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Rear Custom Fuel Tank

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Warloch, Feb 8, 2011.

  1. Feb 8, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,469
    Well – I am starting to collect and design some custom rear tanks. I need to make 3 more of them and am working through how I want to do them this time (based on my first tank and its lessons).

    Some things on my list:
    - Got to make it a touch smaller (between the rails) to make it easier to install and drop again if needed.
    - Space the bungs a little different – my return is real close to the pick up as the plate I used had them both pre-done together.
    - Thinking of putting a drain valve in.
    - Need to find a better standard (based on availability of hose and fittings) for the fill tube.
    To which I ask you guys – what would you want?
    Base tank is made from 1/8” (skid and tank in one), setup for FI in the future, baffles…

    I am thinking of moving from a pickup tube on top to a side mount with a pick up tube that runs along the bottom of the tank, or a sump of some kind (this would be on the front so it might make it easier to plumb). I have thought that a valve would be needed though, I like to be able to take the line off and not make a mess :D

    What do you guys think?
     
    Warloch, Feb 8, 2011
    #1
  2. Feb 8, 2011
    Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    Cameron Park Ca.
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2009
    Messages:
    811
    Since you asked........

    Sump should be on the rear------keep fuel available as you go UP the hill, not down.

    I think a separate skid plate would be better, can be replaced if damaged, without having to replace the entire tank.

    Large hole for sender, and F.I. punp setup----I would try to find something from another vehicle that you can "borrow" ---- make the tank to fit the unit, dont try to re-invent existing goodies.

    One thing I would strive for is to be able to install it from the bottom, not have to remove the body, even for a first time install. No cutting/welding required ("V" braces for hitch excluded)
     
    Mike S, Feb 8, 2011
    #2
  3. Feb 8, 2011
    davistroy

    davistroy Grasshopper

    Marietta, GA
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    Messages:
    432
    Really like all of these ideas, Chuck, especially the drain plug idea. How much you think something like this would run, under the assumption you are going to make some for sale?

    I have a hard time understanding why fuel filler hoses/necks are so ungodly expensive. Maybe a trip to the junkyard to see what commonly available parts might be scavenged for use ... say a ranger pickup filler neck and hose and base something off of that? Otherwise, YJ parts seem to be the more plentiful and relatively inexpensive parts.
     
    davistroy, Feb 8, 2011
    #3
  4. Feb 8, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,469
    I hadn't thought about making them for sale - could if I get a good formula though. Once I get it all figured out, I will let folks know in case they may want it as an option. Good idea on the junk yard setups. I usually put the filler in the rear quarter and just need to figure a tank and fender hook ups.

    Good points Mike - the problem is I tried all of those and was just not happy with what I got. I crushed a stock 70's skid and tank one trip and just never want to have to fight it again.
    The 'crushed' one:
    [​IMG]

    I have not been able to get at least @ 15 gals with the rear cross member installed (I move it forward) without it hanging too low. Don't have too good of ones for the tank I am running now... Guess I'll have to take some pics.

    Old Filler location:
    [​IMG]
    D Rear corner:
    [​IMG]
     
    Warloch, Feb 8, 2011
    #4
  5. Feb 8, 2011
    DavidT

    DavidT New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2008
    Messages:
    37
    It would be nice made from aluminun. That would solve rust issues 20 years down the trail.

    Show us some pics.
     
    DavidT, Feb 8, 2011
    #5
  6. Feb 8, 2011
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,538
    I'm trying to come up with a filler hose that works for my tank now. Unfortunately my filler is 1 1/8" (Wrangler) but my tank is 1 1/4". I have a length of 1 1/4" fuel hose and a serious clamp to try to cinch it down on the filler. This hose is really stiff and I have 2
    90's to make with it.
     
    Posimoto, Feb 8, 2011
    #6
  7. Feb 9, 2011
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    3,294
    just cut a piece of hose to go over tank filler then slide the hose over and clamp
    Jim
     
    bkd, Feb 9, 2011
    #7
  8. Feb 10, 2011
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
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    904
    Have you thought about a flexible fuel pickup? My snowmobile has one, its a flexible fuel line with a heavy barb fitting with a metal mesh on the end. It slides around the bottom fallowing the fuel.
     
    73cj5, Feb 10, 2011
    #8
  9. Feb 10, 2011
    Ghetto Fab.

    Ghetto Fab. Member

    Atascadero, Ca.
    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    Messages:
    512
    The walbro fuel pickups work well also, and not too pricey either if I remember correctly.

    Kevo
     
    Ghetto Fab., Feb 10, 2011
    #9
  10. Feb 10, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
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    5,469
    Yup - thought about the flexy fuel pickup... Just have not found a source for one so I can see how they mount. I would really like that with a mesh screen to pre-filter the tank.

    David - AL is in the future - got to get the TIG down on steel first, then AL for possible tanks, boxes, racks, etc...

    Got lots o AL projects floating in my head ;)
     
    Warloch, Feb 10, 2011
    #10
  11. Feb 10, 2011
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
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    4,502
    I like the aluminum idea mentioned, like the drain valve idea, sump is not a bad idea but may bring on other clearance type issues and it should be at the rear of the tank as momentum pushes fuel to the rear I would think, and I think a separate skid plate would be my preference. Not sure if you'll really gain anything by putting a pick up on the side of the tank. You still need room at the top for the sending unit, between the tank and the body. I would avoid any in tank pump for future mods. PIA to replace. I think some Ferd trucks used a pretty stout frame rail mounted pump in the late 80's for FI engines. Just easier all the way around in my opinion.
     
    wheelie, Feb 10, 2011
    #11
  12. Feb 10, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
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    I run the frame rail Pump for my FI as well. If I can get a flexy pickup setup to work I think it would be the best answer.

    The fittings I have on the top of my tank require a certain amount of clearance, one of the things I was thinking about reducing the need for if it goes with a side of the tank pickup fitting. I have also thought about a trough in the top of the tank to run lines in to keep the clearance down on top.

    Might be over thinkin it, but want to run the possibilitys before I start cutting and welding... Cardboard first :D
     
    Warloch, Feb 10, 2011
    #12
  13. Feb 12, 2011
    Ghetto Fab.

    Ghetto Fab. Member

    Atascadero, Ca.
    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
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    Ghetto Fab., Feb 12, 2011
    #13
  14. Feb 14, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
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    Some interesting stuff on there - thanks Kevo.
     
    Warloch, Feb 14, 2011
    #14
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