c20 LWB to SWB conversion, tanks brakes?

[bloodybigblock]

1986 c20 crew cab is the truck I plan on doing it on in the near future. Can I go ahead and install the 16 gallon tanks on my truck now until I actually cut it down. Is this pretty strait forward? I'm under the impression that I will need to drill new holes for the smaller tanks. Also do I need anything brakes wise or just shorten what I have now? If anyone has any pics of how their tank/tanks are set up that's be nice. I plan on hitting the junk yard and getting the tanks I need and using my stock sending units in those tanks. Thanks

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

You can use the tanks, but when you convert they will have to be moved forward.

If your truck is going to stay stock height or raised you could do a Blazer 25 or a Suburban 40 gallon.

[SkinnyG]

On my C10 I used the existing front tank bracket holes, and drilled new rear ones for the shorter 16gal tank. You will likely need longer filler hoses until you shorten the frame.

The "new" rear holes also ended up where I put the fish plate, which was a bit interesting, but not the end of the world.

I also added a second tank, as my C10 was originally a single 20gal truck.

For the e-brake I just bought the swb cable brand new. It was cheap, and swb are kinda scarce up here.

For the hydraulic lines I just spliced the line shorter.

For the wiring, I just coiled up the extra and zap-strapped it out of the way.

[bloodybigblock]

sounds good, any mods to the fuel lines or anything tank related?

[SkinnyG]

I didn't need to do any mods tank related. I did replace the hoses, but that was all.

[Tx Firefighter]

I shortened one this summer, and to save cash, I went to Tractor Supply and got a couple of cable clamps for under 1 dollar each. Then cut the emergency brake cable, overlap as needed to get it taught again, and clamp. Works fine and saved having to buy a new shortbed cable.


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[Tervill]

When I did my conversion I only had to drill out two new bottom holes for the rear bracket. It depends on what kind of cut your going to make and whether or not you're going to fish plate it. If it were me, I wouldn't install the 16 gal tanks yet because you'll just have to remove them again for when you do your cut. Plus, it's so much easier to remove and install the new tank with the bed off. Just my two cents.

Terry