Gas Tank Install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

big dump · 01-20-2007, 12:03 PM

I know this has been addressed before but I'm hoping for some definative info on how to bolt up the OEM style repop gas tanks. I'm working on my 72 K5 and cannot get this tank figured out. Should the bolts go through the straps and the flange on the tank? Should the flange on the tank be secured to the frame or hanging in the straps? BTW did I say that the repop gas tanks and straps for these things are terrible? Thanks for the help and pics would be very helpful.

red71cheyenne · 01-20-2007, 12:58 PM

No, the straps are bolted to the frame rails. The flange on the tank itself is just butted up against the frame. Put some anti-squeak rubber stuff inbetween the flange and the frame too. The straps go under the tank and bolt to one side or the other, thats really up to you. On mine, the s-hooks go into the passenger side and the bolts are on the drivers side. Good luck, Jeff.

big dump · 01-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Is that the OE setup? It just surprises me because the tank flange is touching the bolts on the drivers side. Do you have any pictures? Thanks again.

red71cheyenne · 01-20-2007, 03:46 PM

I don't have any pics here, sorry. That is the OE setup yes. You should be able to slide the tank one way or the other to get it more centered/where you like it. Just loosen the straps a little and move it to where you like.

2wdBlazer · 01-20-2007, 04:29 PM

I did not even use my straps. The fit was so bad I cleaned up the stock ones and used them.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-20-2007, 06:08 PM

Poly tank pic's, but you get the idea

PS - Metal tank straps fit better

big dump · 01-22-2007, 10:10 AM

Thanks for all the info. I just decided to bolt the tank right to the frame rails without using the straps. The straps I got with the kit didn't even begin to fit and the PO had made a custom tank so I didn't have the old straps. There is extra reinforcement on the tank flange where the bolt holes are so I'm sure I won't have any problems with that setup.

albertarose · 02-23-2007, 09:56 PM

nice pics thanks

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-24-2007, 07:19 AM

Yvw

vtblazer · 02-25-2007, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big dump

I just decided to bolt the tank right to the frame rails without using the straps.

That's not going to be enough support.

The original tanks are NOT designed to be mounted that way, at the very least run an entire new (heavier) flange along with it and 'sandwich' the tank in between the heavy flange and the frame rail.

Might just be me but I think it's a mistake to mount it that way.

Find a way to either reproduce the factory mounting or another way to make it even better.

msgross · 02-25-2007, 07:59 AM

I agree, 21 gallons of gas = 130lbs + weight of tank (25 lbs?). Can't you rebend the straps so that they fit? Notice that they don't fit up against the frame. One side does and the other uses the J hooks or longer bolts. My poly tank is actualy skinnier than my frame so I have to weld a plate onto the frame to make it have a narrower opening... whatever it takes is my motto...

Big J · 02-25-2007, 09:15 AM

Heres my thinking... The frame of your truck twists. Factory mounting allows the tank to float a bit. If you hard mount the tank it will twist with the frame. Couldn't be a good thing. You could always go get some thin sheet metal and make your own straps. Just bolt them up on both sides, you don't really need the hooks on the one end.

jaros44sr · 02-25-2007, 09:18 AM

JMO but, I agree VT. Take your original ends and spot weld new straps to them. That is alot of weight.

I know you said the PO changed it out but you can find new straps, well old straps anyway.

I work in a sheet metal shop and I can help you out with the stainless steel if need be. Even have a spot welder.

Some trucks look cool dragging sparks, but I don't think it would work in this situation, Big Bang Theory and all that...

big dump · 02-26-2007, 12:34 PM

Well, I think I'm going to try to modify the straps that came with the tank to run parallel to the frame, or rotated 90* from how they are intended to mount. The flange on the tank is thick enough that I don't need additional support against the frame rails, but I'm going to fab a way to run the straps as well. Thanks for the info guys.

onetonk5 · 02-26-2007, 06:05 PM

i never have understood asking for advise and then arguing with common sense answers.

jaros44sr · 02-26-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetonk5

i never have understood asking for advise and then arguing with common sense answers.

Not my problem, I try

vtblazer · 02-26-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onetonk5

i never have understood asking for advise and then arguing with common sense answers.

Kinda like trying to push something with a rope.

jaros44sr · 02-26-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Kinda like trying to push something with a rope.

Reminds me of the time I told a trucker he was dragging his chain, his response was "did ya every try pushing one"
same thing VT

01-20-2007, 12:03 PM	#1
big dump Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 179	Gas Tank Install I know this has been addressed before but I'm hoping for some definative info on how to bolt up the OEM style repop gas tanks. I'm working on my 72 K5 and cannot get this tank figured out. Should the bolts go through the straps and the flange on the tank? Should the flange on the tank be secured to the frame or hanging in the straps? BTW did I say that the repop gas tanks and straps for these things are terrible? Thanks for the help and pics would be very helpful.

01-20-2007, 12:58 PM	#2
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Gas Tank Install No, the straps are bolted to the frame rails. The flange on the tank itself is just butted up against the frame. Put some anti-squeak rubber stuff inbetween the flange and the frame too. The straps go under the tank and bolt to one side or the other, thats really up to you. On mine, the s-hooks go into the passenger side and the bolts are on the drivers side. Good luck, Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

01-20-2007, 01:29 PM	#3
big dump Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 179	Re: Gas Tank Install Is that the OE setup? It just surprises me because the tank flange is touching the bolts on the drivers side. Do you have any pictures? Thanks again.

01-20-2007, 03:46 PM	#4
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Gas Tank Install I don't have any pics here, sorry. That is the OE setup yes. You should be able to slide the tank one way or the other to get it more centered/where you like it. Just loosen the straps a little and move it to where you like. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

01-20-2007, 04:29 PM	#5
2wdBlazer The Blazer King Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa) Posts: 1,213	Re: Gas Tank Install I did not even use my straps. The fit was so bad I cleaned up the stock ones and used them. __________________ 72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest.

01-20-2007, 06:08 PM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Gas Tank Install Poly tank pic's, but you get the idea PS - Metal tank straps fit better Attached Images __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 01-20-2007 at 06:08 PM.

01-22-2007, 10:10 AM	#7
big dump Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 179	Re: Gas Tank Install Thanks for all the info. I just decided to bolt the tank right to the frame rails without using the straps. The straps I got with the kit didn't even begin to fit and the PO had made a custom tank so I didn't have the old straps. There is extra reinforcement on the tank flange where the bolt holes are so I'm sure I won't have any problems with that setup.

02-23-2007, 09:56 PM	#8
albertarose Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: alberta canada Posts: 162	Re: Gas Tank Install nice pics thanks

02-24-2007, 07:19 AM	#9
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Re: Gas Tank Install Yvw __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

02-25-2007, 07:59 AM	#11
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Gas Tank Install I agree, 21 gallons of gas = 130lbs + weight of tank (25 lbs?). Can't you rebend the straps so that they fit? Notice that they don't fit up against the frame. One side does and the other uses the J hooks or longer bolts. My poly tank is actualy skinnier than my frame so I have to weld a plate onto the frame to make it have a narrower opening... whatever it takes is my motto... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

02-25-2007, 09:15 AM	#12
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Gas Tank Install Heres my thinking... The frame of your truck twists. Factory mounting allows the tank to float a bit. If you hard mount the tank it will twist with the frame. Couldn't be a good thing. You could always go get some thin sheet metal and make your own straps. Just bolt them up on both sides, you don't really need the hooks on the one end. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

02-25-2007, 09:18 AM	#13
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,456	Re: Gas Tank Install JMO but, I agree VT. Take your original ends and spot weld new straps to them. That is alot of weight. I know you said the PO changed it out but you can find new straps, well old straps anyway. I work in a sheet metal shop and I can help you out with the stainless steel if need be. Even have a spot welder. Some trucks look cool dragging sparks, but I don't think it would work in this situation, Big Bang Theory and all that... __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

02-26-2007, 12:34 PM	#14
big dump Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 179	Re: Gas Tank Install Well, I think I'm going to try to modify the straps that came with the tank to run parallel to the frame, or rotated 90* from how they are intended to mount. The flange on the tank is thick enough that I don't need additional support against the frame rails, but I'm going to fab a way to run the straps as well. Thanks for the info guys.

02-26-2007, 06:05 PM	#15
onetonk5 Cereal Killer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montgomery, Alabama Posts: 639	Re: Gas Tank Install i never have understood asking for advise and then arguing with common sense answers.



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