replacement fuel tank - steel or poly - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chrislehr · 03-07-2008, 09:56 PM

Which and why?

**Palf70Step** · 03-07-2008, 10:33 PM

Steek, I have seen too many folks have problems with warpage from our southern heat

Longhorn321 · 03-07-2008, 10:46 PM

Didn't know you could get a poly tank! Where do you get one? Since I didn't know that you could get a poly tank, I can't really comment on the warpage thing that Palf70Step mentioned but I'm curious about what the warpage would do. Does it damage the fuel sender when it warps? I woulda said poly cuz then you don't have the rust problem that I'm having now.

jayharrell · 03-07-2008, 11:05 PM

I'm going with steel. I figure is its behind the rear wheels and i hit something in the road or blow a tire on the rear, hopefully my motor will wear some rear tires when i'm done, the steel might take a better beating.

The salvage yard out past the air port next door to the 71 Salvage on 71 has 4 or 5 steel blazer/suburban tanks. $100 for tank and sending unit. I'm picking one up this weekend my self. You might look into it. I'm going to look around somemore today and tomorow to see if i can get one cheaper, but thats not bad from what i've seen.

chrislehr · 03-08-2008, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn321

Didn't know you could get a poly tank! Where do you get one? Since I didn't know that you could get a poly tank, I can't really comment on the warpage thing that Palf70Step mentioned but I'm curious about what the warpage would do. Does it damage the fuel sender when it warps? I woulda said poly cuz then you don't have the rust problem that I'm having now.

www.gmcpauls.com

21 gallon steel for 241
21 gallon poly for 220

Chevyholic · 03-08-2008, 03:11 AM

I say steel. Depending on the mfg process of the poly there is a chance that all of the additives in the new gas can eat away at the inner lining and cause you fuel pump issues. I had a poly tank a few years back and I went through 5 fuel pumps before finally just replacing the poly tank and no more fuel pump issues. The lining was coming up and clogging the fuel pump until it stopped working. Serious PITA.

It goes without saying that I'm sure there are many people out there that have been running them for years without issue, but I'll never go back.

68shortstep · 03-08-2008, 03:44 AM

Steel (blazer diesel tank).

Mine's not installed yet - in my shed on the shelf right now. No time, no money, & just a lazy, fat, gray-haired old f*rt.

I bought one of the NOS army surplus diesel tanks that the thread discussed on here roughly a year ago, before they sold out at the surplus store.

Bet they wondered what the heck happened. Had dozens of them laying around & surface-rusting for years, and then WOOPS --- completely sold out in a couple weeks.

67ChevyRedneck · 03-08-2008, 03:54 AM

Steel!!! I coated mine with some wally world truck bed coating crap. No rust at all 2 years later.

jrdv · 03-08-2008, 05:57 AM

I say steel--only because I just bought the kit from LMC!

chrislehr · 03-08-2008, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrdv

I say steel--only because I just bought the kit from LMC!

I was gonna avoid them this time around - any fitment issues on it?

crews · 03-08-2008, 06:05 AM

I vote steel.

I had put a poly tank in my 72 crew cab and I wasn't very pleased with the fit nor did I like how easily it was distorted.

Ace in the hole · 03-08-2008, 06:08 AM

Steel for me too, I even have a nice spare one from an old parts truck I bought.

jrdv · 03-08-2008, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrislehr

I was gonna avoid them this time around - any fitment issues on it?

I just recieved it today and I probably won't put it on for a couple of months.

john

sdkid · 03-08-2008, 06:51 AM

I chose and voted poly. I didn't want the rust issues.

MN Rooky · 03-08-2008, 07:23 AM

I went with the Steel. I just like the idea of steel. Brothers had a pretty good installation climp.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 03-08-2008, 07:45 AM

Polly or steel, it is up to you. However the poly tank is a lot tougher than the steel tank. Polyethylene tanks are produced from extreemly tough cross linked polyethylene. Polyethylene by itself is impervious to everything but fire. Even battery acid doesn't penetrate it and Cross linked Polyethylene is extreemly impact resistant!! MTS (The poly tank manufacturer) makes the tanks to twice as thick as DOT requires them to be, so believe me when I say it can take a big impact without rupturing. The hottest heat of the Desert South can not warp it. (Unless it hit more than 400 degrees or hotter!!) Anyone who has warped a tank, either didn't have it vented correctly and it only warped temperately while under suction pressure, or parked it over a fire. Most of your new cars all have poly tanks now and they are holding up just fine. Actually they hold up better than steel, because they do not rust!! They do not have a protective liner inside because they do not need one. Unlike steel to keep it from rusting.. Do what you want, but my vote gets poly!! (And I do sell both) WES

Longhorn321 · 03-08-2008, 09:38 AM

[QUOTE=Classic Heartbeat;2615176] Most of your new cars all have poly tanks now and they are holding up just fine.

Gotta throw in here that I agree with Classic Heartbeat that the poly tanks that I have seen (later model cars) have been tuff stuff. Never seen one for our trucks tho so I can't really comment on those in particular.

Frizzle Fry · 03-08-2008, 09:50 AM

I have an MTS poly tank. No problems.

jay6891 · 03-08-2008, 04:56 PM

Poly...I have had mine in my truck for about 8 years and no problems. I live in Arkansas so yea it get plenty hot. I agree with Wes, I feel the problems with warpage was more of a vent problem than a heat problem. I just wish the fuel neck was a bit larger than 1 1/4".

Big J · 03-08-2008, 05:34 PM

Haven't got it installed yet but I went Poly. Its all about the rust. I was a bit worried about a puncture issue but after reading Wes's post its all good.

71tahoe · 03-08-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrislehr

I was gonna avoid them this time around - any fitment issues on it?

Fitment issues...

You'll find a few install threads with different solutions to LMC tank installs. The biggest fitment issue for me was that the cross brace on a pickup bed needs to be trimmed about 1". The bolts aren't long enough for the straps or the straps aren't long enough for the bolts so get ready to be creative there.

This was my solution with 1 1/2" spacers and remove tabs and drill out holes on the driver's side. Some will recommend skipping the spacers because it may cause the metal flange to fatigue from flexing. If it's tight against the frame, I don't think it can move enough for that though.
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Pic doesn't show but also added nuts to lock the 7/16" bolts on the driver's side.
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You may also have to drill another hole for one hanger.
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67ChevyRedneck · 03-08-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

Fitment issues...
The bolts aren't long enough for the straps or the straps aren't long enough for the bolts so get ready to be creative there.

I had the same problem!!! So I turned mine the other way

**Classic Heartbeat** · 03-09-2008, 12:57 AM

Spacers are not necessary. GM didn't install them on the Blazers or Suburbans. The problem with spacers is they trap water and will eventualy rust the bolt out. WES

71tahoe · 03-09-2008, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

Spacers are not necessary. GM didn't install them on the Blazers or Suburbans. The problem with spacers is they trap water and will eventualy rust the bolt out. WES

Thanks, I may have to drill weep holes

but I really don't want to wrestle that thing again for a while.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 03-09-2008, 01:35 AM

I don't blame you.... I wouldn't either. WES

03-07-2008, 09:56 PM	#1
chrislehr Engine n00b Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin Posts: 1,031	replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Which and why?

03-07-2008, 10:33 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Steek, I have seen too many folks have problems with warpage from our southern heat __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-07-2008, 10:46 PM	#3
Longhorn321 Size Matters Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lyman, SC Posts: 9,189	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Didn't know you could get a poly tank! Where do you get one? Since I didn't know that you could get a poly tank, I can't really comment on the warpage thing that Palf70Step mentioned but I'm curious about what the warpage would do. Does it damage the fuel sender when it warps? I woulda said poly cuz then you don't have the rust problem that I'm having now. __________________ "Reading the owners manual is only for quitters." Jason Harper, Bloomberg News. ...WOOOO HOOOO!!!!

03-07-2008, 11:05 PM	#4
jayharrell Gettin By on Gettin By Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, Tx Posts: 1,033	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I'm going with steel. I figure is its behind the rear wheels and i hit something in the road or blow a tire on the rear, hopefully my motor will wear some rear tires when i'm done, the steel might take a better beating. The salvage yard out past the air port next door to the 71 Salvage on 71 has 4 or 5 steel blazer/suburban tanks. $100 for tank and sending unit. I'm picking one up this weekend my self. You might look into it. I'm going to look around somemore today and tomorow to see if i can get one cheaper, but thats not bad from what i've seen.

03-08-2008, 03:11 AM	#6
Chevyholic Will it run today? Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 272	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I say steel. Depending on the mfg process of the poly there is a chance that all of the additives in the new gas can eat away at the inner lining and cause you fuel pump issues. I had a poly tank a few years back and I went through 5 fuel pumps before finally just replacing the poly tank and no more fuel pump issues. The lining was coming up and clogging the fuel pump until it stopped working. Serious PITA. It goes without saying that I'm sure there are many people out there that have been running them for years without issue, but I'll never go back. __________________ Jaws, the 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Longbed. She's big, grey, and has an insatiable appetite!

View Poll Results: Which kind of fuel tank
Steel	35	52.24%
Poly	32	47.76%
Voters: 67. You may not vote on this poll

03-08-2008, 03:44 AM	#7
68shortstep Looks good at 20-ft ..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mtn Home, AR Posts: 707	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Steel (blazer diesel tank). Mine's not installed yet - in my shed on the shelf right now. No time, no money, & just a lazy, fat, gray-haired old f*rt. I bought one of the NOS army surplus diesel tanks that the thread discussed on here roughly a year ago, before they sold out at the surplus store. Bet they wondered what the heck happened. Had dozens of them laying around & surface-rusting for years, and then WOOPS --- completely sold out in a couple weeks.

03-08-2008, 03:54 AM	#8
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Steel!!! I coated mine with some wally world truck bed coating crap. No rust at all 2 years later. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

03-08-2008, 05:57 AM	#9
jrdv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: new mexico Posts: 948	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I say steel--only because I just bought the kit from LMC! __________________ 1972 3/4T 4x4 Chevrolet (383) 1971 c-10 SWB (400 sb) 1972 4x4 Blazer 1969 SWB 4x4 GMC Projects: 1972 stepside 4x4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280132 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=285952 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553672 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522704

03-08-2008, 06:05 AM	#11
crews It just doesn't matter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Huntington Beach, Ca Posts: 1,660	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I vote steel. I had put a poly tank in my 72 crew cab and I wasn't very pleased with the fit nor did I like how easily it was distorted. __________________ 05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!!

03-08-2008, 06:08 AM	#12
Ace in the hole Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Posts: 538	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Steel for me too, I even have a nice spare one from an old parts truck I bought. __________________ 1970 K20, 350--- SOLD 05 silverado extended cab short box- duramax Jeep wrangler unlimited

03-08-2008, 06:51 AM	#14
sdkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pierre SD Posts: 1,533	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I chose and voted poly. I didn't want the rust issues. __________________ I think the world needs a drink... Help somebody...If you can....VanZant We're not wrong, we're not sorry, and its probably gonna happen again. That's the truth about men. Tracy Byrd Member# 13924 '70 c10, 350/350 '68 c10 250/4spd '68 c10 no eng/trans fac ps/pb/ac/at (future father/sons project) '48 Chevy Loadmaster

03-08-2008, 07:23 AM	#15
MN Rooky 1971 4X4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Winona, MN Posts: 112	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I went with the Steel. I just like the idea of steel. Brothers had a pretty good installation climp. __________________ MN ROOKY 1971 Chevy 3/4 4X4, 4" lift, 33's 2001 Chevy 3/4 4X4 HD, 33's (Wife's Truck)

03-08-2008, 07:45 AM	#16
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Polly or steel, it is up to you. However the poly tank is a lot tougher than the steel tank. Polyethylene tanks are produced from extreemly tough cross linked polyethylene. Polyethylene by itself is impervious to everything but fire. Even battery acid doesn't penetrate it and Cross linked Polyethylene is extreemly impact resistant!! MTS (The poly tank manufacturer) makes the tanks to twice as thick as DOT requires them to be, so believe me when I say it can take a big impact without rupturing. The hottest heat of the Desert South can not warp it. (Unless it hit more than 400 degrees or hotter!!) Anyone who has warped a tank, either didn't have it vented correctly and it only warped temperately while under suction pressure, or parked it over a fire. Most of your new cars all have poly tanks now and they are holding up just fine. Actually they hold up better than steel, because they do not rust!! They do not have a protective liner inside because they do not need one. Unlike steel to keep it from rusting.. Do what you want, but my vote gets poly!! (And I do sell both) WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

03-08-2008, 09:38 AM	#17
Longhorn321 Size Matters Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lyman, SC Posts: 9,189	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly [QUOTE=Classic Heartbeat;2615176] Most of your new cars all have poly tanks now and they are holding up just fine. Gotta throw in here that I agree with Classic Heartbeat that the poly tanks that I have seen (later model cars) have been tuff stuff. Never seen one for our trucks tho so I can't really comment on those in particular. __________________ "Reading the owners manual is only for quitters." Jason Harper, Bloomberg News. ...WOOOO HOOOO!!!!



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03-08-2008, 09:50 AM	#18
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I have an MTS poly tank. No problems.

03-08-2008, 04:56 PM	#19
jay6891 Car Knocker Join Date: May 2001 Location: jefferson,arkansas Posts: 664	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Poly...I have had mine in my truck for about 8 years and no problems. I live in Arkansas so yea it get plenty hot. I agree with Wes, I feel the problems with warpage was more of a vent problem than a heat problem. I just wish the fuel neck was a bit larger than 1 1/4". __________________ 68 c-10,91 sportside bed,350 .030 over,4 bolt,10-1 comp,2.05 intake/1.94 exhaust,1.6 Harland Sharp roller rockers,edelbrock rpm cam and intake w/750 carb, 700r4, 3.73 gears,Jacabbs Electronic Igntion w/Accel HEI distributer and super coil. ZR-1 roll pan, filled tailights. Blazer tank. Hidden hitch. 2 1/2" Flowmaster 40's. Parts bought but not installed>> ford 9" posi with disc. CCP front and rear lowering kit 4/5. Cab corners,foor boards,rockers, cab braces, Phatom grill, Painless wiring kit.

03-08-2008, 05:34 PM	#20
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,772	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Haven't got it installed yet but I went Poly. Its all about the rust. I was a bit worried about a puncture issue but after reading Wes's post its all good. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

03-09-2008, 12:57 AM	#23
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly Spacers are not necessary. GM didn't install them on the Blazers or Suburbans. The problem with spacers is they trap water and will eventualy rust the bolt out. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

03-09-2008, 01:35 AM	#25
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	Re: replacement fuel tank - steel or poly I don't blame you.... I wouldn't either. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

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