There are two things I have learned in my 40+ years on this planet. #1. There is no such thing as a stupid question. #2. I can be a real cheapskate at times. Which leads me to this dilemma, I am building my first street rod (rat rod) on a budget. Nearly every piece so far has come from local boneyards and cars headed for the s****per. ( I'm recycling ) I have gotten to the point where I need to figure out the fuel tank and placement. I need help. I am not planning on using the original tank. Is there a cheap alternative to an aftermarket piece? And if so, where do I place it? Thanks in advance Bruce EDIT: 29 Model A Tudor Sedan. Chopped 4 1/2. Mustang II 351/400M 8" Rear End Model T Grille. Going for that 70's "Raked" look
In the mid-70s, I had a primered, chopped, channeled, fenderless 30 A coupe. I had a VW gas tank in the trunk. I raised the lid to fill the tank. It was an easy mount. I think I paid $10 for it at a salvage yard, but that was over 30 years ago.
OK, Street Rod, Rat Rod, Hot Rod, Cheap Rod, Freaking Loud A** Rattletrap? Direct me to the light oh wise one ! So far it is a Rat Rod, but I am planning on driving it on the street, so.... Street Rod? And I do think it will look great when it's done and driving in August, so ...... Hot Rod? Bruce
Mr Mopar it seems like you need some research.... A plan.... You named everything but traditional Hot Rod from which this site was established for.
Just off the top of my head, I have seen as gas tanks: 1) A beer keg 2) An Air Brake cylinder 3) An aviation style finned aluminum something that the guy found at the surplus store. 4) A Ford Ranger tank in the trunk (my car) 5) In general, if it is visible, just about any aluminum or steel cylinder that does not leak and can be closed with a vented cap will work. CAUTION: Do not weld on a a tank that had fuel in it unless you fill it with water first. In sedans, I mostly see the tanks mounted in back, where the back seat would have gone, with steel straps of some sort. Some guys get fancy and make wide "V" bracets to prevent the tank from rolling.
Mr Shifter, If my post has offended I sincerely apologize. It was not then or is now my intention to offend. I am merely asking to glean from the knowledge of others to avoid mistakes and look for a creative and inexpensive way to tackle a problem. I have the utmost respect for traditional Rods. I would like to build one when the funds permit. At present, that is not an option. I am saving a restored 28 Model A Roadster Pickup in my garage for just such a project. Here's a picture from when I bought it on a boxed A frame with Corvair front and Corvette rear with a 350. http://members.aol.com/moparbruce/28roadpu.jpg I envision it in black, fenderless, dropped 4" on a stock frame, 60 horse flattie, with wide whites and red spokes, 2 Strom 97's and a set of zoomies. The funds to tackle such a project will come from getting this roadworthy and gone. I can't do that if it doesn't run. If you could find it in your heart to bear with me while I learn, I thank you. Bruce
MoparBruce Don't worry about apologizing. Just realize that this is a traditionalist site and anything to the contrary is bound to stir some people up. Even if your current project doesn't fit neatly into a category, you should still find help here. There have been a few suggestions thrown out there. Have any of them worked, or do we need to keep brainstorming?
I'm going to break out a tape measure this weekend and see if one of these options will fit along with a back seat. I didn't know if there was a pat solution to this problem, such as " a gas tank from a 62 Falcon 6 cylinder is the perfect fit". I hated the idea of putting one on the floor in the back and having a seat over it and really wanted to have a back seat. So, maybe no back seat, we'll see. I'm ALWAYS open for new solutions, so if you've got one, please post it. Thanks, Bruce
Your choices are obvious: front, back, middle, or side. Front: Utilize the stock cowl Back: hang a duece tank off the back (my pick) Middle: put anything you want in the cab Side: saddle tanks behind the running boards Looks like a good start, but why did you lengthen the wheelbase? Looks kinda outta proportion with the long engine compartment. Rich
That picture of the blue roadster pickup through me when you started talking about a back seat, then I realized the stretched wheelbase A Tudor was your ride. Obviously a very old build with a Corvair front end(with Pinto rack & pinion I suspect) and a Corvette rear. One alternative that leaves you with a back seat is a tank made to fit behind the rear seat backrest and filled through the back panel or quarter. I seem to remember an old Nova(67-74) tank may fill the bill with a modification in the filler. If you put a tank inside be sure to enclose it with a firewall for obvious reasons.
I did not choose the wheelbase. This was someone else's project first, well, really two other folks projects. I got the body from one source and the ch***is from another. I've just been putting stuff together as I get to that step. From what I can tell it's about 9 1/4 inches longer than stock (see running board). This does, however work out well for me. Being 6-2, these A's are a bit tight to start with, so any extra legroom, is good legroom. I have considered shortening the frame, but right now that's not on the list. I am building this for the experience. If it was my keeper, I would be approaching it differently from the start. I think it'll make someone a fine, affordable rod when it's done - just not me. I am looking forward to a more traditional one - hopely soon! So, .... anyone got a nice used Duece tank lying around? LOL!! Bruce
Your a local boy, Try going to boat U S on summit st. and look at there catalogs once you have an idea on the size and shape. Russ
My friends '27 T and you see where the filler is on the back so the tank is where the rear seat use to be.. I don't know what kind of tank but he picked it up at the junk yard. If you need it maybe I can dig out the picture of where it's placed in the car and how it's installed. Good Luck with your Jalopy
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