Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChadMorris · 03-08-2007, 07:58 AM

OK, what are everyone's opinions on the poly vs. metal gas tanks. I am wanting to buy one in the next day or so, and was curious as to what everone else had. Are there any shortcomings to the poly? Is one easier than the other to install?

Will Poly work with my TPI engine? I don't believe that a gas tank has too much pressure, if any at all does it?

This is for the under the bed tank also, lest I confuse simple people like myself...

Thanks

19GMC63 · 03-08-2007, 09:08 AM

I am in the process of installing the poly blazer tank. Poly will never rust, its lighter, maybe even safer.
The tank can be adapted for fuel injection quite easily, and as far as I know (i'm no expert), the point of the vent is to relieve the tank of too much pressure so the fuel pump can do its job.

*zeitlerusmc* · 03-08-2007, 01:48 PM

where is the cheapest place to find a tank conversion? poly/metal?

ChadMorris · 03-08-2007, 03:16 PM

GMC pauls has a kit, And I have seen them on Ebay for around 240.00 shipped.....that is for the metal tank....Several places carry them

You just have to shop around....

Mainly from what i have seen, the average total price is around 225 - 250

Of course, custom made tanks would run around 400-500

That would be nice, but I am trying to get my truck done, and have other things to buy also.......

Chad

kwkenuf · 03-08-2007, 03:56 PM

I'm about to swap out my poly tank for a steel one. Rust is not an issue here and I am unhappy with the poly. Since initial installation I get a leak from the sending unit lock ring when the tank is full. It seems that the sending unit hole distorts just a little when the tank is full allowing fuel to seep out. Maybe my straps are too tight (I've tried playing with that, still the same) or I have a defective tank but regardless, I'm done messing with it and I have a steel tank waiting to go in. Just need to make a new hole for my aftermarket sending unit (not leaking from that one...) and decide whether to cut another hole for a Tanks Inc fuel pump. I'm running and external inline pump now but I'm thinking of going to a submerged pump for reliability and noise reasons.....

19GMC63 · 03-08-2007, 07:25 PM

hmm. All I know it was tough getting the sending unit on, had to grind down the edges to make it fit.

Be sure to take some pics of your install, i'm confused in how this tank is supposed to mount.

kwkenuf · 03-08-2007, 08:00 PM

Like this?

baddawg65 · 03-08-2007, 08:06 PM

I just installed an aluminum tank, only drawback is capacity. I've seen the poly tank up to 30 gal. LMC Truck carries one. I purchased my aluminum tank from Brothers. Had to notch to fit spring mounts.

19GMC63 · 03-08-2007, 08:36 PM

kwkenuf, thanks for the pics. The straps I got look different, instead of being u shaped, they are more L shaped.

Also, the hanger bolts I got are s-shaped, and aren't threaded on one end, are they supposed to be like that?

msgross · 03-08-2007, 08:49 PM

I have a new poly tank for sale right now... I decided to go aluminum. $225 shipped. I have more pics...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=229857

stepside66 · 03-08-2007, 11:16 PM

I got my poly tank off ebay with the sending unit for 150 and its a 16 gallon

thats what it looks like and I just cut out my rear brace until I mount the tank then I will put it back in

msgross · 03-08-2007, 11:27 PM

mines 21 gallon i think, made in USA and brand new with sending unit and straps...

stepside66 · 03-08-2007, 11:42 PM

I wish Iwould have gotten the straps but some flat stock will work just fine

ChadMorris · 03-09-2007, 01:03 PM

Well, I am goin to try the poly, I got a good deal on a new one on another truck site, so I will let you know how it goes...

Baddawg65: Thats an awesome gas tank, and a very clean install......I wish I had everthing else bought for my truck, if I had I would buy one of those.....

kwkenuf · 03-10-2007, 10:56 AM

A picture from you may help.... One end of the hanger bolt is not threaded. It inserts into a hole on the vertical side of the frame and hooks in. Your straps may look like an L now but if they have a hole one each end they will look like a U after you mount them up...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19GMC63

kwkenuf, thanks for the pics. The straps I got look different, instead of being u shaped, they are more L shaped.

Also, the hanger bolts I got are s-shaped, and aren't threaded on one end, are they supposed to be like that?

kenny_strong · 03-10-2007, 11:43 AM

Where did you buy that aluminum gas tank, thats what i have been lookin for to put in my 66 chevy 4x4

baddawg65 · 03-10-2007, 05:33 PM

Got thte aluminum tank fromm Brothers. Had to notch it to fit shackle. I have a 65 3/4 ton 4x4. Here's the link. http://brothersonlinestore.com/products.asp?dept=1018
Just got my motor fired up.

*zeitlerusmc* · 03-10-2007, 05:44 PM

yeah right I would love to spend 500 bucks on a gas tank but some of us are on a budget and thats a little exspensive

msgross · 03-10-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeitlerusmc

yeah right I would love to spend 500 bucks on a gas tank but some of us are on a budget and thats a little exspensive

Mines still for sale if anyone wanted it $225 to your door OBO...

terrellautosports · 03-10-2007, 07:18 PM

i am going to fabricate my own aluminum one, for my wifes 66 stepside.

PushnFords · 03-11-2007, 05:39 PM

I like metal tanks myself. That way when you run over a large rock with your father in law's grain truck and punch a hole in the tank you can fix it with a $4 stick of putty. That was embarrassing....

Derek

sailed2japan · 04-22-2008, 04:32 PM

I am currently in the process of installing a poly tank in my 64 panel. The tank I got seems to be too narrow as it can slide sideways and pop up between the frame rails. What should I do to prevent this or will it not be a problem once the tank is tightened in?

61hawk · 04-22-2008, 04:59 PM

Not hijack this thread, but I'm looking for tanks as well. In a search I found this guy in Florida who will weld up custom aluminum tanks, with free shipping.
http://www.boydwelding.com/

baddawg65 · 04-22-2008, 07:05 PM

One thing to keep in mind is to get one that is compatable with ethanol E85. Not to hard to convert to E85, but can't remember with is not compatible steel,aluminum, or poly.

msgross · 04-22-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

I am currently in the process of installing a poly tank in my 64 panel. The tank I got seems to be too narrow as it can slide sideways and pop up between the frame rails. What should I do to prevent this or will it not be a problem once the tank is tightened in?

I welded two "dollar bill sized" pieces of steel on the lower lip of my frame to narrow the opening up. It only needed to be done that size the catch the ledges of the poly tank.... Now i'm not using the poly tank so i'll probably have to cut them back off!

03-08-2007, 07:58 AM	#1
ChadMorris Newbie truck Rebuilder! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 160	Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? OK, what are everyone's opinions on the poly vs. metal gas tanks. I am wanting to buy one in the next day or so, and was curious as to what everone else had. Are there any shortcomings to the poly? Is one easier than the other to install? Will Poly work with my TPI engine? I don't believe that a gas tank has too much pressure, if any at all does it? This is for the under the bed tank also, lest I confuse simple people like myself... Thanks __________________ "Old Blue" 1964 GMC Fleetside in pieces 350 TPI with 700R4 tranny now installed( well kinda propped in place until the tranny crossmember is bolted in !!!!! 1995 Toyota 4runner , 197,000 miles and going... 2007 Honda Odyssey Van (Wifes car)

03-08-2007, 09:08 AM	#2
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I am in the process of installing the poly blazer tank. Poly will never rust, its lighter, maybe even safer. The tank can be adapted for fuel injection quite easily, and as far as I know (i'm no expert), the point of the vent is to relieve the tank of too much pressure so the fuel pump can do its job.

03-08-2007, 01:48 PM	#3
zeitlerusmc Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: camp pendleton Posts: 169	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? where is the cheapest place to find a tank conversion? poly/metal?

03-08-2007, 03:16 PM	#4
ChadMorris Newbie truck Rebuilder! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 160	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? GMC pauls has a kit, And I have seen them on Ebay for around 240.00 shipped.....that is for the metal tank....Several places carry them You just have to shop around.... Mainly from what i have seen, the average total price is around 225 - 250 Of course, custom made tanks would run around 400-500 That would be nice, but I am trying to get my truck done, and have other things to buy also....... Chad __________________ "Old Blue" 1964 GMC Fleetside in pieces 350 TPI with 700R4 tranny now installed( well kinda propped in place until the tranny crossmember is bolted in !!!!! 1995 Toyota 4runner , 197,000 miles and going... 2007 Honda Odyssey Van (Wifes car)

03-08-2007, 03:56 PM	#5
kwkenuf Retrofit Management Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 73	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I'm about to swap out my poly tank for a steel one. Rust is not an issue here and I am unhappy with the poly. Since initial installation I get a leak from the sending unit lock ring when the tank is full. It seems that the sending unit hole distorts just a little when the tank is full allowing fuel to seep out. Maybe my straps are too tight (I've tried playing with that, still the same) or I have a defective tank but regardless, I'm done messing with it and I have a steel tank waiting to go in. Just need to make a new hole for my aftermarket sending unit (not leaking from that one...) and decide whether to cut another hole for a Tanks Inc fuel pump. I'm running and external inline pump now but I'm thinking of going to a submerged pump for reliability and noise reasons..... __________________ My retrofit fleet -1966 Suburban 2002 Tahoe drivetrain, firewall, floor, chassis and interior in progress -1965 C-10 shortbed stepside, 2003 5.3/4L60E conversion. Power steering, tilt wheel, power front disc brakes, 2.5/4 inch drop, relocated fuel tank and battery, 2002 Silverado buckets and console. Swap Pics -1968 Camaro 95 LT1/4L60E lots o' mods Web Page -1961 Corvette project Corvette Corrections frame, C-4 suspension and brakes, 02 LS1/T-56, Never ending body workPics

03-08-2007, 07:25 PM	#6
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? hmm. All I know it was tough getting the sending unit on, had to grind down the edges to make it fit. Be sure to take some pics of your install, i'm confused in how this tank is supposed to mount.

03-08-2007, 08:00 PM	#7
kwkenuf Retrofit Management Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 73	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? Like this? __________________ My retrofit fleet -1966 Suburban 2002 Tahoe drivetrain, firewall, floor, chassis and interior in progress -1965 C-10 shortbed stepside, 2003 5.3/4L60E conversion. Power steering, tilt wheel, power front disc brakes, 2.5/4 inch drop, relocated fuel tank and battery, 2002 Silverado buckets and console. Swap Pics -1968 Camaro 95 LT1/4L60E lots o' mods Web Page -1961 Corvette project Corvette Corrections frame, C-4 suspension and brakes, 02 LS1/T-56, Never ending body workPics Last edited by kwkenuf; 03-08-2007 at 08:09 PM.

03-08-2007, 08:06 PM	#8
baddawg65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: wyoming Posts: 83	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I just installed an aluminum tank, only drawback is capacity. I've seen the poly tank up to 30 gal. LMC Truck carries one. I purchased my aluminum tank from Brothers. Had to notch to fit spring mounts. Attached Images

03-08-2007, 08:36 PM	#9
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? kwkenuf, thanks for the pics. The straps I got look different, instead of being u shaped, they are more L shaped. Also, the hanger bolts I got are s-shaped, and aren't threaded on one end, are they supposed to be like that?

03-08-2007, 08:49 PM	#10
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I have a new poly tank for sale right now... I decided to go aluminum. $225 shipped. I have more pics... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=229857 __________________ 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"

03-08-2007, 11:16 PM	#11
stepside66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: wichita ks Posts: 97	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I got my poly tank off ebay with the sending unit for 150 and its a 16 gallon thats what it looks like and I just cut out my rear brace until I mount the tank then I will put it back in __________________ http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1.../DSCN20132.jpg

03-08-2007, 11:27 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? mines 21 gallon i think, made in USA and brand new with sending unit and straps... __________________ 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"

03-08-2007, 11:42 PM	#13
stepside66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: wichita ks Posts: 97	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I wish Iwould have gotten the straps but some flat stock will work just fine __________________ http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1.../DSCN20132.jpg

03-09-2007, 01:03 PM	#14
ChadMorris Newbie truck Rebuilder! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 160	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? Well, I am goin to try the poly, I got a good deal on a new one on another truck site, so I will let you know how it goes... Baddawg65: Thats an awesome gas tank, and a very clean install......I wish I had everthing else bought for my truck, if I had I would buy one of those..... __________________ "Old Blue" 1964 GMC Fleetside in pieces 350 TPI with 700R4 tranny now installed( well kinda propped in place until the tranny crossmember is bolted in !!!!! 1995 Toyota 4runner , 197,000 miles and going... 2007 Honda Odyssey Van (Wifes car)

03-10-2007, 11:43 AM	#16
kenny_strong Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maryland Posts: 218	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? Where did you buy that aluminum gas tank, thats what i have been lookin for to put in my 66 chevy 4x4



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03-10-2007, 05:33 PM	#17
baddawg65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: wyoming Posts: 83	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? Got thte aluminum tank fromm Brothers. Had to notch it to fit shackle. I have a 65 3/4 ton 4x4. Here's the link. http://brothersonlinestore.com/products.asp?dept=1018 Just got my motor fired up. Attached Images

03-10-2007, 05:44 PM	#18
zeitlerusmc Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: camp pendleton Posts: 169	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? yeah right I would love to spend 500 bucks on a gas tank but some of us are on a budget and thats a little exspensive

03-10-2007, 07:18 PM	#20
terrellautosports New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: s.w. missouri Posts: 176	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? i am going to fabricate my own aluminum one, for my wifes 66 stepside.

03-11-2007, 05:39 PM	#21
PushnFords Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Clay Center, Kansas Posts: 76	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I like metal tanks myself. That way when you run over a large rock with your father in law's grain truck and punch a hole in the tank you can fix it with a $4 stick of putty. That was embarrassing.... Derek

04-22-2008, 04:32 PM	#22
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? I am currently in the process of installing a poly tank in my 64 panel. The tank I got seems to be too narrow as it can slide sideways and pop up between the frame rails. What should I do to prevent this or will it not be a problem once the tank is tightened in?

04-22-2008, 04:59 PM	#23
61hawk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 324	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? Not hijack this thread, but I'm looking for tanks as well. In a search I found this guy in Florida who will weld up custom aluminum tanks, with free shipping. http://www.boydwelding.com/

04-22-2008, 07:05 PM	#24
baddawg65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: wyoming Posts: 83	Re: Poly vs. Metal gas tanks ??????? One thing to keep in mind is to get one that is compatable with ethanol E85. Not to hard to convert to E85, but can't remember with is not compatible steel,aluminum, or poly. __________________ l6 Performance Parts http://www.merchantamerica.com/chevy...ex.php?ba=home BOTHERS http://www.brotherstrucks.com/ LMC http://www.lmctruck.com/ Dash LEDs http://www.whitegauges.net/index.php

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