tinlizzy Posted July 10, 2021 Report Share Posted July 10, 2021 I have 1948 B1B and need the springs for mounting the one end of the tank to the bracket. Where can I get replacements and how tight should these springs be torqued down. Thanks for input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48Dodger Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 The springs are designed to let the frame flex when driving down the normal oiled country roads of the 1950's, and not tear up the gas tank. But since those days for the most part are behind us and our trucks.....just get the tension tight enough to keep the nuts in place and don't bee hittin' the potholes. 48D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 I recall going to my local hardware store to find springs of similar size. There should be a spacer sleeve inside that tightens the bolts against the frame bracket, yet allows the springs to compress some when the frame flexes. Although Tim's theory that our roads are better today, hence reducing frame flex, is plausible I'm sure you will still get a fair amount of frame flex at some driveway approaches and such. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48Dodger Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 Theory?? Theory??? Well I don't live everywhere in the country...so maybe I'm just "lucky" enough to be surrounded by asphalt roads....lol. Merle is right...potholes still exists, my point was that it was designed for less forgiving roads than today, and aren't as critical as they would have been to a guy haulin' milk cows. The guy haulin' a folding chair and ice chest won't need to be spot on with the spring tension. Either way, get them tight enough to stay together. 48D Editors note: Merle and I have known each other personally for many years....he's super smart and I have a lot of old dodge trucks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 I recall a similar question regarding this on a Studebaker build. It was solved using valve springs from a Briggs and Stratton, and using tensioning up to take about 1/2 of their compressed length and secured with nylon nuts with a flat washer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 2 hours ago, 48Dodger said: ..so maybe I'm just "lucky" enough to be surrounded by asphalt roads....lol. 48D Editors note: Merle and I have known each other personally for many years....he's super smart and I have a lot of old dodge trucks. Love ya Brother... And Tim is in California... the land of warm winters. ? Here where I live the seasonal changes take a toll on our roads. Also, around here there is often a significant incline on the approach between the street and the driveway or parking lot. When turning in, and approaching it at an angle, the suspension will need to flex quite a bit, and possibly the frame as well. Just sayin'... ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 lots of places up north the winter takes a toll on the road and they put a toll on you to pay for the spring/summer repairs....I do not see how you folks can ever consider a new car in those climates knowing fully well the corrosive side effect of winter driving....I know some have a winter beater they drive and park the good ride...prudent for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBNeal Posted July 12, 2021 Report Share Posted July 12, 2021 additional information - fuel tank spring details additional information - fuel tank frame flex springs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcotant Posted July 15, 2021 Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 Back in the 70's I worked for a while on a plateau above West Yellowstone Montana thinning lodgepole pine. As we got far enough into the unit that walking to the site from our camp was no longer feasible, Clementine worked as "crummy". I was thankful for two things: the springs on the gas tank and 1st gear on my 4 speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooljunkie Posted July 16, 2021 Report Share Posted July 16, 2021 My retrofitted tank is plastic. But i get the unforgiving part. My frame was broken right behind steering box,and it was stuck back together with stick welder and pig iron. And it was broke right half in two! I doubt it will break now, even with the v8 in it. the old Fargo had a rough life. Has been parked under a roof since i got it,only out when im using it. That’s every day! winter is out of the question if you want to keep stuff nice. and summer is calcium chloride for dust control. Also corrosive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinlizzy Posted July 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2021 found a set of brake springs at Napa that fit the bill, reused inside tube and bolt worked out just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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