adding second fuel tank? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

79Silv4x4 · 12-10-2002, 05:16 PM

My '79 came with seemingly every option but dual tanks and the single just isn't enough range these days. I'm not really interested in the Blazer tank conversion or an in bed tank (toolbox already takes up a large chunk of my space). Ideally I would like to add a factory tank to the drivers side and put in the factory dash switch and everything else. Anyone ever do this? Am I looking at a major PITA to do this or what. Any suggestions?

J-Spec C10 · 12-10-2002, 08:39 PM

my 82 gas tank is on the drivers side. I would think that if you got hangers and straps, as well as a fuel door, you'd be half way there. You'd still need the switching assembly too.

Prerunner1982 · 12-10-2002, 10:07 PM

OR as i found out today, you dont need the filler neck.. or the switch.... a buddy of mine converted his dual tank, dual fillers to a single filler.. he cut holes in the bottom of both tanks, used aircraft wing sealer.. (could also be welded) and ran a tube (steel braided) from one tank to the other.. gas freely goes from one tank to another.. he only uses one gauge, though he does use both pumps, if the fuel is free to flow from tank to tank. he shouldnt have too.

J-Spec C10 · 12-10-2002, 10:27 PM

My 2 Cents:

Dude! thats scary as hell! I bet it works great, but the bottom of the tank is lower than the body already. What if the truck gets lowered, a manholecover or rock could rupture that pipe and end up spraying fuel all over the exhaust. Also, frames do twist a bit under heavy acceleration, could pull apart.

Prerunner1982 · 12-10-2002, 10:35 PM

he has enough slack to allow for twisting. and he is also making a skid plate to cover hose.. he plans on bagging the truck... i also made another post about this. with more info...

79BIG10 · 12-12-2002, 02:59 AM

It would be easy from a wiring stan point. Just need wiring for sending unit on tank, float level, and tank switcher valve. I have a schematic of what youwould need if you go ahead with it. Let me know.

79Silv4x4 · 12-12-2002, 05:30 AM

That would be great Brandon, I talked to my local salvage yard today and he told me that I could have whatever I needed to do the swap as long as I pulled it off. I'm gonna get the tank and all of the other stuff this weekend and hopefully I can start on it next weekend!

79BIG10 · 12-12-2002, 05:52 AM

Here ya go. This is for a 1 wire valve under the truck's bed in the frame rail. I don't have a 6 wire scematic. Does anyone else have that one?

79BIG10 · 12-12-2002, 05:54 AM

Email me and I'll send you the larger version.

12-10-2002, 05:16 PM	#1
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	adding second fuel tank? My '79 came with seemingly every option but dual tanks and the single just isn't enough range these days. I'm not really interested in the Blazer tank conversion or an in bed tank (toolbox already takes up a large chunk of my space). Ideally I would like to add a factory tank to the drivers side and put in the factory dash switch and everything else. Anyone ever do this? Am I looking at a major PITA to do this or what. Any suggestions? __________________ 1979 K-10 Silverado (work in progress) 1991 V1500 Subruban 1999 Suburban LT 4x4 2006 Suburban LTZ (daily driver)

12-10-2002, 08:39 PM	#2
J-Spec C10 Whats this wire for?.... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 378	my 82 gas tank is on the drivers side. I would think that if you got hangers and straps, as well as a fuel door, you'd be half way there. You'd still need the switching assembly too. __________________ Kyle CANADIAN CONNECTION '82 C10 Resto-Custom--> * 2 1/4" manifold back dual exhaust with Hooker Aerochambers & High Flow Cats Taylor Ignition Wires Centerline 15" Telstars with 32"x10" mudders

12-10-2002, 10:07 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	OR OR as i found out today, you dont need the filler neck.. or the switch.... a buddy of mine converted his dual tank, dual fillers to a single filler.. he cut holes in the bottom of both tanks, used aircraft wing sealer.. (could also be welded) and ran a tube (steel braided) from one tank to the other.. gas freely goes from one tank to another.. he only uses one gauge, though he does use both pumps, if the fuel is free to flow from tank to tank. he shouldnt have too. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-10-2002, 10:27 PM	#4
J-Spec C10 Whats this wire for?.... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 378	My 2 Cents: Dude! thats scary as hell! I bet it works great, but the bottom of the tank is lower than the body already. What if the truck gets lowered, a manholecover or rock could rupture that pipe and end up spraying fuel all over the exhaust. Also, frames do twist a bit under heavy acceleration, could pull apart. __________________ Kyle CANADIAN CONNECTION '82 C10 Resto-Custom--> * 2 1/4" manifold back dual exhaust with Hooker Aerochambers & High Flow Cats Taylor Ignition Wires Centerline 15" Telstars with 32"x10" mudders

12-12-2002, 02:59 AM	#6
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	It would be easy from a wiring stan point. Just need wiring for sending unit on tank, float level, and tank switcher valve. I have a schematic of what youwould need if you go ahead with it. Let me know. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

12-10-2002, 10:35 PM	#5
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	he has enough slack to allow for twisting. and he is also making a skid plate to cover hose.. he plans on bagging the truck... i also made another post about this. with more info...

12-12-2002, 05:30 AM	#7
79Silv4x4 Workaholic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 1,589	That would be great Brandon, I talked to my local salvage yard today and he told me that I could have whatever I needed to do the swap as long as I pulled it off. I'm gonna get the tank and all of the other stuff this weekend and hopefully I can start on it next weekend! __________________ 1979 K-10 Silverado (work in progress) 1991 V1500 Subruban 1999 Suburban LT 4x4 2006 Suburban LTZ (daily driver)

12-12-2002, 05:52 AM	#8
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	Here ya go. This is for a 1 wire valve under the truck's bed in the frame rail. I don't have a 6 wire scematic. Does anyone else have that one? __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

12-12-2002, 05:54 AM	#9
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,775	Email me and I'll send you the larger version. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson



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