Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NW Task Force · 03-12-2011, 12:05 PM

I was wondering if anyone knows a source for fuel tanks for the 55-59 Chevy/GMC crowd. I would like to get an under-bed setup for $300. or less. It doesn't matter what material it is made of. I also need it to be compatable with my stock fuel gauge. Any suggestions, sources, and part #'s would be appreciated greatly!!!

blackdiesel · 03-12-2011, 01:52 PM

69 mustang tanks 129 bucks, is what I used.

candyx · 03-12-2011, 02:15 PM

I had one made at Boyd Welding down in Florida,aluminum well constructed.

*lakeroadster* · 03-12-2011, 02:23 PM

Here is an article: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=442&SID=2&CID=

NW Task Force · 03-12-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackdiesel

69 mustang tanks 129 bucks, is what I used.

I would be interested in seeing some pics of this setup. Did you use the 69' sending unit as well?

blackdiesel · 03-12-2011, 08:36 PM

No I have an LS motor so I used and chevy late model intank pump and unit. Search for mustang tank several guys have used it.

floridasteve · 03-12-2011, 09:42 PM

I used the mustang tank as well. Ebay has them on the inexpensive side. I used the GM sending unit and tweaked the float and sending unit. I have not tried the sending unit yet but I expect it all to work out.

bfink · 03-12-2011, 09:49 PM

i used a summit racing fuel cell , 25x17x9" , has a built in 90ohm sending unit . i just drilled out a few rivit's and moved the very rear x-member back 2-3 inches and used summits mounting brackets ( you could make your own) i dont know how the filler is gonna work yet as i havent put the bed back on yet . 159.95 for the fuel cell , 32 bucks for the mounting brackets

ChuckDriver · 03-12-2011, 10:36 PM

This one will work.

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd83.htm

NW Task Force · 03-12-2011, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

This one will work.

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd83.htm

Thank you for the link! Is this the tank you put on your truck? I am basically looking for something that is bolt-in and go! The tank in the link seems to be a simple design and some straps to put it up. It looks like the sending unit is sold seperately.

beanyard · 03-13-2011, 12:43 AM

did you end up using the mustang tank as a top fill or a rear fill?

ChuckDriver · 03-13-2011, 09:18 AM

I didn't use that particular one, but mine is from Tanks, it was their universal tank they made in the past in steel. I don't think they make it anymore. It looks like the poly tank would fit betwenn the frame rails real nice and not hang down to low. As far as it working with the stock gas gauge, you would have to match the sender's resistance, and I don't know what the stock gauge range is. Are you planning a EFI engine for your's, if not you wouldn't need the in tank pump. Good luck!

NW Task Force · 03-13-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

As far as it working with the stock gas gauge, you would have to match the sender's resistance, and I don't know what the stock gauge range is.

Anyone know what ohm range I need to find for a sending unit to work with the stock gauge? I am planning to run carborated only.

OrrieG · 03-14-2011, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW Task Force

Anyone know what ohm range I need to find for a sending unit to work with the stock gauge? I am planning to run carborated only.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4506218

GhostTown · 03-14-2011, 09:06 AM

This was my route: LINK

Pics of it here: LINK

*lakeroadster* · 03-14-2011, 10:17 AM

This is for those "newer" trucks but you might find it helpfull: Rear Mount Gas Tank 63-72 Short Bed Step Side

Maximus · 03-15-2011, 02:46 PM

Does anyone know the Ohm reading between ford and GM?
I plan on using aftermarket gauges and thought it would be easier to use the mustang tank with the appropriate Ohm settings...

Anyone know what those Ohm readings are?

*lakeroadster* · 03-15-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Does anyone know the Ohm reading between ford and GM?
I plan on using aftermarket gauges and thought it would be easier to use the mustang tank with the appropriate Ohm settings...

Anyone know what those Ohm readings are?

Got this off a Ford Mustang blog. They were discussing a 1965 mustang sending unit:

FYI the fuel sender can be read with an ohm meter. The reading when empty is approximently 73 Ohms and when full approx. 10 Ohms. Ford went to a different resistance rating for their fuel senders in the, I believe, early 80s. It is 240 Ohms empty and 33 Ohms full

This matches ohm readings if you got to Jegs for fuel gages. They have:

0-30 ohms (our old Chevy Trucks)
0-90 ohms (Chevy Trucks newer than ours)
240-33 ohms (80's and up Fords as discussed above)
73-10 ohms (like the '65 mustang discussed above)

Maximus · 03-15-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Got this off a Ford Mustang blog. They were discussing a 1965 mustang sending unit:

FYI the fuel sender can be read with an ohm meter. The reading when empty is approximently 73 Ohms and when full approx. 10 Ohms. Ford went to a different resistance rating for their fuel senders in the, I believe, early 80s. It is 240 Ohms empty and 33 Ohms full

This matches ohm readings if you got to Jegs for fuel gages. They have:

0-30 ohms (our old Chevy Trucks)
0-90 ohms (Chevy Trucks newer than ours)
240-33 ohms (80's and up Fords as discussed above)
73-10 ohms (like the '65 mustang discussed above)

Thats what I found duringg my searching but it was such an unusual range that I thought it was incorrect...
Thanks!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

*lakeroadster* · 03-15-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Thats what I found duringg my searching but it was such an unusual range that I thought it was incorrect...
Thanks!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

It's F-O-R-D stuff... they wrote the book on unusual.

Stick with the Bowtie... much less confusing

On one of my previous projects I built a '27 Ford Hot Rod Roadster Pickup. I got a great deal on a $500 '85 Mustang GT that I used for the motor & tranny (5.0HO and 4-speed manual). By the time I was done buying / fabricating all the wierd brackets and pieces parts to make it fit/work I would have been money & time ahead using the tried and true SBC and Muncie combination.

Like my signature line states: A smart man learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.

NW Task Force · 03-15-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

This one will work.

http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd83.htm

I honestly like the looks of this tank! The price is affordable and it seems to be a direct fit. They also sell the GME sending unit for 0-30ohms (for my factory gauges)........only $30. This looks like a winner!

OrrieG · 03-16-2011, 12:55 PM

Poly is ok if it is protected, I had a steel auxilary tank in the spare tire location originally and decided to go with the aluminum one after looking at all the dents and scrapes in the steel one from off road use. If you are going to just be driving around town and its tucked up high enough to avoid parking bumpers, etc. then it should be ok lots of guys use them.

ChuckDriver · 03-16-2011, 08:43 PM

I think it will be a good choice, let's see some progress pics!

*lakeroadster* · 03-17-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NW Task Force

..... They also sell the GME sending unit for 0-30ohms (for my factory gauges)........only $30. This looks like a winner!

That sending unit is a "universal adjustable style" that will work with about any tank. Brother's P/N ATK59SU will work also.

Barney Rubble · 03-26-2011, 05:55 AM

this thread is gold.
Getting the tank out of the cab is my first move.
Bookmarked.

03-12-2011, 12:05 PM	#1
NW Task Force Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Poulsbo, WA USA Posts: 247	Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) I was wondering if anyone knows a source for fuel tanks for the 55-59 Chevy/GMC crowd. I would like to get an under-bed setup for $300. or less. It doesn't matter what material it is made of. I also need it to be compatable with my stock fuel gauge. Any suggestions, sources, and part #'s would be appreciated greatly!!! __________________ 1957 Chevy Pickup 1/2T, stepside, big window, 77' Camaro subframe, 3rd gen Firebird rearend w/3.23 gears & disc brakes, 66' 283cid, TH350 auto, everything else is original

03-12-2011, 01:52 PM	#2
blackdiesel Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Omaha, Arkansas Posts: 929	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) 69 mustang tanks 129 bucks, is what I used. __________________ '57 Chevy Pickup '56 GMC LCF Cummins '38 Chrysler Royal '57 2wd change http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=speedway

03-12-2011, 02:15 PM	#3
candyx Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: somerville nj Posts: 194	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) I had one made at Boyd Welding down in Florida,aluminum well constructed.

03-12-2011, 02:23 PM	#4
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) Here is an article: http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=442&SID=2&CID=

03-12-2011, 08:36 PM	#6
blackdiesel Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Omaha, Arkansas Posts: 929	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) No I have an LS motor so I used and chevy late model intank pump and unit. Search for mustang tank several guys have used it. __________________ '57 Chevy Pickup '56 GMC LCF Cummins '38 Chrysler Royal '57 2wd change http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=speedway Last edited by blackdiesel; 03-12-2011 at 08:37 PM.

03-12-2011, 09:42 PM	#7
floridasteve Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boynton Beach, Fl Posts: 103	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) I used the mustang tank as well. Ebay has them on the inexpensive side. I used the GM sending unit and tweaked the float and sending unit. I have not tried the sending unit yet but I expect it all to work out. __________________ One day I am going to finish this project! 1949 Chevy 1/2 ton

03-12-2011, 09:49 PM	#8
bfink Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Turlock , CA Posts: 76	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) i used a summit racing fuel cell , 25x17x9" , has a built in 90ohm sending unit . i just drilled out a few rivit's and moved the very rear x-member back 2-3 inches and used summits mounting brackets ( you could make your own) i dont know how the filler is gonna work yet as i havent put the bed back on yet . 159.95 for the fuel cell , 32 bucks for the mounting brackets

03-12-2011, 10:36 PM	#9
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,622	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) This one will work. http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...prod/prd83.htm __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

03-13-2011, 12:43 AM	#11
beanyard Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 247	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) did you end up using the mustang tank as a top fill or a rear fill?

03-13-2011, 09:18 AM	#12
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,622	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) I didn't use that particular one, but mine is from Tanks, it was their universal tank they made in the past in steel. I don't think they make it anymore. It looks like the poly tank would fit betwenn the frame rails real nice and not hang down to low. As far as it working with the stock gas gauge, you would have to match the sender's resistance, and I don't know what the stock gauge range is. Are you planning a EFI engine for your's, if not you wouldn't need the in tank pump. Good luck! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

03-14-2011, 09:06 AM	#15
GhostTown Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 305	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) This was my route: LINK Pics of it here: LINK

03-14-2011, 10:17 AM	#16
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) This is for those "newer" trucks but you might find it helpfull: Rear Mount Gas Tank 63-72 Short Bed Step Side

03-15-2011, 02:46 PM	#17
Maximus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 672	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) Does anyone know the Ohm reading between ford and GM? I plan on using aftermarket gauges and thought it would be easier to use the mustang tank with the appropriate Ohm settings... Anyone know what those Ohm readings are? __________________ 1955 2nd Series 3100 - 400 Pontiac / BW Super T-10 4-Speed 1972 K5 Blazer 350 Auto 4x4 1928 Ford Model A Tudor

03-16-2011, 12:55 PM	#22
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) Poly is ok if it is protected, I had a steel auxilary tank in the spare tire location originally and decided to go with the aluminum one after looking at all the dents and scrapes in the steel one from off road use. If you are going to just be driving around town and its tucked up high enough to avoid parking bumpers, etc. then it should be ok lots of guys use them. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

03-16-2011, 08:43 PM	#23
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,622	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) I think it will be a good choice, let's see some progress pics! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57



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03-26-2011, 05:55 AM	#25
Barney Rubble Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 120	Re: Under bed fuel tank solutions for 55-59 pickups (under $300.) this thread is gold. Getting the tank out of the cab is my first move. Bookmarked.

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