Orange45

Here's something new:
Just bought a 66 fj-45-love it, took me 4 yrs to find.
have some issues:
Gas Tank- 14 gallon is totally unreliable (40 yrs old) and too small, have been looking into fuel cell and replacement tanks.
Man a Fre has replacements, but I don't like the underseat auxilliary because of price ($675) and location.
I don't like the 21 gallon because it's $765 and subject to availability.
Now there are some guys (marine/diesel truck) who quote around $11 per gallon to build from scratch. They will build anything, you can even send a cad file if savvy enough.
I have two large crossbraces at the tail of the frame that are there for towing, I think that if I could remove them and incorporate some kind of tank frame that would take up the slack structurally I could increase the length of the tank by almost a foot, maybe even more.
Concerns-
-adequately reinforcing the frame
-added inertia at tail due to extra weight (though low down in the frame)
-Any applicable DOT restrictions.
-use of normal sending units etc.
I talked to the guys at JEGS they said fuel cell are totally street legal, but as the gas in them makes them brittle age is an issue.
Thoughts?
Talked to

Orange45

Just looked at the Classic cruisers poly tank, anybody tell me the differences between pre-'78 and post? Hello cruiser folk?

Cebby

Us 4Runner guys are in the same boat as the gas tank is a rock anchor and not too large to begin with. Dents in the tank = less capacity. Those poly tanks seem like a good solution. Can't help you on the differences in the years. I'm sure their sales folks could guide you to the right model. How much are the poly tanks? Something else to consider are tanks out of other vehicles. For example, for the 4Runner, we are investigating Pathfinder and Isuzu Rodeo tanks for compatibility. I've read that the tank out of a Ford Econoline van is nice and flat and large capacity.

Good luck.

DealMaker

you may want to check here...
http://www.nwmp.com/
but I have no personal experience with them. Also, you may want to try posting at...
http://www.ih8mud.com/
as they are pretty much a Land Cruiser forum.

14 gallons?? eeesh. Good idea staying away from anything in-cab. And know that at least with the Man-A-Fre tank, you're buying a product that most likely is well-engineered, well-manufactured, and well-tested by a company that has been around for a long time. Something to consider when your dealing with gasoline and a truck that will be carrying friends, family, and other loved ones. SOmetimes its worth it to spend the extra $$ for peace of mind.

Good Times

Orange, check out downey offroad as they have tanks for the cruisers. I know they have directly replacement that sits between the frame rail on 40's so i'm pretty certain it's the same for your 45. Other places would be man-a-fre,spector offroad (sor).

Don't worry about smog related issues as you're 45 is too old like my 40.

good luck

Orange45

Well eventually smog is really not going to be an issue because I want to go diesel. saw a cool drag fuel cell at JEGS that is long and rectangular and has a top mounted filler nozzle, am thinking about a dual tank set up with a possible rear fill set up.
Thanks lance, don't really like downey all that much. Have found their coils to be too soft and expensive. Not against cost for a good product, but not when the part does not do what I have in mind it for it. That said i have no idea about their tanks, but am always interested as the issue is not settled.

Good Times

I've seen Downey's tank and it's definitely a great product. The one I saw was on a 4runner that was originally for a Tacoma. Keep in mind that they're original focus starting their business was built around the 40/45/55's so they got em all.

But do check out ih8mud as they're definitely techie on the LC's.