P38 Belly Tank

[frenchy dehoux]

Beside working on my 1931 Track T Roadster I knew I needed another project. I bought this tank from a good friend as you can see in the pictures last weekend I split the tank at the seam and also cut out some rust panels. I build a dolly to fit it to make it easier to work on. I will be posting pictures as I go along to show progress. I am sure I will be getting some negative comments on the power plan I will be using. Here a few pictures to start.

Thanks
Frenchy

[Bassman/NZ]

How cool is that?! You gonna give us any hints Frenchy?

[Y-Blockhead]

V Dub power… cool. I was afraid you were going to say SBC.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

V Dub power… cool. I was afraid you were going to say SBC.

Agreed.

[Ralph Moore]

Nice, I got a friend that has two of them, and plans on putting a v8 60 in one of them.

[oj]

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The tank is steel? I thought they were aluminum.
I've wanted to build one of them so bad, be a fun project. A buddy is building one with a hitnmiss motor!

[frenchy dehoux]

The tank is all metal. My original plan was if it would of fitted installing a V12 Lincoln Zephy Flat Head which I have an extra motor to build but decided to go with the VW which I have plenty of.

Thanks
Frenchy

[Tudorp]

If you were closer, I have a fresh rebuilt VDub 1600DP for it that I am not going to use... Looking forward in watching this build. Neat to see them built again using actual belly tanks..

[Old Ford Addict]

That would be a wing tank
I have one
They are very small compared to belly tanks

[oldbugger]

How fitting to have air cooled wing tank. looking forward to more pictures. Paul

[FordCustom]

Needs a flatty, but an air cooled VW tank car is WAY better than the rat rod Beetles I have been seeing the last few years. You must have pistons sticking out of the tank though.

[frenchy dehoux]

I will have the valve covers sticking out on each side of the Belly. I am planning to use one squirrel cage for fan to cool the heads another word no fan housing. I have many good ideas for this project including using a magneto etc ....


Thanks
Frenchy

[Flowmeister]

I'm diggin' it!

[frenchy dehoux]

I will be posting pictures here soon doing a lot of modifications.

Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

I have started to work on both of my projects now that we are somewhat settled in at the new house. Working on my 1929 track T and on my Belly Tanker I will post pictures as soon as I make a dent in them. Thanks !!!!

Frenchy

[my4dv8]

You were scaring us for a start on motive power, but an air cooled VW is odd enough to be in the realm of cool.dare to be different Please keep us updated on progress . For the great unwashed that don't get it, they don't need to understand . Any plans as to the potential first run?? I am subscribed to this thread.

[frenchy dehoux]

I am planning going to El Mirage California for my first run I will post pictures as soon as I have some good pictures to show the progress stay tune.

Thanks for your interest

Frenchy Dehoux

[Ol' Ron]

I just love it, Good luck.

[Tim Ayers]

Did you stick with VDub power for the tank?

[rotorwrench]

That looks more like a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star tip tank.

[frenchy dehoux]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Did you stick with VDub power for the tank?

Yes it will have a VW mid engine to start a 1500cc and later 2165 cc. At first a smaller engine to see how the car will handle than proceed with a bigger engine.

Thanks Frenchy

[Elmo Rodge]

Let us know when you're going to El Mirage and I'll keep my eyes open for you. I usually just drive down for the 2 day meets. Wayno

[36tudordeluxe]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

That looks more like a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star tip tank.

It sure does. Whoops, not so sure now as looked up some P-80 pics and looks like they had two styles, one mounting under the wing tip and another type mounting on the end of the wing tip.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by frenchy dehoux

Yes it will have a VW mid engine to start a 1500cc and later 2165 cc. At first a smaller engine to see how the car will handle than proceed with a bigger engine.

Thanks Frenchy

Awesome. Good luck with it. I'd love to see a fully dressed 2165 with dual Webers or the like.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 36tudordeluxe

It sure does. Whoops, not so sure now as looked up some P-80 pics and looks like they had two styles, one mounting under the wing tip and another type mounting on the end of the wing tip.

Frenchys' tank obviously is not the long, slender tip-mount style tank. His tank has a pronounced seam and no obvious provision to mount under-tip style as pictured........not the P-80. DD

[frenchy dehoux]

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Frenchys' tank obviously is not the long, slender tip-mount style tank. His tank has a pronounced seam and no obvious provision to mount under-tip style as pictured........not the P-80. DD

Mine is truly from a P38 on this picture you can see the seem but on the P38 the seam was up and down the way it was attached.

Thanks
Frenchy

[rotorwrench]

There were more than a few different tanks made for all of the WWII fighters. There were different sizes too. Some were aluminum but many were made from materials that were less of a drain on the war effort. Some were even made from non-metalic materials due to there throw away design. The one pictured looks to be a 150 gallon unit made of steel due to the corrosion evident there. Some had skirting where they connect to the pylon and some don't. It definitely may be for a P-38 but there were some P-80 tanks that looked just like that and they were also skirted where they attached to the bottom of the wing tip. These aircraft were manufactured by the same company so I wouldn't be surprised if there was some interchangeability.

The best ones to find are the aluminum ones that bolt together but they are also the most expensive if you can source one. Most folks now days just opt for the fiberglass copies in order to get one that is the right size for their application and ease of modification. A good original should be hanging from a wing in a museum.

[keith oh]

That is what it is rotowrench, I seen a bunch of them on T33s(2 seat F-80 trainers) at Webb AFB, Big Spring Tx in the early 1950s. I expect the old scrap pile with 4 or 5 of them in it, is long gone. Just an old mans memories.

[flatheadv8]

Neat project! I have seen one like that race at a road course over on the West side of Michigan. Fun to watch.

[38bill]

Here is a fun photo of a "very early" belly tank car.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 38bill

Here is a fun photo of a "very early" belly tank car.

Here's a funny photo of a funny-looking man having fun in a funny ol' tank. DD

[frenchy dehoux]

Sorry everyone i have been busy more than i had imagine since i have retired. Building a lot of VW and Porsche 356 engines. But today I took the belly tanker to a friend that is going to do some patch panels repairs from the rust you see in the first post. I will keep everyone in the loop what is going on with it .


Thanks
Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

Here what i am trying to see how i will fit the engine and transmission with a low profile fan shroud to fit under the tank. I also have a Ford front drop axle to see if I can fit it etc ...


Frenchy

[Flathead Fever]

That is definitely the small P-38 tank. They are made of steel and seam welded together. The larger aluminum P-38 tanks bolt together and are worth a fortune if you can find one. You can fit a V8-60 in the small tank and a full size flathead in the big tank.

My next door neighbor built the third bellytank at El Mirage in 1949. He just turned 88. He also ran it at Bonneville in 1950. Here is a rare Kodachrome color slide of it at Bonneville in 1950. He towed it from CA to Bonneville with his '41 pickup.

I too have the smaller version. I'm getting ready to hang it from my garage ceiling. I needed this like a hole in the head but I couldn't live without it.

The large aluminum tanks halves were stamped by Ford so we can officially talk about them here. I have a photo to prove it.

[Tinker]

this is so nice. looks fun.

[frenchy dehoux]

I really appreciate the pictures here and the story you had mentioned. I am building mine for the street . I will post pictures as soon as I get it back from my buddy that is doing the patch repairs.


Thank You



Frenchy

[SofaKing]

Originally Posted by FordCustom

Needs a flatty, but an air cooled VW tank car is WAY better than the rat rod Beetles I have been seeing the last few years. You must have pistons sticking out of the tank though.

X2 on jugs in the slipstream.

[frenchy dehoux]

The way the engine will be laid out only the valve covers would be sticking out and for that I can always make some covers to hide the valve covers so they cant be seen. I am building this for the street to.




Frenchy

[Flathead Fever]

This has to be the only one left. Its the original trailer for my neighbor's bellytank he built back in 1949. He had owned a mini storage until a few year's ago and this stuff was piled up down there along with his '40 Ford junk yard. He was going to scrap these frames. I said oh no your not! I'm saving that bellytank trailer. Thank god for that little forklift, the bellytank trailer is that one on the bottom.

No suspension, it must have beat that bellytank to death on the way to Bonneville. Looks like they built it strong enough. As you can see it will also will haul an aerodynamic '33 coupe. This photo is proibably taken in 1950. That coupe belonged to my neighbor's friend. That was a neat coupe. They spent all that time putting the hood on it to see if it would make a differenece and when they got to El Mirage, the dry lake's meet was cancelled because of high winds.

He doesn't remember what happened to the bellytank's engine in this photo?

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You so much for this cool story about the trailer and the belly tanker I have enjoy reading about it .


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

Anyone knows of the where about of this Belly Tanker who build it and the owner if it is still around. I notice he is running a VW engine with a supercharger on top. I would like to find out more about the build. Any leads is appreciated .



Thank You
Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

I have a friend helping me with some patch panels been replaced as they were rusted out.


Frenchy

[saltracer]

found this..............
https://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopic.php?t=22850

[saltracer]

and more


http://vdubber.com/community-groups/...cements/item/6

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You very much for this info. I have a friend that just posted on Facebook that knows of him and he still races at Bonneville.


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

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Progress as of today added the other Belly Tank half to fit all the new pieces been made so we have a good dimension and fit.


Frenchy

[revkev6]

ha! theres something I never thought of! I raced VW powered midgets in the late 90's to the early 2000's. how hot is the motor?? I ran all autocraft stuff on mine.

[frenchy dehoux]

This tanker will be registered for the street here in Arizona and it will have a1600 cc engine to start and later a 1776 CC with the 42 dcnf Webbers dual set up .


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

This past week I had cut a portion of the rear of a VW pan to see if I could use the main frame horn to install the transmission and the engine and to build my chassis around it as it will be a mid engine.The seat I will be using is all aluminum so i will have to modify it to fit in the tanker .


Frenchy

[keith oh]

You are correct Rotowrench, I was stationed at Big Spring AFB Texas, later Webb AFB in the early 50s.It was one of the early Jet training bases with a bunch of T33s, 2 place F80s. I picked up a couple slightly damaged tanks from scrap heap but had to give them to a buddy since I couldn't figure a way to haul them to next assignment on my 1940 ford tu-door.

[cederholm]

cool!

[keith oh]

The pictured plane is a single place F-80. As I remember the T-33 ( Two placeTrainer ) had larger wing tanks..

[frenchy dehoux]

As of today progress on the belly tanker !!

[frenchy dehoux]

Here a few pictures showing the progress .


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

Today progress !!


Frenchy

[RKS.PA]

Frenchy, some very nice metal work!!!! She's coming along!!!

[frenchy dehoux]

A friend is doing the rusty spots patch panels .




Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

As of today making progress !!


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

As of today I pick up the tanker last night and my buddy did a great job repairing the rust panels.


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

A few more shots .


Frenchy

[GB SISSON]

I agree. This has been a lot of fun to watch. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us sitting on our couches.

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You I will post pictures as more progress is underway .


Frenchy

[Bored&Stroked]

Looks to be some very nice work . . . good "buddy" to have! But Oh, I'd sure like to see a flathead in the beast!

[frenchy dehoux]

Everyone put flat head V8 but i want to be different ! And have it more reliable with an air cool .


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

Today I decided to primer the tanker and added the engine block and transmission with the driver seat and the engine shroud to see how everything will look keeping in my this is just a mack up. The seat may have to be trimmed at the top or I may have to use a dune buggy seat instead as it will give me more room . I also had cut all of the baffles from the inside and not needed. You can see at the rear where I am pointing in the black lines this will be trimmed to pull all of the running gear back to give me more room.


Thanks
Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

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And a few more shots !


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

And last few pictures !


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

I would like to Thank everyone who is reading my post and been so positive with my project and you all have given me my 5 stars for this post !! As soon as I have more pictures to share and post Ill be back !!


Thank You !!!


Frenchy

[40 Deluxe]

Seeing the cooling shroud makes me wonder: Do you need it? If you were to run methanol, it's cooling effects ('high latent heat of vaporization', or something like that) will go a long way to cool the engine, plus some duct work to get air past the cylinders and oil cooler. Years ago I was out at the cinder hills north of Flagstaff on a busy weekend. One sand rail I saw was powered by a Corvair with no shrouding at all, cylinders exposed to the air. He was running methanol. I don't remember what he had for an oil cooler.

[Flathead Fever]

WWII training film on a P-38 releasing its drop tanks. I never realized how big a P-38 was until I stood under the tail of one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amArAMx-Eec

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You for posting this video !


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

I found the pan head to use on my front beam and to start building the chassis.



Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

Sorry I have been busy building a few motors for customers the last few months Vws and Porsche 356 and 912 !! Took some time this week to work on my belly tanker here are a few pictures where I am with it .


Thanks
Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

A few more pictures showing where I had made my cuts for the rear axles and front beam . Next building the chassis .


Thanks
Frenchy

[Flathead Fever]

I got tired of tripping over my P-38 tank. A couple weeks ago I decided to hang it from the ceiling. I got it up there by myself, which was a little iffy. Stuck a big eyebolt through a piece of heavy angle iron that is laying across four 2"X8" ceiling joists so that should hold it. Hooked a cuma long from the eyebolt to the tank and got it lifted high enough to roll my drywall jack under it.

[oldbugger]

Looks cool, four speed reverse, one forward. haha. Paul

[frenchy dehoux]

I am going and flip the ring and pinion on the opposite side because been a rear transmission the same as the 914 !!


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

I decided to have the tanker extended 24 inches in the middle so that I can fit the engine and transmission better as well as more leg room since this will be for the street.
My buddy just called me yesterday and he is ready to do the add on.


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

This is the only picture I have of the tanker after it was cut in the center to add 25 inches to give me more leg room and to be able to have the engine located further down in the belly. I should be getting more pictures in the next weeks to add to this story. Next will be to build the frame to except the VW mid engine.

[frenchy dehoux]

I have decided not to use the original frame horns that were part of the original vw chassis as it will take to much room on the side so instead I will build the frame around it with its own transmission mount as well as the engine mount to support the engine and trans this will give me a better way to have the trans and engine mounted.

[frenchy dehoux]

As of today added in the center of the Tanker 25 inches to give me more room for the engine and transmission as well as more leg room as it will be driven on the street .


Thanks
Frenchy

[V8COOPMAN]

That new insert is surprisingly similar to the length necessary to put a V-12 in that thing, huh? Sure is nicely-done! DD

[frenchy dehoux]

Actually i have two more V 12 blocks and enough to build one complete but for the street the air cool engine will be more reliable for me and I will not have to worry about the radiator and the system overheating. Maybe later if I decide to install one of my V12 it will be ready for it.




Thanks
Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

As of today a few more pictures.


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

A few more of what i have done today !!


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

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As of today more done .Using a VW Type 3 which is a Squareback using the fan shroud giving me more air flow and leg room.


Frenchy

[frenchy dehoux]

A few more showing the inside .


Frenchy

[VeryTangled]

Amazing stuff Frenchy! You're always breaking my eyeballs!

This stuff is priceless!

[oldbugger]

looking good, that will be an exciting ride. Paul

[Ol' Ron]

The perfect roadster. Nice workmanship. Good luck.
Gramps

[RKS.PA]

Frenchy, this could be your new "avatar"!!

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You everyone for the great comments and positive feedback. Of course the steering wheel will be much smaller and the same style.


Thanks
Frenchy

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by frenchy dehoux

Thank You everyone for the great comments and positive feedback. Of course the steering wheel will be much smaller and the same style.


Thanks
Frenchy

Funny, as considering my sick attempts at humor, I almost commented that your steering wheel wasn't big enough. DD

[frenchy dehoux]

Here is an update on my tanker. Cut the lip of the edge so I can have the chassis even with the top. I have more pictures to add but the system will not allow me to do so not sure why .


Frenchy