Thread: One way to build a gas tank

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I'm working on my roadster, it was time to make the gas tank so I thought I would share how I do it.
First I figure out where I want it, on this car I want it in the rear under the rolled pan. I'm using the LS7 427 cu. in. motor. I'm getting a little over 30 mpg out of the engine I have been testing. So, knowing I'm going to use this car to drive long distances I want the tank as large as possible.
I made a tank out of Styrofoam and cut and fit to fill every nook and cranny that I could.
Than I took that to work and had a guy make a drawing of it. Took the drawing to a company that does Lazar cutting and had them cut it out of 1/8 inch 6061 aluminum and then welded it up.
and there ya go a 14 gallon gas tank.
cost $80.00.
I have had custom tanks made for me before, they charged $600 to $800.
Ken

That's really beautiful Ken. The styrofoam idea is a good one too. You guys that live in California have it made with laser cutting shops and all that you can go to. That was the one thing I noticed when we lived there, you can find tons of places that do work that you simply can't find in lots of other places.

High tech in Fort Myers is that we have a sandblast shop near by.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

High tech in Fort Myers is that we have a sandblast shop near by.

Don

And then that's only operating when a hurricane blows in across the beach!!!

That lazer cut sheet stock really makes the job start nice doesn't it? Tank looks very nice.

Ken that tank is a beauty. I have a custom built 15 gallon aluminum tank in my 34, but I must say that your builder did a very clean job on your seams. Mine is no where as nicely done.

Don - Thanks, did you notice I didn't put any resin on my Styrofoam? Sorry couldn't pass it up!
Happy Birthday,
Ken

Bob - It's like what you guys were saying earlier having the right tools makes all the difference. Thanks
Ken

Mopar34 - Thanks, I will pass that compliment on to my builder.

Ken, when I saw the styrofoam I had the same thought. I was gonna bust your chops a little, but then I said NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!


Don

I thought I would follow up on this. This is what the tank looks like in place, I'm going to secure it with factory style straps. The side of the rolled pan will be cut off then there will be a section welded to the body with a overlap that will screw to the pan, you won't see any of the tank unless you look underneath. Next I will do the fill neck behind the Frenched license plate.
Ken

Looks great Ken. What is the story on the rear suspension? I like the way it looks too.

Don

Thanks Don, the rear is a independent Quick Change, I started with from Winters.
Ken