Will this work? (or miserably fail)

[MisterE72]

I welded some 4 nuts (I said nuts ) to the inside frame rail and bolted the blazer conversion kit tank to the frame? Has this worked for anyone or is it destined to fail miserably ? Please resond without words like idiot and stupid (unless you feel its absolutely necessary).

[sick69]

I'm sure it will hold but it would be my suggestion to run the straps with those bolts to help distribute the weight of the tank and fuel across a wider area.Seems to be alot of weight hanging on that seam otherwise. Just my .02 though.


Frank

[Black 95 TSI]

I dont see why it would not work, I would run straps too, the only thing i would think would be a problem is the bold tring to losing up since there is no lock washer

[MisterE72]

You think It would be enough to run 2 straps parallell to the frame?

[Black 95 TSI]

YA 2 straps should be fine thats how they do them on the cars

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by Black 95 TSI

I dont see why it would not work, I would run straps too, the only thing i would think would be a problem is the bold tring to losing up since there is no lock washer

The lock washers didn't come out too good in the pic, but they are there.

[SactoJim]

Gasoline = 6 lbs / gal........not sure what the capacity is but probably not any more than 150lbs when full.

Looks fine to me......I would just check it occasionally.

..and if it does miserably fail, it will be far worse for the guy behind you than yourself!!!

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

Gasoline = 6 lbs / gal........not sure what the capacity is but probably not any more than 150lbs when full.

Looks fine to me......I would just check it occasionally.

..and if it does miserably fail, it will be far worse for the guy behind you than yourself!!!

Maybe...or maybe not? The trucks going to be lowered 6" at the rear. Hey, at least I won't lose my gas. 20 gallons of unleaded is about as expensive as the tank itself here in California.

[cdowns]

you can cut down on squeaks and rattles by using rubber strips to avoid metal-to-metal contact

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by cdowns

you can cut down on squeaks and rattles by using rubber strips to avoid metal-to-metal contact

Thanks for the tip. Are they prefabricated or will any thick piece of rubber work?

[HavinSomeFun]

Where did you get the tank? I like the set-up. Mine was converted by the PO and the tank almost drags the ground. Needs a fix........

[sick69]

Any piece of rubber will work. I have a roll of membrane roof material i've cut small pieces from and put in between the bed and frame on a couple trucks and has always worked pretty good, and it's approximately 1/16th thick.

As far as the straps,,,, run them either direction with the frame or across it as long as both straps are running the same direction. lol

All the straps are going to do is help take the weight off the seam, so it doesn't pull apart.


Frank

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by HavinSomeFun

Where did you get the tank? I like the set-up. Mine was converted by the PO and the tank almost drags the ground. Needs a fix........

I got from Truck Shop www.truckandcarshop.com Its part#69-107092. It runs about 205$.It came with the sending unit too.

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by MisterE72

I got from Truck Shop www.truckandcarshop.com Its part#69-107092. It runs about 205$.It came with the sending unit too.

Page 78.

[Classic Heartbeat]

Well I would use the straps. The lip on that tank is not designed to take the weight plus the vibration of the tank full of gas. Also add to the fact that your frame is flexible and is constantly moving (this is why your frame is rivetted together, not welded) I think it won't be long untill you either break the weld in the flange, or crack it bad enough for it to start leaking. The engineers designed the tanks to be strapped in for a reason. WES

[Longhorn Man]

I agree with Wes... esp when you consider that today... 40 years later, they still do it the same way.
Your idea looks very clean and would be awsome on a show circuit truck, but if you ever put fuel in it, I would really consider straps, esp in a state where personal lawyers are more common than personal responsibility.

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

Well I would use the straps. The lip on that tank is not designed to take the weight plus the vibration of the tank full of gas. Also add to the fact that your frame is flexible and is constantly moving (this is why your frame is rivetted together, not welded) I think it won't be long untill you either break the weld in the flange, or crack it bad enough for it to start leaking. The engineers designed the tanks to be strapped in for a reason. WES

Thanks for the response Wes. You taking the time to give us hobbyist tips like this is the reason your business is so well respected. If I get an aluminum tank, will it meet that same fate since it would be mounted directly to the frame?

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by HavinSomeFun

Where did you get the tank? I like the set-up. Mine was converted by the PO and the tank almost drags the ground. Needs a fix........

Wes, from classic heartbeat pickup parts, can more than likely get you a good deal on one too. You can find a link on post #15 of this thread.

[MisterE72]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I agree with Wes... esp when you consider that today... 40 years later, they still do it the same way.
Your idea looks very clean and would be awsome on a show circuit truck, but if you ever put fuel in it, I would really consider straps, esp in a state where personal lawyers are more common than personal responsibility.

I forgot about the lawyers. I may have to throw in an extra strap for added measure.

[Longhorn Man]

in your state, I would too. if it doesn't have a DOT certification number for that model number vehicle, the laywers would have fun batting you around like a cat with a ball of yarn.
Same thing if someone gets hurt from the fuel after rear ending you.

[Classic Heartbeat]

The aluminum tanks are a little different than the steel tanks. Most aluminum tanks are designed to bolt directly to the frame. The reason is they do not use the flange as a seam too. Most have thick angle stock welded to them that can take a little more flex. I would not want to be in an accedent with one though, because all it would take is one frame rail to be pushed back a 1/4" or so to tear the tank out. WES

[HavinSomeFun]

I'm always up for a good deal! Wes? are you the good deal maker?

[mnunn454]

I'll be installing my tank kit soon, so this thread is timely.

I think it'll work fine. I also think you've touched on most of the major issues, strength, safety, appearance.

The thread does cause me to think though.

Car makers have to build their tank supports to withstand all kinds of crashes. Though a little unsightly, straps and J-bolts will support the belly of the tank well, but offer the added benefit of releasing the energy of a rear end collision more slowly (lower G forces) without tank rupture. A "hard" mount like yours, in the very unlikely event an 18-wheeler rear-ends you, is more likely to rip the tank open and spew fuel.

On the other hand though, under a lowered pickup bed I think a mount like yours is less hazardous than the same setup would be under a Blazer or a car (and a whole lot safer IMO than the truck's internal tank). Finally, because this thing isn't going to be a daily driver plus you'll be driving it more cautiously, statistically you're less likely to ever encounter such a situation.

Overall I like your approach and just may use it myself.

Thanks.

[Classic Heartbeat]

Accedents can happen at any time. Driving the truck less and thinking that well I am on the road less is only playing russian rulet with your life and any other that may be involved in an accedent. Let's remember, accedents involve more than one vehicle, unless you run it off the road or something like that. Gas tanks are strapped for a reason. Even semi trucks strap their tanks to the truck. I believe that the bolted aluminum tanks can take a better hit, however it will rupture faster than if it was strapped in. Longhorn Man hit on another point also. Law... I am sure that there must be something in the law books covering this issue... Why else would manufacturers go through the added expence of strapping them in. WES

[MisterE72]

I'm listening carefully to all that is bieng said here. I think i'm going with a "modified" strap set up. I'll post the pics as soon as its done.