Installing a Tanks gas tank into a 1949 B1B

[Los_Control]

I want to say this tank is bolted to the front cross member as the original tank would be.

You can see here the fill tube will connect with no issues

 

The problem is the rear mount. .... The tank is made for a 1937-1947 truck.

In 1948 they moved the rear cross member back 1.75"

 

This is a B1B 108" wheel base truck.

A B1C 116" wheel base or larger truck would have a factory mount to hold the rear of the tank ... Those cross members are even further away.

 

Here is a quick photo of a mount I am working on, took 20 minute to throw it together ... it still needs final welding & a support brace in the center imho. ... I want it strong.

 

 

The factory used 2 rivets to mount the bracket to the frame ... I will bolt it along with spot welds. ... Add a little paint.

I think it will be just as strong as the factory when finished.

 

Remember the tank full of fuel bouncing over pot holes in the road has a lot of weight .... you want it strong.

I'm still wondering if this is strong enough? .... Any thoughts?

 

[LMBoise]

With the angle iron you are using, I am sure it will be strong enough. I ended up coming off the old rear mounting bracket with an extension. Mine is not on the road yet, so too soon to tell if it is strong enough. Yours looks to be stronger than the one I made. 

[Los_Control]

I thought about doing the same, decided not to.

First off, I know the original bracket works .... I never heard of anyone having any issues with the tank falling out.

Google says a gallon of gas weighs about 6 pounds, so 16 gallons + 5 pounds for the tank is about 100 pounds .... Less then I was thinking.

 

The original bracket is very well made & very strong. .... They just installed it wrong imho.

 

 

I would hang the bracket off the top of the cross member .... not bolted underneath it.

That way all the weight would be sitting on top of the cross member, the bolts would only hold the bracket in position.

The way they have it, all the weight is sitting on the 2 bolts or more precisely the 2 nuts.

Then if you extend the bracket 2", is now acting like a lever applying more stress on the 2 nuts.

Again I'm no engineer, it has lasted 70+ years with no problem ..... I'm sure I would lose sleep if I were to use it as is   ???

 

Simply drilling 2 more holes & adding bolts so 4 bolts are holding it would help.

I would modify the bracket slightly so it would sit on top, then use 4 bolts ... if I were to use it.

 

My bracket when finished, has some faults also. Inside the frame rail is 5.75". So the height of the bracket is only 5.5"

There is only room for 2 bolts, it is long acting like a lever with all the weight sitting on the end. Putting all the stress on the 2 bolts. .... Factory used 2 rivets.

So I will add 4, 1" welds on the sides just to help the bolts.

[JBNeal]

additional information - fuel tank installation

 

additional information - tank bracket modification

[Los_Control]

Thanks @JBNeal for sharing the links. Has a important photo that I lost over the years. I will share it here.

I also want to clarify, I'm only talking about 1948-1950 trucks & "Tanks" gas tank install.

The reason why I think it is important, we do see many questions on the install over the years. I think actual photos from a numb skull like me may help others.

Today a Tanks gas tank is $315 .... look on ebay & they sell from $600-$800 for a precision fit 48-50 tank. .... You can save $300 by making this bracket.

Or you can modify the existing bracket on the 108" trucks .... If you have a 3/4 ton truck or larger, you should have this bracket already.

 

 

I just made my own version

 

 

Here it is bolted in place

 

So now it is removed for final cleanup & paint & I have a working rear tank bracket made from the scrap pile.

I bet anyone that wants to make a bracket can make it more purty then mine .... I want strength, slap some paint on & call it a day.

 

Just hoping this thread takes some of the mystery out of modifying the rear tank bracket.

[Marko]

Can you please tell me what tank this is? Were you got it from? I have a 48 B1B and they want over $600 for the only tank I can find for my 48.

Thank You.

[Los_Control]

It is from Tanksinc  is listed as a 1939-1947 dodge truck tank.  currently listed for $315

Will work on 48-53 Dodge Trucks with minor modifications

 

https://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=349/mode=prod/prd349.htm

 

This thread was simply my version of the minor modification. Their way is easier & maybe better. I Dunno ..... I just did not care for their way & did it my way.