Gas Tank swap? 1953 tank in a 1950 Pickup?

[ebruns1]

Hey Fellas,

My 1950 pickup truck project came with a crusty old tank that mounts behind the seat. I called the local radiator and tank repair place and they said it would run about $200 to boil out and clean up. A new tank is about $245 and mine is not a show truck. I don't like the idea of a tank inside the cab. Has anyone on here mounted the later model 1953 gas tank under the chassis in a 1948-1952 truck? Did the frame design change that radically where this would not be possible? I'd like to order a stock '53 tank and all the plumbing and cobble the mounting straps on my truck. I couldn't find any info in this forum on this idea, my apologies if it is here. Would someone please point me to the thread if this idea has already been explored? I've seen beer kegs, middle of the bed tanks but nothing on stock 1953-1957 tanks. If it fits I would be a happy camper! Thanks for any advice you can supply!

JT

[chap52]

I didn't like the tank in the cab in my 52 F-1 I put a plastic one between the frame rails in the rear. I also use an electric fuel pump, a fuel pressure regulator. LMC has one that is made for this change but it's over $450. I just measured the space and found an aftermarket one that would fit and metal strapped it in.
Guess all this to say, "If it will fit, it will work."

[toby]

Ford Truck Enthusiast: www.ford-trucks.com shows how to install a 60/70's Mustang tank in the frame of a 53 F100. I think you can also put the tank in a 48-52.

[Ross F-1]

I can't say that I've ever seen anyone do a 53 tank in a 48-52. I do remember someone putting the tank from a 48-52 panel truck under a pickup, but don't recall how much work was involved. (Panels don't have a place for a tank "behind the seats" so had a similar arrangement to the '53 pickup). Panel gas tanks are rare, not repro'd AFAIK. Making a filler work is not simple.

The trucks with the tank behind the running boards had the tank outside the frame. Not considered a good practice, and Ford went back to the in-cab tank. There are lots of people who are afraid of the in-cab tank for various reasons (not founded IMO) who have put a more modern tank behind the rear axle, in between the frame rails. Various Mustang and van tanks can fit there, but it is likely you will have to give up your spare tire, particularly if you have dual exhaust. It's not easy to get a filler over/through the frame to the fender, so many end up with one in the floor of the bed.

Personal opinion, a brand new stock tank is one of the best investments you can make.

[Zephyr Q]

I previously owned a '49 and the owner before me had put the tank from a Mustang-II between the rails and it fit nicely --- unfortunately he also some other things pretty mickey mousey so I ended up removing that tank and putting a moon tank in the bed.

[27TV8]

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I put a Jeep Cherokee in mine,with the filler out to the left fender. Then a 46 car fuel door so it looks kind of stock. Seems that posting photos has changed so the only way to see my installation is from my Blog. www.1948fordpickup.blogspot.ca. I have been slow on this project,doing wiring right now.

[JSeery]

I like the tank behind the seat, Ford used that location for many years in the pickups!

[FortyNiner]

Originally Posted by JSeery

I like the tank behind the seat, Ford used that location for many years in the pickups!

I'm with you on this. A well maintained stock tank should not allow any fumes in the cab and avoids the cascade of 'so then' changes that reflect complications arising from the original relocation. As for safety, the cab is absolutely the best. IMHO

[rotorwrench]

I don't mind fixing things that are broken but I seldom like fixing things that aren't. The only fume problem I ever had with a tank was when the filler connector hose rotted out. The tool tray on top was a catch all on some tanks but it can be handy at times. The spare was generally put where folks want to put the tank.

[TJ]

Buy a new stock tank for your pickup. Put it behind the seat and forget it. It's probably safer there than anywhere else. No need to reinvent the wheel.

[40cpe]

Not to be a fear monger, but many years ago in our little community 3 boys rolled a Ford pickup ( I don't remember the year, maybe 60's) onto its left side and slid down the pavement. Gas spilling from the tank neck behind the door caught fire and killed them before they could get out.

[redmodelt]

I am sure there have been any number of crashes where the tank burst or was punctured and people burnt to death, cars trucks etc that the tank was not even close to the cab. Model A's and 1926-27 T's with the gas tank in your face and and most of the rest of the T's under your butt along with the 32 to when ever pickup/trucks. Not going to change them. Other trucks not just Ford had the gas tank behind the seat.

[JSeery]

There are similar stories of rear tanks catching on fire, it happens. Don't think it is tank location dependent.

[chap52]

Put it where YOU WANT it. We are all just sharing our ideas and want you to enjoy doing your truck the way you want it to be. It's always good to research a project first, then decide for yourself.
Most importantly, enjoy the adventure.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by JSeery

There are similar stories of rear tanks catching on fire, it happens. Don't think it is tank location dependent.

Correct. Take a look at where the '32 -34 tanks are located. Anybody remember the Pinto gas tank issue? Accidents happen and anytime there is a crash where gasoline leaves it's container there can be a fire.