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Rear Gas Tanks

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by jchisum, Dec 28, 2011.

  1. Dec 28, 2011
    jchisum

    jchisum New Member

    Cameron Park, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2004
    Messages:
    33
    I need to finish up my 3A and i want a rear gas tank in it (i like the occasional cigar and i don't like sitting on a bomb). I don't really have the time right now to make one so I need opinions from guys who've done this on best options and relative ease of install. CJ5 tank? DJ? any other donors? I'd like the biggest possible tank that won't hit the pumpkin
    thanks!!
     
  2. Dec 28, 2011
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
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    4,521
    Check the threads for similar CJ5 installation-the dimensions are essentially identical. An intermediate 5 tank will get you plus or minus 14 gal and is by far the easiest route. If you can weld, you can make your own and probably get close to 20 gal without any severe alterations. An outboarded rear cross member and remove the two two body mounts at the corners of the middle cross member and frame will let you build/fit a 24 gal tank depending on lift/ground clearence. Each inch of body lift will allow about an additional gal. My last version is 25 gal and I had to go back to the stock diff cover to keep it from hitting at full stuff.
     
  3. Dec 28, 2011
    F Bill

    F Bill Member

    Abilene, TX area
    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    274
    DJ tanks are pretty small,.and often crushed by wheeling. They also have no baffles and are only a simple rectangular box. Whatever tank you do use, get a skid pan on it if you are doing any wheeling with your jeep.
     
  4. Dec 28, 2011
    Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    Cameron Park Ca.
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2009
    Messages:
    811
    I am in Cameron Park also, have a spare rear tank, and skid plate.

    I also have my body off, so you can take a good look at how all this goes together, if you are interested in looking.

    Give me a call, 676-4307
     
  5. Dec 28, 2011
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,472
    If you look at buying a new tank - there are places that can build a custom one for @ the same $. I have built 2 now, and I 'think' I have the bits figured out for the next 2 on the schedule.
     
  6. Dec 28, 2011
    jchisum

    jchisum New Member

    Cameron Park, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2004
    Messages:
    33
    Thanks Mike, I'll give you a call maybe I can come look at yours!
     
  7. Dec 28, 2011
    jchisum

    jchisum New Member

    Cameron Park, CA
    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2004
    Messages:
    33
    Duffer, thanks! I put a 2.5 lift on it so maybe I'll think about making one or having one made to get a couple more gallons. I agree with Warloch it's probably just as expensive to buy a new one as have one made...
     
  8. Dec 28, 2011
    Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    Cameron Park Ca.
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2009
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    811
    Most any time, just let me know. Retired, so home usually.
     
  9. Dec 30, 2011
    Jordan

    Jordan Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
    Messages:
    52
    Chisum:

    I have an aluminum custom rear fuel tank in my 1952 M-38 (heavily civilianized). Here is how I did it. I left the frame V-braces intact. I have an aftermarket bumper---which shouldn't make a difference for your installation one way or another. I also have a .700" body lift. I took measurements and mocked up a plywood model of the tank. I used the model to check the fitment between tank and frame (which was a little complicated because of the V-brace) and then had the tank welded up by No Limit Engineering according to my measurements. (Look 'em up on the web.) They have lots of experience and sell accessories such as filler necks, sending units and such.

    I ended up painting the tank and wish I had not. If I had it to do all over again, I would polish the aluminum tank and coat it with a product called Shark skin. My filler neck comes up through the rear floor about 4-5 five inches from the very rear edge (of the floor). Give some thought to placement on that filler neck because you don't want to have to cut a cross member. My tank computes to 12 gallons volume. I also had a fitting welded on so I can run a 3/8" hose directly to a jerry can (with a fitting brazed on bottom) and drain fuel directly into the tank from a 5 gal. jerry can on the bumper without having to stop and pour. You'll also need to give some thought to a breather arrangement.

    Good Luck.


    Jordan
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2011
  10. Dec 31, 2011
    m38willys

    m38willys Jeep Vice 2024 Sponsor

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2002
    Messages:
    690


    Got pics?
     
  11. Jan 29, 2012
    Jordan

    Jordan Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
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    Yes---but only from underneath. I will try and shoot photos tomorrow and e-mail you. I don't know how to post photos here.

    Jordan
     
  12. Jan 30, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
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    12,529
  13. Jan 31, 2012
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    One other thought on this: I find the side fill arrangement much better than a rear fill which gets complicated by tire/can carriers and lights. There is absolutely no way I want to revert to an inside fill. I'll leave that to the MB's and GPW's.

    If you are installing a frame mounted roll bar/cage, work out the mountings for that before you build or otherwise acquire the rear tank because that may have a direct impact on where you can place the filler neck.
     
  14. Jan 31, 2012
    Gwillys

    Gwillys 1953 CJ3B

    Southington, Ct
    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2006
    Messages:
    235
    Don't worry, you will probably never blow yourself and anyone you care about to smithereens! But seriously, as long as you dont have a hole in the tank as well as the lack of cloth interior, assuming you dont have carpets on the floor, you wont have an issue. Just open the window or go top-less and the ash will blow right out.
     
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