Technical Model a fuel tank location ideas

Sorry I don't have a better photo of the tank installed in my `30 coupe, but I think you'll get the idea. Didn't want to use the original since I had plans to install a `52 Chevy dash and gauge cluster in my coupe.

This was what I think "Tanks" referred to as a Universal mount; I put it behind the seat with light bulkheads sandwiching it between the p***enger compartment and the trunk. Filler cap is a motorcycle item on the upper rear quarter panel -- just outboard of the tulip panel. It has a 16-gal capacity, a convenient filler neck, and no smell of gas in the cabin -- unless you really overfill it as I've done a time or two.

As for the discussion about whether cowl or rearward mounts are "safer" ... let's all reflect a moment. A Model A is a pretty light car and any collision serious enough to breach the tank -- in either location -- means the gas spill ain't gonna be your uppermost concern. The steering column will have pierced your chest and that F-150 that ran the red light will have crushed your skull long before the fire breaks out.

 

Kinda what I think as well.

 

At least they aren't in your wifes purse like my brother in laws!!!

 

dirty old man, find you an H.V.A.C. man they have fire resistant caulk for doing fire breaks and sealing duct penitrations

 

Just because its interesting;
Copied from "plunks 329"

The 28-29 gas tank had a capacity of 10 gallons where as the 30-31 gas tank had a capacity of slightly over 11 gallons. The gasoline gauge was also adjusted so that when the “0” or zero mark appeared, there was still one-half gallon of gasoline in the tank.
Ford News liked testaments from their customers about their product. There were a few times where there was a fire and the car or truck was destroyed. However, Ford made a point in those situations to inform the public of the durability of the gas tank thus indicating that the tank “went through the fire un****hed. It did not explode, neither did it leak. After the fire was finally extinguished, it still held its original amount of fuel”. Another testament showed that after the fire “There were four gallons of gasoline in the tank, and although the tank was bulged from the terrific heat, the gasoline did not add any fuel to the flames. After the fire had been extinguished, those present declared it to be a striking example of the strength and safety of the fuel tank”.

 

Trunk, behind car like '32, sidesaddle all put the tank in areas that will crush in an impact.
Under the seat like a '32 pickup or in the cowl puts the tank in with you, BUT in locations where you are quite likely to no longer care by the time a bigger vehicle gets there... grease spot time if a Suburban gets you.
My thought on the cowl tank goes from there...once tank is being crushed, you are Alpo...BUT I think there is a separate danger from cowl tank that I think happens at a lower threshold: On most A's the steering brackets to bottom of tank so in the likely event a hard crash distorts front ch***is, the steering moves and tears the botoom out of tank. The late '31's as noted by someone above had a simple mod, bracketing steering up to cowl. (caused by tank cracking issue??)
So my thought is that best survivability would be stock tank with modified '31 style bracket.

 

I run an early A Roadster with a standard tank and fuel gauge. It frees up boot space and is and has been faultless. I have only just rebuilt the fuel sender (all mechanical) and can't fault the practicality of it. Like others have said fire in an accident is the least of my worries.

 

I have to ask.....what were they using back in the day?
We're they worried, concerned about a crash?

 

Back then, with no seatbelts your corpse wouldn't be anywhere near the tank after a bad crash...
But you had generally lower speeds, most other vehicles were light compared to now, etc.
Vehicle destruction would likely have been less severe than a Model A now, with a harder edged world and 6,000 pound SUV's dominating traffic. Going into a ditch at 30 MPH and fetching up against a tree or another light car would quite possibly have left your gas.tank intact, but would also likely have killed you.

 

I've seen a few As with two saddle tanks mounted inside the frame on both sides. The filler was cut into the splash apron and the tanks had a select switch like pickup trucks with twin tanks. Capacity was about 20 gallons.

 

I think this is subject that is worth discussing. What about adapting a 32 Ford style tank? How big are they in gallons and dimension? Anybody here done that? Photos?

 

Let me start by saying I'm not a Model A person but built a few, I would not use the stock tank, because the space could be better used for gauges and wiring. As far as safety goes gasoline anywhere is unsafe, but a small leak or spill inside the car ****s. I have seen $100G plastic Willys claiming to have the best of everything but yet you have to fill the fuel cell mounted in the trunks that are completely upholstered, spill a little gas and your car stinks forever not to mention your clothes or luggage. Bib overalls seems to have the perfect solution, it may cost more but the end product is priceless. Also how about a 32 tank mounted on the model A rails?

Pat

 

I pulled this off the Tanks Inc site: stock 1932 size is 11 gallon. 39" x 17" x 9". They offer a 14.5 gallon, only 1" deeper.

 

I pulled this pic from the dagelsstreetrods site. I think it could be pulled off on a traditional build. Somebody probably did this in '56, using stock 32 parts.

 

Ok, looks like the 32 tank has been covered here several times. Dang search function.

 

Here's what I'm doing for the tank right now. Tank is from tanks inc. 18 gallon. Bulkhead will be built to close the trunk from the cab. Still haven't decided in the filler if I am going to have it in the trunk or run a fill tube and mount a filler in the body.

 

Old post, but I'm in the stock tank side (so is my friends '30 A). If it crunches far in enough to rupture the tank your boned anyhow.......plus I don't care. My column drop is seeping so I'm going to use a pour in bladder and a '31 column drop.

 

If you have fabrication skills, you can fit a 16 gallon racing fuel cell under the back, up next to the rear crossmember.
Done it several times....You can have a fuel level gauge then also.

 

Stock tank was junk so removed it and replaced the dash with a 34 Chevy Master dash, lots of room for wiring and a glove box.

Installed a RCI tank in the trunk with space for a battery box on each side of it. Filler is in rear panel with a vent in the cap. Bulkhead installed behind seat that really tightened up the body, sealed around the sides and top with a fire resistant sealer.




Car is further along than shown, in final ***embly now. Sorry been to busy working on it to take pictures.

Canuck

 

Hey bud check with the lvvta manual.As Scotty says there is something in there about stock fuel tanks, I'm sure. Maybe if its a stock Model A you can keep it in the stock location, but a scratch built, I'm not so sure. I'm sure some of the cert Kiwi fun police will chime in.. I'm heading down that track with a 30 Tudor.

 

How about a pickup is there room under the bed?

 

Great thread, subscribed, and thanks for posting!

 

I'm specifically looking for answers on a rumble seat coupe. I suppose a rumble roaster or sedan would have similar space constraints, if you wanted to use the back seat.

 

I'm using the old tank, grand kids like the rumble seat. As far as safety, with the tank in the back, it will go up like a Pinto.

 

We used a 32 tank on the 29 roadster but that was on a 32 frame. It doesn't look right on A frame. But looks perfect on a 32 frame.

 

in my sedan I put the tank behind the rear seat, yes it takes up some room but two adults can still fit. I would like to try the '32 tank idea.

 

Had mine leak up front, put one in the trunk.