Replacing the fuel tank in 1951 1/2 ton

[Fargone]

When I bought my truck I knew the tank was bad. I didn't know it was Swiss cheese, but I knew it leaked. I've found a thread or two here about Nissan Frontier fuel tanks fitting old Dodges and I've found a reproduction tank for older trucks that will fit with bracket extensions. I'm wondering if anyone has found an actual correct tank being made or sold somewhere in the USA? Failing that I'm wondering what you guys have done with your fuel systems. Many builders use a fuel tank mounted in the rear of the trucks frame away from the cab. I can see how that has safety and weight transfer advantages, but I don't see the old girl going into competitive auto cross anytime soon. Modern tanks generally use in tank 12 volt pumps and senders that may not work with stock gauges?

Edited April 26, 2016 by Fargone

[NiftyFifty]

I went to a local welding shop and had one built, I just cut the filler neck out of mine and I welded it back into place once I had everything fitted, but no reason a good shop couldn't reproduce your tank, with the exception of it being square, rather then rounded. It was the cheaper option at the time too, and they can also drill the hole for the stock sender too...if it's still any good

[Fargone]

We have a shop in Edmonton that does custom fuel tanks for rods and race cars I'll check them out.

[59bisquik]

I went the route of Gas Tank Renu and had mine repaired.

Pro's: It looks stock.

Con's: Probably the most expensive option.

[Jeff Balazs]

If you have an old school radiator shop near you.....you can ask them for a quote. The one that I found cleaned. repaired and lined my tank for $200.

He even called me over to see the condition of the tank after it had been cleaned and to show me what needed repair. I was very happy to pay for his work.

 

Jeff

[NiftyFifty]

I tried two tanks at the rad shop here, both were so full of rot and small holes, they had nothing to work with. Strangely I have a 47 Fargo tank that I took out of a parts truck and it was in very good shape, but the truck was way worse a mess them my 50/51...maybe material quality changed in the new model.

[Young Ed]

I tried two tanks at the rad shop here, both were so full of rot and small holes, they had nothing to work with. Strangely I have a 47 Fargo tank that I took out of a parts truck and it was in very good shape, but the truck was way worse a mess them my 50/51...maybe material quality changed in the new model.

You still got that tank?

[Fargone]

You still got that tank?

Nope, it fell apart on removal and I disposed of the chunks thinking replacement can't be that hard...... I did a ton of photos and measurements before I removed it, but now I wish I'd have kept the filler neck and other chunks.

[Fargone]

You still got that tank?

Nope

[Brent B3B]

 

 

Nope

 

WOW!......... have you see this site? http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=349/category_id=68/mode=prod/prd349.htm

[Fargone]

WOW!......... have you see this site? http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=349/category_id=68/mode=prod/prd349.htm

Yes that's why I thought I could just throw my old tank out. I was hoping a tank fabricator out there was making one specifically for my year. But, if all else fails I'll use that one or the Nissan tank if I can find one at a wreckers.

[Young Ed]

I tried two tanks at the rad shop here, both were so full of rot and small holes, they had nothing to work with. Strangely I have a 47 Fargo tank that I took out of a parts truck and it was in very good shape, but the truck was way worse a mess them my 50/51...maybe material quality changed in the new model.

 

My question about still having the tank was for this post. 47 fargo tank should fit my 47 dodge project. Cross border shipping would probably be a killer though.

 

 

 

Nope

 

[NiftyFifty]

Yes I do...and sadly for its size, yes shipping would be more then it's worth likely. I always wondered how it would fit the later trucks, I think the brackets would be different, but that's an easy fix on the truck side, and leave the tank alone. If I was doing Back to the 50's I could get it close, but we're in the midst of painting to list our house, and hopefully move, so a lot of car shows are on hold now

[55 Fargo]

Nope, it fell apart on removal and I disposed of the chunks thinking replacement can't be that hard...... I did a ton of photos and measurements before I removed it, but now I wish I'd have kept the filler neck and other chunks.

Okay I gotta a 1/2 assed 55 dodge truck tank, but it aint the same I am gathering.

Check this guy out in Manitoba moparmansteve@gmail.com

If the 55 can be made to fit, it's available, will take pics of it and send them to you, it's not all rusted put, but would need to be cleaned and tankliner put into it, so maybe not worth it.

I am near Winnipeg

Edited April 27, 2016 by Fargos-Go-Far

[NiftyFifty]

Completely different tank and filler neck style on the 55, it would be as much or more mod to use it I imagine, and the tank fitting is near the bottom front on the 48-53

[Fargone]

Thanks for the offer, but as Formula Deluxe says it's a completely different tank.

[Young Ed]

Yes I do...and sadly for its size, yes shipping would be more then it's worth likely. I always wondered how it would fit the later trucks, I think the brackets would be different, but that's an easy fix on the truck side, and leave the tank alone. If I was doing Back to the 50's I could get it close, but we're in the midst of painting to list our house, and hopefully move, so a lot of car shows are on hold now

I'll be at the 50s so if you do come(even if its 2017) bring it along!

[NiftyFifty]

If they stop me at the border I'll tell them it's my spare You don't come up for Devils Lake show in ND ever do you? Sorry to get off topic. If you need Fargone I can always measure my tank and let you know what fit in mine...holds a fair amount of fuel, at least 50+ litres