Saddle Tank Removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MStokes · 09-04-2002, 04:57 PM

I'm trying to remove a saddle tank on a 72 Custom Camper. The tank is located on the driver's side of the bed and appears to have 3 connections that bolt it to the underside of the bed. The 3 square openings in the bolts are a good fit with a 3/8" square drive. I tried turning one of them, but only started to deform the opening. I'm not sure if these are rusted tight or if I am going about this the correct way.

Dandeluxe · 09-04-2002, 05:11 PM

try heating it up with a propane torch and use map gas and get it real hot . than try turning it with your 3/8 square drivre.

MStokes · 09-04-2002, 05:17 PM

By your reply, I am assuming that it is a threaded connection. Is there a way to get some penetrating oil on the rusted threads or the area that may be binding? I am not familiar with map gas. I have a small oxygen/acetelyne outfit that I can use to heat with, but I have always heard that heating or welding on gas tanks can be pretty dangerous.

HotRod929 · 09-04-2002, 05:22 PM

Yea heating a gas tank with a torch seems kinda risky if you ask me.

If you arnt to worried about the tank bolts I would grind the tops off them in the bed. Should make the tank fall right out.

HotRod

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 09-04-2002, 05:44 PM

Those 2 round parts with the 3/8 square in them IS the nut. They thread onto a long bolt. If they wont turn you may have to gring them off, or the top side in the bed. Please dont use a torch, I'd hate to see anybody go that way.

Good luck

Patrick Sullivan · 09-04-2002, 07:04 PM

I recently dropped out both of my old saddle tanks. They hadn't been used for quite a while, but we filled them with water to be safe - and then torched the top of the bolts at the bed. Dropped out quite nicely.

cheyenne10 · 09-04-2002, 07:39 PM

My findings are the same as 1970 cst... They are large nuts and I also have rounded out the square drive area and had to grind off tops. Does anyone know where we can buy new nuts of this style? I had mine replaced with bolt stock with washers and nuts but bolts hang down and possibly hangup on things where these in photo above would ride over obstructions. (these were also in the large 40 gal tank in suburban - dealer or aftermarket option)

busterwivell · 09-04-2002, 11:15 PM

DON'T TORCH THE BOLTS! Grind the heads off in the bed, and you'll still be able to ask questions later on this board! That's how I did mine. Don't blow yourself up! You're too valuable!

slam33 · 09-05-2002, 12:34 AM

Gas tank + torch = BOOOOM. At least thats the way it was in the old days

MStokes · 09-05-2002, 09:42 AM

Last night I was able to grind the heads off in the bed. After doing that it dropped out without any problem. The bolts and nuts were so rusted I don't think penetrating oil would have helped. I'll attach a photo of the bolt so that everyone can see what it looks like.

The tank has a leak in it and I would like to get it fixed. Will a radiator shop be able to fix the leak or should I try some of the sealant that is supposed to fix leaks?

Kas68c10 · 09-05-2002, 10:18 AM

Place called Gas Tank Renu will weld it, coat it and guarantee it for life. Kinda pricey though.I did my relocation before I knew about the kits. I could have bought a new poly tank for less.

Stout72 · 09-05-2002, 10:37 AM

This is an interesting thread. I have been contemplating reinstalling the saddle tanks in mine (they were there, but a previous owner removed them) and get rid of the bomb behind the back seat. Been nosing around the junk yard for a suitable pair. Was wondering how the darn things were mounted. These bolts go thru the tank, eh?

On the ones I've seen, the bottoms of the tanks hang down below the bed a couple of inches. I was thinking of getting a steel pair and having their depth reduced so you can't see them from the side. What's the capacity of these tanks, anyway?

MStokes, how bad is your leak? If it's just pinholes, try "Kreme." I coated the inside of the gas tank on my bike and it worked great for plugging up pinholes (as the mfg says) and the result is a rust-proof coating.

Kas, where are those poly tanks available?

mtdave2 · 09-05-2002, 10:43 AM

i just ground the heads of the bolts off in the bed. once it was out and cleaned, i put some threads on the end of the blots and got a few couplers. used the orginal washers in the bed with some carrage blots and put it back it. worked great.

MStokes · 09-05-2002, 11:15 AM

Here is a photo of the tank installed on the truck. You can see a couple of inches of it but it is painted the same color as the truck so it doesn't look too bad.

MStokes · 09-05-2002, 11:16 AM

Here is a photo of the tank after I dropped it out.

Dandeluxe · 09-05-2002, 05:10 PM

i would think a grinder would set it on fire also they say never create a spark on a gas tank . i was assuming it was empty with water in it or sand . sorry for not asking.

Stout72 · 09-05-2002, 05:14 PM

You're right M, that doesn't look too bad. I guess the rusty ones at the junk yard just gave me a bad impression.

Anyway, I'm checking out new "midship tanks" mfg'd by TFI. This is mentioned in another thread (Where to buy new saddle tanks??) around this same time frame by tom hand (thanks for the tip, tom!). These tanks mount inside the frame rails. I'm checking into whether they mfg them for our trucks.

09-04-2002, 04:57 PM	#1
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	Saddle Tank Removal I'm trying to remove a saddle tank on a 72 Custom Camper. The tank is located on the driver's side of the bed and appears to have 3 connections that bolt it to the underside of the bed. The 3 square openings in the bolts are a good fit with a 3/8" square drive. I tried turning one of them, but only started to deform the opening. I'm not sure if these are rusted tight or if I am going about this the correct way. Attached Images

09-04-2002, 05:11 PM	#2
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	gas tank ? try heating it up with a propane torch and use map gas and get it real hot . than try turning it with your 3/8 square drivre. __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it

09-04-2002, 05:22 PM	#4
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	Yea heating a gas tank with a torch seems kinda risky if you ask me. If you arnt to worried about the tank bolts I would grind the tops off them in the bed. Should make the tank fall right out. HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

09-04-2002, 05:44 PM	#5
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,193	Those 2 round parts with the 3/8 square in them IS the nut. They thread onto a long bolt. If they wont turn you may have to gring them off, or the top side in the bed. Please dont use a torch, I'd hate to see anybody go that way. Good luck __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

09-04-2002, 07:04 PM	#6
Patrick Sullivan Transcendental Trucker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 374	I recently dropped out both of my old saddle tanks. They hadn't been used for quite a while, but we filled them with water to be safe - and then torched the top of the bolts at the bed. Dropped out quite nicely. __________________ Patrick Sullivan \| sullivan@oregoncoast.com Rockaway Beach, Oregon 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-20 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 So, fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls... Then gently rise and softly call Goodnight and joy be to you all!

09-04-2002, 05:17 PM	#3
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	By your reply, I am assuming that it is a threaded connection. Is there a way to get some penetrating oil on the rusted threads or the area that may be binding? I am not familiar with map gas. I have a small oxygen/acetelyne outfit that I can use to heat with, but I have always heard that heating or welding on gas tanks can be pretty dangerous.

09-04-2002, 07:39 PM	#7
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	large nuts My findings are the same as 1970 cst... They are large nuts and I also have rounded out the square drive area and had to grind off tops. Does anyone know where we can buy new nuts of this style? I had mine replaced with bolt stock with washers and nuts but bolts hang down and possibly hangup on things where these in photo above would ride over obstructions. (these were also in the large 40 gal tank in suburban - dealer or aftermarket option) __________________ Bob

09-04-2002, 11:15 PM	#8
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	DON'T TORCH THE BOLTS! Grind the heads off in the bed, and you'll still be able to ask questions later on this board! That's how I did mine. Don't blow yourself up! You're too valuable! __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

09-05-2002, 12:34 AM	#9
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	Gas tank + torch = BOOOOM. At least thats the way it was in the old days __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

09-05-2002, 09:42 AM	#10
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	Last night I was able to grind the heads off in the bed. After doing that it dropped out without any problem. The bolts and nuts were so rusted I don't think penetrating oil would have helped. I'll attach a photo of the bolt so that everyone can see what it looks like. The tank has a leak in it and I would like to get it fixed. Will a radiator shop be able to fix the leak or should I try some of the sealant that is supposed to fix leaks? Attached Images

09-05-2002, 10:18 AM	#11
Kas68c10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Freeland,Michigan,USA Posts: 312	Place called Gas Tank Renu will weld it, coat it and guarantee it for life. Kinda pricey though.I did my relocation before I knew about the kits. I could have bought a new poly tank for less. __________________ 1968 SWB Stepside, 250,pwr disc brake and tilt pwr steering, 5 spd tranny, HEI,Accel coil,K&N filter,Seat from a later truck with built in seatbelts, front and rear sway bars, moved gas tank to under the bed, headman hedders, new chrome bumpers,one wire alternator,Weber k550cub carburator...WORK IN PROGRESS, Freeland MI , Just bought a 72 Jimmy!!!!!!!!!!!

09-05-2002, 10:37 AM	#12
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	This is an interesting thread. I have been contemplating reinstalling the saddle tanks in mine (they were there, but a previous owner removed them) and get rid of the bomb behind the back seat. Been nosing around the junk yard for a suitable pair. Was wondering how the darn things were mounted. These bolts go thru the tank, eh? On the ones I've seen, the bottoms of the tanks hang down below the bed a couple of inches. I was thinking of getting a steel pair and having their depth reduced so you can't see them from the side. What's the capacity of these tanks, anyway? MStokes, how bad is your leak? If it's just pinholes, try "Kreme." I coated the inside of the gas tank on my bike and it worked great for plugging up pinholes (as the mfg says) and the result is a rust-proof coating. Kas, where are those poly tanks available? __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

09-05-2002, 10:43 AM	#13
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	i just ground the heads of the bolts off in the bed. once it was out and cleaned, i put some threads on the end of the blots and got a few couplers. used the orginal washers in the bed with some carrage blots and put it back it. worked great. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

09-05-2002, 11:15 AM	#14
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	Here is a photo of the tank installed on the truck. You can see a couple of inches of it but it is painted the same color as the truck so it doesn't look too bad. Attached Images

09-05-2002, 11:16 AM	#15
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	Here is a photo of the tank after I dropped it out. Attached Images



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09-05-2002, 05:10 PM	#16
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	gas tank bolts i would think a grinder would set it on fire also they say never create a spark on a gas tank . i was assuming it was empty with water in it or sand . sorry for not asking. __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it

09-05-2002, 05:14 PM	#17
Stout72 Not my good side. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fairfield, California Posts: 222	You're right M, that doesn't look too bad. I guess the rusty ones at the junk yard just gave me a bad impression. Anyway, I'm checking out new "midship tanks" mfg'd by TFI. This is mentioned in another thread (Where to buy new saddle tanks??) around this same time frame by tom hand (thanks for the tip, tom!). These tanks mount inside the frame rails. I'm checking into whether they mfg them for our trucks. __________________ 72 Chevy K20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4" lift, dual shock suspension front & rear. Daily driver and a work in progress. 00 Suburban LT 90 Camaro RS 79 Yamaha XS1100 Special (Ol' Reliable)

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