it sit in direct sunlight. I did this with mine and when I came back out it was warped really bad. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. JIM

chevykid1969 · 05-28-2003, 08:14 PM

hey man sorry to here about that. can it still be used. I have had mine in for about two weeks and no problems....yet.

Thanks for the heads up.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 05-28-2003, 08:24 PM

I also had the same thing happen when I had a fuel cell located in the bed.

progress · 05-28-2003, 08:50 PM

Most of those are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene). This material loses about 50% of its strength once the temperature reaches 150 degrees F. Black HDPE in direct sunlight will reach this temp quickly and then it will sag if empty or there is a slight vac on it from an unvented cap. You can get it back into shape by applying a very light pressure to the tank (3 - 5 psi) and using a heat gun on the areas you want to reshape. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH GAS FUMES AND HEAT!!!!!!!

frost89434 · 05-28-2003, 11:14 PM

(progress) thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.

Smooth68 · 05-28-2003, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by progress
You can get it back into shape by applying a very light pressure to the tank (3 - 5 psi) and using a heat gun on the areas you want to reshape. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH GAS FUMES AND HEAT!!!!!!!

You sir have balls!

440 charger · 06-02-2003, 10:17 PM

will i have to worry about the fuel cell under the bed?where i live it gets to about 102 on the hot days!this is my daily driver!

crazy longhorn · 06-03-2003, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Smooth68

You sir have balls!

yah man!

67chevemall · 06-03-2003, 09:17 AM

I have mine in the Bed also
It likes to change shapes alright
Always seems to go back to shape though!
Need to cover it with a bed cover!!

VTKidder · 06-03-2003, 09:58 AM

I take it most everyone uses the polyethelene cells when relocating? Any reasoning behind going with them versus Aluminum? Just curious. Woud like to do the same thing eventually ($$!) and just wondering what the advantages are. Thanks.

71GMC_3/4T · 06-03-2003, 10:04 AM

Polyethylene is cheap to manufacture.

I wouldn't use the heat gun trick myself. Call me chicken.
I would leave it in the sun, then add pressure until it was straight, then cool it off quick with cold water.

cruzn72 · 06-03-2003, 07:36 PM

VT I used the RCI tank from Summit and love it. It is aluminum. I agree with 71GMC_3/4T the price is the main issue.

Low69CST · 06-03-2003, 09:06 PM

this post is really making me think about getting an aluminum tank.....

**PICKMUP** · 06-03-2003, 10:44 PM

These don't go anywhere...put them up under the frame and keep the bed clean...no straps either!

VTKidder · 06-04-2003, 07:00 AM

A swap will happen eventually I'm sure. Got other priorities though. I like the ideal of aluminum for some reason. I really can't come up with a reason why, but it just seems like it would be easier to have something that will not expand and contract like plastic. This past year, we had a solid 5 days where it never got above -25F, and another solid week of 100F...a real big change in temps for the year. Who knows...the only reason I want the fuel cell in the rear is safety. God forbid I get T-boned well, the last thing I want is that tank behind me touching off, or breaking open. Being a safety issue, I have no problem forking out the extra cash. There's definitely gotta be a lot of benefits to the plastic though because a LOT of people use them. Thanks for the .02 guys....

landon4421 · 06-04-2003, 10:49 AM

I have a Polyethylene tank, mabe I will have to look into an aluminum tank.

Frank price check please for the tank

Baradium · 06-04-2003, 11:30 AM

I'd like to get an aux tank and keep the original, put a selector switch in... would be really nice for those long trips....

Speaking of tanks....

International had this thing about options. If you wanted it, you could pretty much get it (it used to be that if you wanted something not on the list, they'd add it and keep it on the list, that's how they ended up with over 500 models of pickup trucks).

Anyways, the travelall (think suburban) came with one tank, and you could order an aux tank. And then if you really wanted you could order another aux tank. And another aux tank. And another aux tank.

This gave you one tank between the frame rails in the back that filled from the back (I hear they actually filled from the cargo area), one saddle tank in the rear driver's side. One saddle tank on the front driver's side. One saddle tank on the front passenger side, and one saddle tank on the rear passenger side. This gave you over 100 gallons of fuel capacity... and a whole lot of gas outside your frame rails.

I think I'd want to have a diesel engine if I was going to carry that much fuel (a lot less tendency to go boom). In fact, I'd like to find a rig with that set up, drop a 7.3L diesel in (pretty much a bolt in), and put some reinforcing plates around the gas tanks. Being able to drive across the country on one fill up would be cool!

Just a little fyi for those of you who might contemplate caring.

cheyguy · 06-04-2003, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baradium

This gave you one tank between the frame rails in the back that filled from the back (I hear they actually filled from the cargo area), one saddle tank in the rear driver's side. One saddle tank on the front driver's side. One saddle tank on the front passenger side, and one saddle tank on the rear passenger side. This gave you over 100 gallons of fuel capacity...

I'd like to see that tank selector switch!

VTKidder · 06-04-2003, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baradium
This gave you over 100 gallons of fuel capacity... and a whole lot of gas outside your frame rails.

HOLY CRAP!!!

67chevemall · 06-04-2003, 01:06 PM

1 pit stop all the way to Cali!
Cool cool

:p

Baradium · 06-04-2003, 01:38 PM

I missed by about a day an IH diesel traveler. Had two aux tanks for 50 gallons fuel capacity. The TD gives at least 20mpg with 30mpg obtained by many. It was in GA so I had to wait until I could make it down there again before I could look at it, watched the ad and talked to the seller for about a month and someone came down and bought it the day before I was scheduled to look at it.

That fuel range would have been very nice, not to mention the fuel milage.

I've figured out that if I bought a Diesel scout I'd save enough on gas alone to more than cover the insurance and registration, so within a few years it would pay for itself.

05-28-2003, 07:40 PM	#1
frost89434 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: sparks, NV Posts: 1,141	what not to do with fuel cell Well If you have a fuel cell in your truck and don't have a bed on it . Take my advise and don't let it sit in direct sunlight. I did this with mine and when I came back out it was warped really bad. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. JIM __________________ 68 short fleet with 71 front clip 2wd jaguar blue 99 chevy ext cab shrtbed z71 loaded 99 chevy swb fleetside(daily driver) Sparks, Nevada

05-28-2003, 08:24 PM	#3
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,603	I also had the same thing happen when I had a fuel cell located in the bed. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

05-28-2003, 08:50 PM	#4
progress Gotta luv a clean shave Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 226	Most of those are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene). This material loses about 50% of its strength once the temperature reaches 150 degrees F. Black HDPE in direct sunlight will reach this temp quickly and then it will sag if empty or there is a slight vac on it from an unvented cap. You can get it back into shape by applying a very light pressure to the tank (3 - 5 psi) and using a heat gun on the areas you want to reshape. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH GAS FUMES AND HEAT!!!!!!! __________________ Welding while you wait...you can help if you like and it...might even save you a little as long as you don't mess things up! We make house calls too...just like the old days!

05-28-2003, 11:14 PM	#5
frost89434 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: sparks, NV Posts: 1,141	(progress) thanks for the info. I'll give it a try. __________________ 68 short fleet with 71 front clip 2wd jaguar blue 99 chevy ext cab shrtbed z71 loaded 99 chevy swb fleetside(daily driver) Sparks, Nevada

06-03-2003, 10:04 AM	#11
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	Polyethylene is cheap to manufacture. I wouldn't use the heat gun trick myself. Call me chicken. I would leave it in the sun, then add pressure until it was straight, then cool it off quick with cold water. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO

05-28-2003, 08:14 PM	#2
chevykid1969 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Knightdale,North Carolina Posts: 377	hey man sorry to here about that. can it still be used. I have had mine in for about two weeks and no problems....yet. Thanks for the heads up.

06-02-2003, 10:17 PM	#7
440 charger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: oakdale,ca Posts: 234	will i have to worry about the fuel cell under the bed?where i live it gets to about 102 on the hot days!this is my daily driver!

06-03-2003, 09:17 AM	#9
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	I have mine in the Bed also It likes to change shapes alright Always seems to go back to shape though! Need to cover it with a bed cover!!

06-03-2003, 09:58 AM	#10
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	I take it most everyone uses the polyethelene cells when relocating? Any reasoning behind going with them versus Aluminum? Just curious. Woud like to do the same thing eventually ($$!) and just wondering what the advantages are. Thanks.

06-03-2003, 07:36 PM	#12
cruzn72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 99	VT I used the RCI tank from Summit and love it. It is aluminum. I agree with 71GMC_3/4T the price is the main issue. __________________ http://photos.yahoo.com/cruzn72@pacbell.net

06-03-2003, 09:06 PM	#13
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	this post is really making me think about getting an aluminum tank..... __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

06-03-2003, 10:44 PM	#14
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,125	NO SAG HERE! These don't go anywhere...put them up under the frame and keep the bed clean...no straps either! Attached Images __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

06-04-2003, 07:00 AM	#15
VTKidder Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 996	A swap will happen eventually I'm sure. Got other priorities though. I like the ideal of aluminum for some reason. I really can't come up with a reason why, but it just seems like it would be easier to have something that will not expand and contract like plastic. This past year, we had a solid 5 days where it never got above -25F, and another solid week of 100F...a real big change in temps for the year. Who knows...the only reason I want the fuel cell in the rear is safety. God forbid I get T-boned well, the last thing I want is that tank behind me touching off, or breaking open. Being a safety issue, I have no problem forking out the extra cash. There's definitely gotta be a lot of benefits to the plastic though because a LOT of people use them. Thanks for the .02 guys....

06-04-2003, 10:49 AM	#16
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	I have a Polyethylene tank, mabe I will have to look into an aluminum tank. Frank price check please for the tank __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

06-04-2003, 11:30 AM	#17
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	I'd like to get an aux tank and keep the original, put a selector switch in... would be really nice for those long trips.... Speaking of tanks.... International had this thing about options. If you wanted it, you could pretty much get it (it used to be that if you wanted something not on the list, they'd add it and keep it on the list, that's how they ended up with over 500 models of pickup trucks). Anyways, the travelall (think suburban) came with one tank, and you could order an aux tank. And then if you really wanted you could order another aux tank. And another aux tank. And another aux tank. This gave you one tank between the frame rails in the back that filled from the back (I hear they actually filled from the cargo area), one saddle tank in the rear driver's side. One saddle tank on the front driver's side. One saddle tank on the front passenger side, and one saddle tank on the rear passenger side. This gave you over 100 gallons of fuel capacity... and a whole lot of gas outside your frame rails. I think I'd want to have a diesel engine if I was going to carry that much fuel (a lot less tendency to go boom). In fact, I'd like to find a rig with that set up, drop a 7.3L diesel in (pretty much a bolt in), and put some reinforcing plates around the gas tanks. Being able to drive across the country on one fill up would be cool! Just a little fyi for those of you who might contemplate caring.



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06-04-2003, 01:06 PM	#20
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	1 pit stop all the way to Cali! Cool cool :p

06-04-2003, 01:38 PM	#21
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	I missed by about a day an IH diesel traveler. Had two aux tanks for 50 gallons fuel capacity. The TD gives at least 20mpg with 30mpg obtained by many. It was in GA so I had to wait until I could make it down there again before I could look at it, watched the ad and talked to the seller for about a month and someone came down and bought it the day before I was scheduled to look at it. That fuel range would have been very nice, not to mention the fuel milage. I've figured out that if I bought a Diesel scout I'd save enough on gas alone to more than cover the insurance and registration, so within a few years it would pay for itself.

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