1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

I would like to know the location and configuration of the fuel pick up tube
(if there is one) for a 1940 Ford stock gas tank. Is there a tube inside the tank that bends down towards the bottom of the tank? Does the pictorial below show the correct placement of the fitting on the back of the tank? Being so high up, I assume it uses a pick up tube.

Wouldn't it be better if the fuel fitting was located lower down closer to the tank bottom?Thanks. Jim

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

The pickup tube inside the tank lays almost on the bottom of the tank. The tube enters the tank just below the tank seam. The diagram is correct.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

TJ: Do you think it would still work properly if the fuel outlet fitting was located closer to the bottom of the tank? The reason I ask is because I want to install a fuel fitting in a plastic reproduction 40 tank. The plastic repro tanks use a pick up tube and outlet fitting that enters from the top of the tank and extends straight down to the tank bottom.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

If you look at the bottom of the tank, there is a small indentation - perhaps 2" diameter and maybe 1/4" deep. The pick up is above that. The reason? Debris would naturally go to the lowest point. This indentation keeps the pickup 1/4" off the bottom.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Thanks for the helpful replies. I no longer have the stock tank. If someone could post a photo of the indentation Kube described, I would say Thank you. Jim Below is a sketch of my own idea for locating my fuel tank fitting and pick up tube inside tank 1/4" above bottom of my plastic tank. Do you think it would work?

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

By coincidence, I have just recently completed the restoration on the tank for my current project. Hope this photo helps...

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

I've used plastic tanks before and just curious why you would not want to use the pickup tube and vent that comes with the tank? Frankly I would not want to modify a plastic tank with another pickup tube. I would talk with the manufacturer before attempting to make that change.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Thanks "Kube: for the photo. Big help.

TJ: It's just an idea I had, thinking that having the pick up tube in the stock location would make it easier to "draw" fuel from the plastic tank. I already installed an 1/8 in. pipe thread drain plug in the plastic tank with no problems or leaks. Your suggestion is appreciated. Might be better to leave it along.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Interesting comparison! Your plastic tank has an "INNIE", whereas Mike's original steel tank has an "OUTIE". Wonder what that "innie" is all about? DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...5&d=1575735247




https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1575729909

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

If you are talking about the oval hole in the plastic tank, I'm pretty sure it goes to the top as a support for the tank bottom.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Coop... that's a molded in baffle that goes completely through the tank; also keeps the bottom of the tank from sagging with a full load of fuel.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

I think you are risking a fuel leak when you modify that plastic tank. Especially when you put the line in so low because normally there will be allot of fuel above that point. Suggest you get an original tank, if you can find one, and restore it. I restored mine and put an in line filter just forward of the tank. I am thinking I need to build a metal enclosure around it just in case a rock or other debris hits it. One guy on the net had a blow out and tore the connection off and the car was a total loss due to fire. Fortunately he got out in time.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Yes, as a couple of folks have intimated that hollow indent you see in the bottom of the tank is actually a hollow oval opening that goes completely thru to the top of the tank. It acts as a tank stiffener and baffle. Tank holds 16 gal. On the top of the tank is a sending unit hole and hole for the pick up tube with a rollover vented safety device.

Phil, Your enclosed tank idea may be a good one. I have also thought about it and decided that having a protective enclosure around the gas filler pipe and the rubber hose that connects to the gas tank would be a better idea, especially if an axle breaks or a wheel comes loose. I did cover my original 40 tank with fiberglass matting years ago. Trouble is, it looked kind of messy and home grown.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

The above-mentioned '40 coupe. This was a friend of "deuce roadster". DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=41913




https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=41915

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Gee, that's so sad. I am sure owner was devastated but, glad to be alive.
You can see the blown out tire in the fore ground. Wonder what eventually happened to the car?

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Nope, that must be a spare. You can see what little is left of the tire surrounded by something orange in the pic below. DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictu...ictureid=41914

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Yes, that's exactly the one I was talking about. Be careful when modifying the outlet on the tank.. It may be a rare occurrence but you don't want it to happen to you. I would also avoid a plastic tank all together in my car. Another reason to avoid them is you'll never get the stock fuel gauge to work right either because the original sender won't fit and the replacement sender will not work with a heater type gauge as in our stock 40.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Philo, I was able to get the original sender to fit the plastic tank by re drilling and using nutserts. However, it took tons of patience to get it to "match" the gauge readings accurately as the original tank holds 14 gal. and the plastic holds 16 gal. I agree a steel tank is better/safer.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

Why would a steel tank be safer? Just curious.

Re: 1940 Ford Gas tank Fuel Outlet fitting pick up Question
 

If you look at all your new cars they all have plastic tanks. If you look at all the safety mandates on new cars the plastic tank must have a safety advantage over the steel tank. I suspect it's because the plastic tank will flex and not split open like a steel tank in a moderate rear end crash. Naturally nothing is 100% safe, but on average the plastic tank has to be safer.