Hey guys, I'm looking to build a new fuel tank for my 1983 shortbed, does anyone have any experience building one? I have a friend who can TIG weld so I was thinking about getting some aluminum and building one from that. Wondering if anyone knows what grade aluminum I should use.... or if a different metal would be better. I haven't taken any measurements yet to figure out a fit, but ideally I'd like to build a 25 gallon tank. Thanks, Ben.

 

Takes a lot more than knowing how to weld

:wabbit2:

 

Make it up in cardboard first for trial fitment.

5052 aluminum will work just fine.

Add baffles inside to keep fuel slosh to a minimum.

Run dual Walbro pick-ups and keep the in tank pump (runs cooler than external)

Add in a sump for the fuel to run to and collect in.

Add an extra access port on top big enough to get your arm inside to clean any contamination out. Get an oval fuel cell gasket from a race car shop and use that for your template.

Add a drain plug

If it hangs down where it might hit something build a skid out of steel plate.

***EDIT*** Last and most important of all.... pressure test it before putting any fuel in it to make sure it does not leak.

Do your homework in advance and have fun building it.

 

Go propane or natural gas and put the tank in the bed.

OR dual fuel and keep the stock tank too.

 

Thanks Tim, that'll be useful info to consider when I go about this project.

Bob, it'd be a lot easier to put a tank in the bed, I agree, but this summer I'll be customizing a camper shell to slide on and off the flatbed, so it's gotta be underneath.

 

I have a heavy gage 316 stainless steel 26 gallon fuel tank that I had custom made. I have no problems with it and it fit perfectly. It incorporates a built-in skid plate, baffles, and all of the necessary connections including a drain plug. In addition, it utilizes the stock fuel level sender. The cost was a little over $400.00 with shipping.

 

Unless your building this for fun and like doing these kind of things and the total cost is not important.

Or your welder friend builds fuel cells all day long and wants to keep his hand in.

It is far cheaper to just buy one.

Also any place in the snow belt (salt belt) unless you plan to not drive all winter I would never use Aluminum for a gas tank .

Even pressure washing every outing your not going to get all the winter slop off all the tank.

I have a friend that repairs truck fuel tanks where the straps rub through all the time.

She has to carry a minimum $2,000,000.00 liability insurance pretty much the minimum industry standard.

Then it is your truck we all need to build at least one gas tank.

Good luck:wabbit2: