Gas Tank

It looks like the original '54 Chevy's gas tank was under the drivers seat... I'm thinking about relocating it to the bed area under the truck... this poses 3 questions... (1) any suggestions on where to put it and where to put the filler spout or keep location as is? (2) should I use a plastic tank instead of the original? and (3) how do i build the drivers seat platform without the tank underneath it? See picture below. As always, thanks for your suggestions!

 

This is what I'm working on to relocate the fuel cell, but this is a rusto-mod. C-4 Vette full front and rear suspension. Behind the rear axle. Still working on the bed side filler shield, but getting close.

 

This is a early 50's chevy sedan tank from 'Tanks'. Ready for standard or injection system.

 

I saw this earlier... very cool.. so what if i wanted to keep the gas cap in same spot and relocate tank to rear of truck below bed... is that possible? and what type of tank could i use from another vehicle?

 

Sketchy. To separate cab from bed under fuel tank can have issues. You could extend the filler neck and put in a front of rear axle tank, but might have a driveline clearance problems, or a whole 'can of worms' issues.

Think 20 steps ahead before you start cutting....or you might be 40 steps behind in an instant.

My grandfather had a 66 chevy truck with behind the seat tank. Always thought it was wierd (40 years ago) and smelled of petrol.....always, but that was the way things were.
( He had a Mobil service station up until I was 11, and the inspiration of the 'Rusto-Mod' project.)

 

what's a rusto-mod?

 

Mustang tank in mine will use the speedway module to match the stock fuel gauge and mustang sending unit

 

restoration = making it like it came from the factory
resto-mod = making it LOOK like it came from the factory, with updates like modern engine, transmission, A/C, suspension, etc.
rusto-mod = leaving the body rough (or sometimes even rougher) , with updates like modern engine, transmission, A/C, suspension, etc.

 

Most will do a 'Resto-mod' to some vehicles, meaning a fully restored stock looking vehicle with hidden modifications....like suspension or updated engine/ transmission.
'Rusto-mod' is the opposite of 'Resto'. Old, faded paint with dents and rust and all but newer suspension, engine/transmission.
I already have rare stuff that I'm affraid to daily drive with the idiots and debris on the road, so this will be a 'jump in and run to get some 2x4's from the hardware store'...but still take to the car shows and baffle the lookers.

 

Robs52trk, I like that gas tank… so the filler cap is around/ near rear license plate? Where did you get the tank? Also, the speedway module interfaces to 6v gauge?

 

Got the tank from a buddy it’s a late 60s early 70s mustang tank the fill is above the license plate I’m probably going to put the gas cap in the bed wood and as far as the interface module
I don’t know if it’s 6v compatible have to look it up.I like the tank because you can’t see
It from the back of truck

 

even on the lift at the muffler shop you can’t see the tank

 

Uh Gary ;

The tank you showed is not a 1954 Chevy truck fuel tank .

Chevy stopped putting the fuel tank under the seat in the 1947.1 series .

You're '54 should have had a larger tank behind the seat .

look carefully before making any changes, tanks behind the rear axle are fairly dangerous .

Many Hot Rodders use side tanks in front of the rear axle .

I saved a perfect rust free factory Advance Design in cab fuel tank for over a decade before tossing it out ~ folks would buy worthless, dangerous and leaky (from new !) Chinese made repops but didn't want a rust free heavy gauge original tank....

 

Robs52trk, do you have any pictures showing how you did the filler neck and gas cap in the bed? Fedex just delivered a 70 mustang tank, and I'm wondering how far forward from the tailgate the opening has to be. I like how your tank doesn't show from behind the truck.

 

I’m not quite there as far a final spot for fuel spout I have to look for the pic another member took of hi

 

Here’s a side shot to give you an idea I can’t find the pic another member sent me but he took a tube with the elbow over the filler neck hole on the top of the tank than at the other end had a elbow pointed up towards the bed floor.
I plan something similar but will position the filler neck in the bed floor away from the chrome strip.
On the aftermarket mustang tank make sure the tabs for the lock ring are tight otherwise a fuel leak will happen
Mustang guys were saying the repop lock ring is thinner than the oem rings
And remember if using stock Chevy fuel gauge the mustang sending unit won’t match up ohms are different
Hopefully this helps.

 

I mocked mine up yesterday and like the positioning about where it is. I was able to leave the big brace between the frame rails and nothing is rubbing, and I can get another 1/8” separation when I bolt it all in. I think my filler neck is further forward than yours, so I should be good.

 

I think I should have done mine that way this way could drop tank from the bottom if needed

 

Looks interesting .

I cannot fathom having a center mounted fuel filler on anything much less a truck ~ I realize you're not building these for work but still and all......