Do You Carry a Container of Gas in your Trunk?

[19Fordy]

Do any of you good folks carry a spare can of gas in your trunk just in case you "run dry" on the road? If so:
What size container?
Metal or plastic?
Do you get a gasolene smell?
Is it air tight?
Plus other suggestions welcomed such as what specific BRAND container have you found to be the best? Harbor Freight products scare me.

Thanks.

[4t7heaven]

Originally Posted by 19fordy

do any of you good folks carry a spare can of gas in your trunk just in case you "run dry" on the road? If so:
What size container?
Metal or plastic?
Do you get a gasolene smell?
Is it air tight?
Plus other suggestions welcomed such as what specific brand container have you found to be the best? Harbor freight products scare me.

Thanks.

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
Remember the Pinto?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Do any of you good folks carry a spare can of gas in your trunk just in case you "run dry" on the road? If so:
What size container?
Metal or plastic?
Do you get a gasolene smell?
Is it air tight?
Plus other suggestions welcomed such as what specific BRAND container have you found to be the best? Harbor Freight products scare me.

Thanks.

Yikes! That's a huge NO for me.

[PeterC]

Absolutely NO for me - I watch my fuel carefully - I never trust my gauge - always estimate by mileage leaving big margin for error - and fill up often.


The thought of an accident with fuel in the trunk terrifies me - bad enough its in the fuel tank!

[Brendan]

nope i get gas every 100 miles. i always keep it full. i have a Friend that only put 10 bucks worth of gas in his car! i don't understand that. when i get gas i allays fill it up

[V8 Bob]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Do any of you good folks carry a spare can of gas in your trunk just in case you "run dry" on the road? If so:
What size container?
Metal or plastic?
Do you get a gasolene smell?
Is it air tight?
Plus other suggestions welcomed such as what specific BRAND container have you found to be the best? Harbor Freight products scare me.

Thanks.

Carrying a can of gas in the trunk would scare me! Add, or improve your gas gauge so you can trust it, but NO spare gas can in the trunk, unless it's an empty "show" can.

[19Fordy]

OK, you all convinced me. Yes, I do remember the Pinto. Ford's first exploder.
NO GAS CAN IN TRUNK.

Thanks.

[my4dv8]

It doesn’t cost anymore to keep the tank topped up. No gas in the trunk.

[RalphG]

This will come as no surprise to some that know me but I do have a plastic container of gas in the trunk of the 52 Merc. In fact it is my gas tank! The original tank rusted away to dust years ago and I just strapped in a 5 gallon plastic marine tank to get by with back in 2015 until I got a "real gas tank". So far it works so well that I have not got around to replacing it. Yes, there is a bit of a gas smell when I first open the door to get in but the Merc is well ventilated and the smell soon goes away. I need to replace some metal in the trunk before trying to adapt another tank (from a Meteor) into the Merc.
In this photo I did not yet have the strap installed to hold down the tank.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by RalphG

This will come as no surprise to some that know me but I do have a plastic container of gas in the trunk of the 52 Merc. In fact it is my gas tank! The original tank rusted away to dust years ago and I just strapped in a 5 gallon plastic marine tank to get by with back in 2015 until I got a "real gas tank". So far it works so well that I have not got around to replacing it. Yes, there is a bit of a gas smell when I first open the door to get in but the Merc is well ventilated and the smell soon goes away. I need to replace some metal in the trunk before trying to adapt another tank (from a Meteor) into the Merc.
In this photo I did not yet have the strap installed to hold down the tank.

It is apparent that you do not realize it is the FUMES that are far more combustible than the liquid.
Please do not park or drive anywhere near me.

[50fordcoupeman]

Originally Posted by RalphG

This will come as no surprise to some that know me but I do have a plastic container of gas in the trunk of the 52 Merc. In fact it is my gas tank! The original tank rusted away to dust years ago and I just strapped in a 5 gallon plastic marine tank to get by with back in 2015 until I got a "real gas tank". So far it works so well that I have not got around to replacing it. Yes, there is a bit of a gas smell when I first open the door to get in but the Merc is well ventilated and the smell soon goes away. I need to replace some metal in the trunk before trying to adapt another tank (from a Meteor) into the Merc.
In this photo I did not yet have the strap installed to hold down the tank.

Please be careful Ralph..........if you can smell fumes then it CAN explode!!

[19Fordy]

Ralph,previous replies to my initial question have convinced me that you are taking a BIG risk. Hurry up and install a replacement steel tank. Here's one:
https://www.ebay.com/i/233366531863?...SABEgImzPD_BwE

[RalphG]

40 years ago I'd agree, gas fumes were pretty volatile. We used to light fires and use a little gas as an accelerant out in the bush piles. And yes, throwing a lit match would have an explosion before the match hit the ground. Today's gas is not that bad. I weld and grind and have sparks all around the workshop where the Merc is parked. Never a problem. Not that I'm advising anybody else to do it but I'm comfortable with it. But yes, I do have intentions of getting a "real gas tank" back in the Merc.

[51 MERC-CT]

Biggest risk is as stated, gas fumes.
That tank should have a vented cap that can be shut off when not in use.
Being plastic really is not that significant considering that new cars have had plastic fuel tanks installed for a number of years.

[leon bee]

I carry gas in the trunk whenever I need to. I live in the Ozarks.

[Mart]

I carry gas in the trunk often. It's always in a specifically designed container for that purpose though.

If you really thought about it you'd never drive a Model A or a 32/33/34. The gas tank is very exposed on the latter and above your knees in the former.

If you do carry spare fuel in a can it should be a fit for purpose can and secured with a strap or something similar.

Mart.

[TJ]

Big no, no on putting a container of gas in the trunk. While waiting at a gas station I recently saw an idiot, during our power outages, put 6 containers of gas in the back of a small SUV! You can't fix stupid.

[Mart]

There seems to be a big built in resistance to carrying fuel in a gas can. Ok, I'll try and understand, but tell me how is someone supposed to fetch fuel for their lawn mower, snowblower or (as in the case of the "idiot" above) a generator?

Are you saying in the open bed of a pickup is fine, but in a closed trunk a no-no? Is that the difference?

Mart.

[TJ]

Mart, that is definitely the difference.

[Mart]

Ok, thanks, gotcha.

Ok this is my non US perspective. Here we don't tend to have pickups as second vehicles and petrol cans have always been about. I've never heard any mention of it being a bad idea to carry fuel in the boot (trunk).

It must be a US thing. The only thing I have ever seen regarding fuel cans is that they must be made specifically for the purpose. The are signs in the gas stations stating that.
The cans are sealed so there isn't a smell, unless you are sloppy when filling them.

To each their own, though. This forum is global though, what is common practise in one country may not be in another.

Mart.

[FrankWest]

I heard of carrying water, but not gas...it will smell up the car. Just keep your tank full.

[redmodelt]

Ok so lets see, I am in the middle of a major power outage and the only way to get gas is with a pickup and I don't have one so I guess I am out of luck because some old worry wort said it was unsafe..I think not. People have been carrying gas in metal cans no less in the trunk of their cars like forever. I drive a Model T and am sitting on the gas tank!
I do however have a pickup and per Oregon law fill the cans on the ground to prevent static discharge and strap them in place so they don't slide around on the plastic bedliner before I leave.

[my4dv8]

I took the gas tank out from under the seat in our 32 pick up . It was rusty and didn’t like the idea of sitting on it. I had a clean original passenger tank to put in the rear.

[TJ]

As a retired LEO I've see more than my share of vehicle fires in accidents. Some occurred when a car was rear ended and there was a can of gas in the trunk. Once you see the damage to the vehicle and usually the occupant(s) you will never make that mistake again. You might be fine if you live in an area where there is little or no traffic, but in areas with a lot of traffic, everyone in a big hurray, and people who don't pay attention, the potential for an accident is great. Once you see someone who was burned in a car fire it will get your attention in a hurry.

[V8 Bob]

The original post was about always carrying a gas can in the trunk "in case" of an emergency, not temporarily "during" an emergency or when needed.

[marko39]

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I don't make a habit of it but I fill a few 5 gal. cans every month for stuff at home. Put them in the back of my daily driver, a 98 Escort. In the 70's with the gas rationing we would carry a fiver in the trunk wher we went on trips. One reason to do it is to calibrate your fuel gauge. Run it out of gas to see what your gauge reeds. I would not do this often.

[redmodelt]

I understand what you are saying, but on the flip side I have known people that were burned to death in Pickup roll overs without extra tanks kicking around. So yes poo can happen.

[Kube]

I'm not going to mention specific names but my gosh, there truly are a lot of really ignorant folks in this world. Need more proof? Read this entire thread.

[JSeery]

Our local police carried gas can in their trunks at one time. Not sure if they still do or not. Be interesting to hear how everyone get their mower/yard equipment from the filling stations to there homes.

[50fordcoupeman]

This thread has somewhat lost the OP's original thoughts. He asked if folks carried extra gas in case one runs out. He didn't ask if folks brought gas home in their trunks for the lawn mower. Two totally separate situations......................

[deuce_roadster]

I would NEVER carry gas in a trunk. I am curious though, is Ralph waiting for the first time it wasn't OK welding and grinding around his gas cans? He likely would not survive or get a second chance. Geez.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

I would NEVER carry gas in a trunk. I am curious though, is Ralph waiting for the first time it wasn't OK welding and grinding around his gas cans? He likely would not survive or get a second chance. Geez.

I guess it is a minor miracle I have survived over 60 years working around machinery and hazardous materials unscathed considering my cavalier attitude to safety.

[26 lakes]

You will end up with a new nickname. Like Torch, Sparky, or Stop Drop and Roll.

[leon bee]

I know we're getting far afield, but hey, it's fun. I frequently drive machines which have gallons of gas right between my legs!

[slowforty]

What about the gas tank behind the seat in a pick up?

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 50fordcoupeman

This thread has somewhat lost the OP's original thoughts. He asked if folks carried extra gas in case one runs out. He didn't ask if folks brought gas home in their trunks for the lawn mower. Two totally separate situations......................

Maybe I'm a little on the slow side, but a gas can in the trunk is a gas can in the trunk. Not sure it matters what you are using it for.

[tubman]

I, for one, would not think twice about carrying a 2 gallon can from the station to my shop (two miles) in the trunk. I would never consider carrying one permanently. It raises the odds to an unacceptable level. However, when I was 22 ......

[philipswanson]

How about a motorcycle with the tank between your legs?

[Charlie ny]

We just got another cat !
Charlie ny

[50fordcoupeman]

Originally Posted by Charlie ny

We just got another cat !
Charlie ny

Haha............well said!!!

[RalphM]

I drove a 69, and 70 Ford truck for almost 30 years combined. Regular cab, Gas tank behind the seat. Only issue was when you fill it on a hot day make sure you park with the drivers side uphill!
I went to get in several times after not doing so, only to find a waterfall of gas falling right by the drivers door!

[Tinker]

In true fordbarn fashion we do what we do. And I do what I do.


Not the best idea to have a boat gas tank as a main source of fuel I guess. But some of us just run around fields and some don't. Probably the same as running a t tank on a 8va in the trunk. Models A had gas tanks in the dash and T's under the driver seat.


If your traveling having a little tank of gas in the truck is fine. Depending on your ride it'd not smell real decent maybe. Get a running board tank if needed. Granted gas stations are everywhere.


Think this would be a obvious thing... or not

[RalphM]

Funny story, my wife was traveling from Texas to Alaska the first time, so I told her to get a spare gas can and bring it with her in her truck. Gas stations in Canada were few and far between then. When she arrived I found out She had traveled the entire way with an empty gas can !

[RalphG]

Just to add fuel to the fire (pun intended) our common method of getting an old vehicle started and running,, bypassing a rusty dirty fuel tank, was to use a plastic oil jug sitting beside the engine with the gas line from the fuel pump inserted. It worked well for a test drive but I'm sure the "safety police" would have something to criticize on that practice.

[leon bee]

Some of those old farm tractors in the winter, the fuel line could freeze up right there by the carb. It always looked interesting when you had to light a couple of those old barn burner big matches and run em all around the gas line.

[Karl]

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Originally Posted by Kube

It is apparent that you do not realize it is the FUMES that are far more combustible than the liquid.
Please do not park or drive anywhere near me.

1 cup of vaporised gas explodes with a force of 25 lbs of Dynamite !!

[Tinker]

boy, I need to remove gas cans for my snowblower eminently out of my garage. It's a time bomb.... I'll chance it... yawn

[tiger.1000]

Curiously; my 1973 Ford Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible has a factory fitted petrol can that sits on top of and is securely fixed to the spare wheel. There is never a smell of petrol fumes as the lid on the can is a good fit.
Quite frankly I can't see what all the fuss is about ???

[chap52]

I don't carry spare gas. I need to stretch my old back after a few miles anyway and I love to share my car with gas station onlookers. Get lot's of folks asking to take pictures and I have even let kids sit in the drivers seat while a parent snaps a photo.
One of the best parts of owning a old car or truck is sharing the joy... Chap

[corvette8n]

No can just a Triple A card, funny thing have not needed them for gas, but did get towed a few times.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by RalphM

Funny story, my wife was traveling from Texas to Alaska the first time, so I told her to get a spare gas can and bring it with her in her truck. Gas stations in Canada were few and far between then. When she arrived I found out She had traveled the entire way with an empty gas can !

That actually is funny! Thanks for the morning smile

[Juergen]

Every one I know goes to a gas station with his car and his lawn mower can of gas, fills it up and returns home with it to fill his lawn mower/snow blower etc. Ditto for guys buying gas for their boats instead of buying high priced marina gas. There probably is more danger in driving our old cars in a collision (no air bags etc) so if you play the numbers, don't drive old cars whether you have a gas can in them or not

I use the plastic cans as they can expand/retract with changing temperature while remaining sealed as the tin cans leak fuel/vapors.

[Frank Miller]

I have driven 190 miles between gas stations. While my car can easily do this, many can't. Before my time but I remember reading that the way to get the ultimate shine from a lacquer paint job was to wet sand with gasoline instead of water. My uncle even told me of doing it until his skin cracked. I'm sure anyone over 50 has washed greasy parts in gasoline. I bet there were even gas station attendants sucking on a cigarette while filling your tank. In the early years gas was bought and stored in 55 gallon drums and stored in the garage.
I'm all for safety. How many of you carry jackstands with you while traveling in case you need to get under a jacked up car. Or even chock blocks to keep a car from rolling if you need to jack it up to change a spare. I do.

[Karl Wescott]

A gas can stored in a well sealed trunk is imho a bad idea. A fuel tank in an unventilated trunk is a worse idea. The gas can needs to be vented for pressure relief with temperature changes. The vapors are heaver than air and will settle at the lowest point. One ignition source and "poof" or "BOOM". Even in a garage this can be a problem (US fire code requires furnaces and gas water heater flames to be at least iirc 12 inches above the floor to keep away from any stored fuel fumes).


You might be able to transport gas for a short distance, but be sure to air out the trunk. If you have a 1937-40 and still have a need for a spare gallon, keep it in the tool area at the back with a couple of drain holes under it... the fumes will be contained by the tool well and drain out the holes.



A horror story from my days as a volunteer firefighter. A local rodder takes his nice, freshly finished, fiberglass (not our body) 1932 3 window out for a Sunday cruise. Splashes a little gas while filling the in trunk tank (not good). Comes home and parks the car in the shop overnight (less good). Next morning the car is reeking, so he decides to take the carpet out. Without airing it out (bad idea), while it is still in the shop (worse idea). Static electricity ignites the fumes. BOOM. Minor burns to the owner (LUCKY). We get called in on the second alarm. The butchers bill includes the 3 Window, the 5 stall shop, a tractor, a new special edition 2010 Mustang, one or two other cars, A custom built log house, and a couple acres of grass/forest.

[19Fordy]

Gosh Karl, Thanks for posting that. Is static electricity the reason why you should never fill a gas can while it is in the bed of a pickup truck?

[Darrell S]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Gosh Karl, Thanks for posting that. Is static electricity the reason why you should never fill a gas can while it is in the bed of a pickup truck?

Not with a plastic bed liner.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Gosh Karl, Thanks for posting that. Is static electricity the reason why you should never fill a gas can while it is in the bed of a pickup truck?

Yes it is . I've heard the horror stories ..........

[JimNNN]

I'm also part of the "no full gas can in the trunk" school of thought (although it doesn't require much thought to avoid that dangerous practice.) Two of my cars have non-functioning gas gauges, but I keep a fuel log. Non-existent sending units are why my gauges don't work, but I never run out of gas with the log, I just never go more than 100 miles without a refill. You have to be consistent about filling out the log, though.

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Nope and for the reasons posted .....

[Karl Wescott]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Gosh Karl, Thanks for posting that. Is static electricity the reason why you should never fill a gas can while it is in the bed of a pickup truck?

That is part of it. The more important part is when (not if) there is an overfill it is on the ground and less hazard to deal with.


If you are filling a metal container it should be grounded to the fill hose... which should have a conductive ground wire in turn be grounded to the supplier tank. This also goes for filling your car. If you are filling from a plastic container, now you are the conductor to ground and should be grounded to the vehicle.

[JimNNN]

Originally Posted by Karl Wescott

A horror story from my days as a volunteer firefighter. A local rodder takes his nice, freshly finished, fiberglass (not our body) 1932 3 window out for a Sunday cruise. Splashes a little gas while filling the in trunk tank (not good). Comes home and parks the car in the shop overnight (less good). Next morning the car is reeking, so he decides to take the carpet out. Without airing it out (bad idea), while it is still in the shop (worse idea). Static electricity ignites the fumes. BOOM. Minor burns to the owner (LUCKY). We get called in on the second alarm. The butchers bill includes the 3 Window, the 5 stall shop, a tractor, a new special edition 2010 Mustang, one or two other cars, A custom built log house, and a couple acres of grass/forest.

Yowza, what a story! Static electricity is something that isn't on most of our minds, at least as much as it should be. Another good reason for me not driving antique cars in extremely cold weather (when static electric discharges are at their peak.) Parts of our house used to get so dry during deep winter that we could erroneously set off the fire alarm just by brushing up against the wall close to where it was mounted.



The closest I came to a gas tank catastrophe was many years ago when I was filling up my EDD at a convenience store. The customer before me was either extremely messy or had a leaky tank or filler, because there was gas all over the pavement. About that time, a dumb smoker walks right by the pump and flicks her lit cigarette on the ground...it lands about an inch from the spillage. She looked at me as if to say, "what's wrong with YOU?" as I frantically stomped the burning cigarette out with my foot.

[David J]

To answer the OP's question YES .
No idea what brand as it is an old steel one .
If you keep up with replacing the rubber sealing washers it does not smell at all .
If if doesn't smell at all if probably isn't going to explode .

I like 33-34 cars and as mentioned already they have pretty exposed gas tanks .

That said if I was going to surrender to paranoia I wouldn't drive old cars period .
AND how about pickups with the gas tank behind or under the seat ?

That's a whole lot worse IMHO .

[marko39]

A static discharge can also if someone gets gas and sits back in the car while it's filling. When the get out and touch the nozzle a spark is produced right near the filler neck. In many states you can't pump gas without holding the trigger which reduces this risk. However, you can wedge something under the trigger just don't get back in the car.

[RalphM]

Originally Posted by marko39

A static discharge can also if someone gets gas and sits back in the car while it's filling. When the get out and touch the nozzle a spark is produced right near the filler neck. In many states you can't pump gas without holding the trigger which reduces this risk. However, you can wedge something under the trigger just don't get back in the car.

Yep see it all the time. But you can’t tell people at 40 below not to get back in their car, they just don’t understand. Problem is the static is about 10 times worse at those temperatures.

[philipswanson]

Here in San Diego, nobody pays attention to the possibility of a static spark. I gas up at Costco's busiest station in the state and people set the pump to fill and jump back in their cars all the time. Virtually all women do this and about half the men. Never been a problem here.

[GB SISSON]

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I know this isn't within the scope of the original thread... But it has now evolved into the 'fuel safety thread'. I have a universal fit type poly tank in my woodie truck. It fits between the frame rails behind the axle and I bored a hole in the truck's rear fender for the filler. Do I need a ground somewhere? This thread is giving me the willys, plastic tanks etc..... I am an alumni of a logging slash fire started with gas many years ago. Not pretty.

[tiger.1000]

A notice to all cigarette smokers. Drop a lighted cigarette in to a can of petrol. The petrol will extinguish the cigarette as there is not enough heat to ignite the fuel.
However, maybe US petrol and cigarettes aren't the same as UK versions ?

[Karl]

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

A notice to all cigarette smokers. Drop a lighted cigarette in to a can of petrol. The petrol will extinguish the cigarette as there is not enough heat to ignite the fuel.
However, maybe US petrol and cigarettes aren't the same as UK versions ?

Not sure I would want to try this experiment. I guess its the vapours that explode. Smoking is definitely more dangerous than carrying petrol in your trunk!-Karl

[Frank Miller]

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

A notice to all cigarette smokers. Drop a lighted cigarette in to a can of petrol. The petrol will extinguish the cigarette as there is not enough heat to ignite the fuel.
However, maybe US petrol and cigarettes aren't the same as UK versions ?

Gasoline as a liquid does not burn. Vapors do. The cigarette will ignite any vapors on top of the gas but the liquid does not burn. Why a flooded motor will not start. The heat will make more vapors though. Someone refilling a fuel tank they replaced a pump on ignited a 10 gallon container using a regular electric pump. I just put a nearby piece of sheet metal over it to suffocate it. Water will not extinguish a gasoline fire.

[cmbrucew]

A lit cigarette will not ignite fumes or liquid, a spark or flame is required.


Bruce

[glennpm]

I sometimes carry one of the 2-1/2 gallon gas cans made by Rotopax. It is the only gas can that I have ever used that gives off no fumes. Don't overfill it and considering temperature and pressure changes follow the manufacturer's warning, "

PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER TO VENT THE FUEL PACK ONCE PER DAY IF THE ELEVATION OR TEMPERATURE CHANGES SIGNIFICANTLY."

https://rotopax.com/rotopax/

[donald1950]

i carry a 2 1/2 gallon VP fuel container about half full in the trunk of my model A. the caps on the jug are well fitted and seal very well. And i check the trunk for fumes each time i drive it and have had no gasoline smell what so ever. it has a square base with little chance of tipping over with normal driving... Don

[Kurt in NJ]

Friend at work went to get gas for lawn mower, also has subwoofer in trunk--- turned the radio on, then got smoke from trunk, the front plate survived

[jake197000]

if I was on a long desolate trip I woulnt be afraid to carry extra fuel in a very high quality can.they aint cheap.

[leon bee]

I thought we might be up to 5 pages by now. How about this: a friend wanted a couple good cans to haul gas for all his mowers and yard machinery. Amazon sent him two nice shiny red 5 gallon army type cans. He filled em up at the station. A few days later he discovered that the ethanol gas he'd bought had dissolved a coating inside the chinese cans and the gas was all full of gooey gray stuff. You just never know what you're gonna get.

[dumb person]

I do sometimes, but i'm from a time when gas stations were so rare that people were running around with 3 fuel tanks replacing seats in their cars at one stage.

[David J]

[QUOTE=glennpm;1827721] PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER TO VENT THE FUEL PACK ONCE PER DAY IF THE ELEVATION OR TEMPERATURE CHANGES SIGNIFICANTLY." . QUOTE]

This is indeed important .

I only have the can in car if the car is being used .
NOT when parked and it gets burped before going in the car .

[mfirth]

Nope, the kind of gas i have can't be put in a can......too many beans !

[deuce_roadster]

As with any potential problem--it is fine until it isn't. I have set my gas gauges on my old cars to read zero when there is 1.5 gallons left and try to never let it get below 1/4. So I never have any reason to carry gas in a can. If I am getting gas for my chain saw, blower etc, I use my F150.

[Ken/Alabama]

That would be a big NO for me. I drive my cars almost daily. I even take trips in them from time to time so for me it’s no different than driving my wife’s 2014 Ford Explorer , I don’t carry around a can of gas in it . I do keep a closer eye on the fuel gauge in my old cars. But for the last 35 years I haven’t justified a gas can in the trunk.

[koates]

I have for years carried a 5 litre plastic fuel container behind the back seat in my 1934 Ford 4 door sedan. The screw on lid and seal works perfectly so no smells and never a problem. Its tied down and cant move. Funny thing I have never needed it but have got a couple of other vintage Fords out of trouble who have run out of petrol. I have a larger fire extinguisher in all my vehicles. The 1934 Ford does not have a trunk or boot only a storage area behind the rear seat in sedans. Oh by the way I was a fireman for 34 years and do understand about fires and ignition. My hydrostatic fuel gauge is not all that accurate. All knockers are welcome to reply or not ride in my car. Regards, Kevin.

[39portlander]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

OK, you all convinced me. Yes, I do remember the Pinto. Ford's first exploder.
NO GAS CAN IN TRUNK.

Thanks.

I learned how to drive in my uncles shit brown 77 Pinto, little did we know then might have opted for the country squire wagon instead, but that wasn't cool.

I will say we always made sure we had a spare can of gas in our outboard when going out fishing growing up

[Mart]

I suppose the important point is, having a car with a reliable fuel gauge. That's why I put one in my truck recently.

Mart.

[19Fordy]

koates: I notice that the expansion of the gas inside a plastic container causes the container to swell up. Does that present a danger?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

koates: I notice that the expansion of the gas inside a plastic container causes the container to swell up. Does that present a danger?

Hey Jim....For years now I've always kept several of these 5-gallon racing-type fuel jugs around the house as we have quite a bit of land to mow, and I always have about 50 gallons on hand for the generator if we have an imminent hurricane looming in the Gulf. We went through 45 gallons after Ike in 2008. As handy and rugged as they are for everyday use, I continue to replace one or two of them a year it seems. They start-out quite ruggedly-built with the plastic material as thick as 1/4" in places, with well-sealing caps. Outside in the heat (even in the shade), they DO swell-up unless I BARELY crack the cap to relieve pressure. But the worst part is the fact that the plastic will eventually crack or split, effectively rendering them worthless, as well as dangerous if they happen to have gasoline in them when the split occurs. I'm not sure I like the idea of a plastic tank, especially not knowing anything of the engineering or manufacturing details of most of these sorts of products. Your mileage may vary! DD

[RalphG]

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Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

But the worst part is the fact that the plastic will eventually crack or split, effectively rendering them worthless, as well as dangerous if they happen to have gasoline in them when the split occurs. I'm not sure I like the idea of a plastic tank, especially not knowing anything of the engineering or manufacturing details of most of these sorts of products. Your mileage may vary! DD

I think the weather and how you store them is a big factor in the lifespan of plastic fuel containers. I think my oldest is a 5 gallon red plastic container that I bought in 1974. I've broken a spout or two but the plastic tank itself remains secure. These plastic fuel containers are stored in sheds protected from the weather.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by RalphG

I think the weather and how you store them is a big factor in the lifespan of plastic fuel containers. These plastic fuel containers are stored in sheds protected from the weather.

Mine are stored in a big shed also. That's where they crack. Gets kind'a warm in Houston Town. DD

[Marvin/TN]

When I was stationed at RAF Mildenhall in the USAF back in the early 1960's I had a Morris Minor. The previous owner fitted a 5 US gal jerry can in the trunk/boot that was tied into the original gas tank with a valve to turn it off. We could fill up on the base for .25 cents an Imperial gal, about 2 shillings, and not on the open market. Seems like the open market was something like around $1.25 US. When you were making less than $100.00 a month that make a lot of difference so the spare gas tank. The jerry can was mounted in the back next to the deck lid.You had to remember to close the valve before filling up the jerry can or it would over flow the main tank. Don't ask me how I know.

[19Fordy]

Gee, seems like plastic is not all that it's "cracked up" to be. Guess the old style Jerry cans were the best but oh, so heavy.

[Marvin/TN]

yes you should always fill up gas tanks on the ground no matter plastic or metal. and always keep the nozzle in contact with the container. I wish I had a dollar for every gal of fuel I have put on an airplane, both Avaition Gas and Jet fuel. Have put 5000 gal of jet fuel
on one airplane., some were serviced over the wing and some with single point.

[Marvin/TN]

Well I guess we could just drive our mower 5 miles tomthe nearest gas station and drive it back home, make one round the yard than go back to fil it up again...... NOT!!!
I do have a truck and I do secure my gas can when going to and from the station. But in times past I haven't always had a truck so no choice but put it in the trunk. I don't smoke and never have so that eliminates one danger factor.

[leon bee]

I spilled about a gallon of diesel in the back of my little daily beater SUV. Soaked the carpet, man I hate that smell. I had a box of cedar sawdust, threw that in there-not much help. Than I scraped all that out and threw in half a bag of cat litter. That solved it.

[koates]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

koates: I notice that the expansion of the gas inside a plastic container causes the container to swell up. Does that present a danger?

The plastic gas/petrol containers are specifically designed to do the job of containing fuel and are very strong and safe, even more so than a metal can with its seems which can split or leak. The plastic can has a lot of "give" to allow for any expansion, however I have not noticed any expansion in my container. Regards, Kevin.

[koates]

As most of you fellas now know that nearly all new modern cars have plastic fuel tanks in the rear so I would recon that they have been engineered and tested to the max. So plastic fuel containers designed for gas/petrol are not an issue anymore. Regards, Kevin.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by koates

As most of you fellas now know that nearly all new modern cars have plastic fuel tanks in the rear so I would recon that they have been engineered and tested to the max. So plastic fuel containers designed for gas/petrol are not an issue anymore. Regards, Kevin.

Kevin....I have to agree with you to a point, the point being that the BIG auto manufacturers do stringent testing and SHOULD know the proper, contemporary chemical compounds to use for long-lasting tanks, although don't forget that the BIG guys also designed the Pinto systems. As far as these low-volume-production aftermarket tanks go, we really don't have any idea how well or how safely they have been engineered, nor their chemical make-up, not to mention the quality control of production methods, or even the location of such manufacture. I'd also have to seriously wonder how old or how well-trained the actual factory workers might be. AND just FYI...my plastic containers for gas/petrol ARE still a serious issue when they continue to crack and leak...shouldn't be hard to understand. DD

[Tinker]

A bummer but this is a link to a group of model T people on fb i follow. People were fine. No fires just a bit of metal to rebuild hopefully. Glad everyone was okay! be safe at all cost!


https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...02854526473290




.

[Cecil/WV]

I knew a man who had a '48 Crosley in the '50's with a bad gas tank and he ran a hose inside the car and ran it on 2, 1 gallon jugs. When the first jug ran out, he would reach around and pull the hose out of one and put it in the other. Ran it that way for months!

[tiger.1000]

Back in the 60's my pal Syd was running a Ford Zodiac .On his meagre wages he could barely afford the petrol.....so....he spent quite a lot of time in the cinema car park.
He had a 12volt SU electric pump in the boot. He'd park up close to a suitable victim and insert his hose in to their tank; turn on a switch and bingo ! Cheapest to run Zodiac ever built !

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by tiger.1000

Back in the 60's my pal Syd was running a Ford Zodiac .On his meagre wages he could barely afford the petrol.....so....he spent quite a lot of time in the cinema car park.
He had a 12volt SU electric pump in the boot. He'd park up close to a suitable victim and insert his hose in to their tank; turn on a switch and bingo ! Cheapest to run Zodiac ever built !

Ugh that sucks, maybe that person couldn't afford it either. Guess it makes sense why I have a locking gas caps on all my vehicles, other then another asshat that will put something in the tank just because for no reason.

[Brian]

I agree; I rate people who steal other peoples gasoline to be amongst the lowest form of beings; total scum!
Is Syd still your 'pal'?

[Tinker]

sooo.... plastic grocery bags to carry fuel YIKES!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRjNdgAetQE






.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Tinker

sooo.... plastic grocery bags to carry fuel YIKES!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRjNdgAetQE

My God, it's true....You really can't fix "STUPID" DD

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Ugh that sucks, maybe that person couldn't afford it either. Guess it makes sense why I have a locking gas caps on all my vehicles, other then another asshat that will put something in the tank just because for no reason.

A locking gas cap will only deter the opportunist, never the determined thief. Add that discouraging fact to the initial cost of a locking cap, you might as well leave the stock cap alone, particularly when the newer cars smog tech requires a tight sealing cap.

[Tinker]

I have them on all my vehicles I own. Caps are cheap, think the worst was the 50's atlas's for my 38 and 36. 50$ is cheap for peace of mind when you leave your car outside a public place for awhile. On my f150 it was 12$ (mind I didn't always live in great areas)



But true someone that wants to steal will have at it. Locks make an honest person honest. And a thief to maybe look to the next guy, unfortunately for him. Thieves are one thing, asshats are another.


.

[NealinCA]

The plastic bag video is unbelievable. But at least she double bagged it...that ought to make it safe for transport.