Here's my homebrew tank. The inspection cover is for accessing the in-tank fuel pump, which is needed for my EFI setup.
Nice job!! Doesn't a gas tank have to be DOT approved? How about a parts list, instructions, and some more pictures?
Fuel tank options?
- Thread starter srgould41
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Nice job!! Doesn't a gas tank have to be DOT approved? How about a parts list, instructions, and some more pictures?
I originally built it back in the late 80's, so I don't have any pics of the insides but it is fully baffeled. Back then, it was for a carbed engine, so I had no provision for an internal pump.
Last summer I decided to open it up to put a fuel pump inside of it as part of my EFI conversion. Pulling the trigger on a plasma cutter on a used tank this size was "exciting". I filled it with exhaust fumes first, so there was no real drama, but it was still scary as hell.
I was told it holds 17 gallons. I still have not filled it the top. that is still to do.
- Thread starter
- #24
Frontrange, I like your tank. That was what I was thinking of originally.
Joey, I was looking at the underside of the drives floor area. True the exhaust goes through there, but some good heat shielding would solve heat issues. I have read several build threads that show exhaust down the passanger side for V8 installations so I am sure the obsticles can be overcome.
As for modding a stock tank to fit on the drivers side, not sure it would really work. The tanks are not square and fit the shape of the body on the right. I have not tried to fit mine to the drivers side floor, but I assume it would not fit well.
I am going to be installing a Dana 300 this winter. With a centered driveline I wonder if there will be enough room for an under floor tank on the passanger side behind where the stock tank sits... Hmmm.
Steve
Joey, I was looking at the underside of the drives floor area. True the exhaust goes through there, but some good heat shielding would solve heat issues. I have read several build threads that show exhaust down the passanger side for V8 installations so I am sure the obsticles can be overcome.
As for modding a stock tank to fit on the drivers side, not sure it would really work. The tanks are not square and fit the shape of the body on the right. I have not tried to fit mine to the drivers side floor, but I assume it would not fit well.
I am going to be installing a Dana 300 this winter. With a centered driveline I wonder if there will be enough room for an under floor tank on the passanger side behind where the stock tank sits... Hmmm.
Steve
How about just making a rack on the back of the cruiser and carry a couple Jerry cans? Would be a whole lot easier.
Plus after driving 3 hrs you could probably use a get out and fill the tank rest.
Plus after driving 3 hrs you could probably use a get out and fill the tank rest.
- Thread starter
- #26
Troll, very true. That is what I am doing now, well cans inside anyway. It is cheap, but a pain...
The stock tank is 16.4 gallons so with a lot of Fab work, your not gaining much inless you are running it as a second tank. 30 gallons is a lot of fuel to carry.
You also have to think about the weight of the extra fuel. Lets just say that a gallon of fuel weighs 8lbs and your extra fuel tank is 20 gallons. The extra 160lbs is going to take it's toll on your fuel mileage. It is like having an extra passenger, all the time.
If your mileage goes from 12mpg to 7mpg are you saving anything in the long run from avoiding fuel stops?
Maybe you could add the extra fuel tank and only fill it when you go on long trips.
Mark W in Alaska has mentioned that he carries an extra Nato 5 Gallon can when he does his outings in the Alaskan wilderness but he very seldom uses it.
You also have to think about the weight of the extra fuel. Lets just say that a gallon of fuel weighs 8lbs and your extra fuel tank is 20 gallons. The extra 160lbs is going to take it's toll on your fuel mileage. It is like having an extra passenger, all the time.
If your mileage goes from 12mpg to 7mpg are you saving anything in the long run from avoiding fuel stops?
Maybe you could add the extra fuel tank and only fill it when you go on long trips.
Mark W in Alaska has mentioned that he carries an extra Nato 5 Gallon can when he does his outings in the Alaskan wilderness but he very seldom uses it.
- Thread starter
- #28
You are very right. I have not had to use my spare cans yet.
I would only fill the aux tank for long runs, like a long weekend staging from a remote camp ground. I just thought that if it were cheap enough, a second tank for those kind of runs could be valuable. Plus interior space is at a premium in a 40 and I personally dislike carrying fuel cans on the outside...
I would only fill the aux tank for long runs, like a long weekend staging from a remote camp ground. I just thought that if it were cheap enough, a second tank for those kind of runs could be valuable. Plus interior space is at a premium in a 40 and I personally dislike carrying fuel cans on the outside...
- Thread starter
- #29
The stock tank may be 16.4, but mine took more than 17 to fill. Ask me how I found out... 
Anyway, went by a guys house to look at cruiser parts and he had a tank that spans the cab. I bought it. 26 gallons.
Anyway, went by a guys house to look at cruiser parts and he had a tank that spans the cab. I bought it. 26 gallons.
The older FJ 40's had 18.5 gallon tanks.
The stock tank may be 16.4, but mine took more than 17 to fill. Ask me how I found out...
Anyway, went by a guys house to look at cruiser parts and he had a tank that spans the cab. I bought it. 26 gallons.
