Getting rid of the gas tank

[StevieC]

I think I'm gonna run a spun fuel tank behind the rear seat of my buggy

I think the stock front tank makes noise up there besides being almost useless as far as capacity due to the angle of my buggy

can I just take the front tank out and leave that area open underneath?

[RedBaronofRedBud]

I dont see why not. Just make sure you cap off the steel line in the tunnel on both ends just in case you want to go with a different option like one of the tanks that Brad (iguana) has available for our buggies at a later date.

The tank removed will make it a bit lighter in the front (tank + gas) so be aware of that. Have you thought about what method you will use for tank level indication?
_________________
Or you can call me………Tim

My two pennies…your mileage may vary

I’m not a complete idiot, there are parts missing

[StevieC]

thanks, my steel line runs outside the tunnel on the right side... unless that the brake line

I'm gonna buy one of those spun tanks with the fuel sender flanges

one of these

[BL3Manx]

You should be able to get 10 gallons of useable fuel from the stock tank, but it might take some work.

You might need to move the filler to the top rear of the tank.

You also might need to make sure the petcock on the bottom doesn't have "main and reserve" feeds and that you might be on the main.

You also probably need to take off the hood and ensure the tank is properly supported from below by brackets and secured by tabs.

Perching the fuel tank up above the back seat sounds like a poor design

[wythac]

You will need to put something to cover the hole where the fuel tank was, to keep air/dust/fod from coming up thru that hole and into the cabin at your feet.

[StevieC]

[StevieC]

[wythac]

If you put your primary tank elsewhere all you would need to do is put a shutoff valve on the spigot coming out of the original tank, them reroute or T the fuel line to your new tank.

I like the weight of the fuel up front for Fore and Aft balance. My tank has a 9.3 gal capacity...if it was only 5 I'd be lookin at options too...

[Letterman7]

It's just me, but I think you would be able to find a fuel cell that would fit that location for close to the same price as one of those spun tanks. And I'd bet you could find one that was 10 gallons or more. With the fuel cell, you would be able to situate and angle it to get your full flow, since most of those tanks are square or rectangular. That would keep the weight on the front end and, if you got one with the foam, allow a little bit of crash protection.

[lostinbaja]

I get 9 1/2 gallons out of my stock VW tank in my Manx. I have seen the brackets on the spun aluminum tanks fail on sandrails that were in an accident, I wouldn't want that behind me without more protection from it..
_________________
Jerry...
If it's being towed, it must be a trailer!
"Vee Grow Too Soon Oldt Und Too Late Schmardt"
RIP Morgan

My photos
http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album92

[StevieC]

[wythac]

How about this for an idea:

You have a lifted body which should give you more room on the underside of the stock tank. How about removing the tank and fabricating a bottom to graft to the top of your existing tank that takes advantage of that space and increases your fuel capacity. The tops and bottoms of stock tanks are rather simply constructed and welded.

This would allow you to keep the top of the tank with fuel filler and gauge sender intact. The gauge would probably be inaccurate on the lower end, which would put you in the 90th percentile of buggy owners...

Of course you'd have to make good measurements and find a fabricator...neither are insurmountable tasks depending on your local resources.

Just a thought.

[Letterman7]

[EVfun]

With a body lift it might be possible to make a frame to mount the tank to the bottom side of the body opening. It could be designed to mount the rear part of the tank lower than the front, bringing it back to about the level VW intended, the one that allows it to hold 10.5 gallons.
_________________

[StevieC]

I guess I won't know until I pull the hood
I have an a-arm subframe that takes up most the room under the gas tank.
Is the gas tank symmetrical? So I can rotate it around with fuel filler to the to instead of the bottom?
And if you do that will the spout reach the hood like it does in the front?

[BuggyFaron]

I just looked on the Summit website and a 10 gallon, black plastic, Fuel cell, that is built for Street Rods. Is $169.97, that seems likes a great option. Once I have the fuel cell I under the hood. Then I will re-glass the area under the hood to work with the Fuel cell. Seems to me that is a like this is the option to go with.

[joescoolcustoms]

If you are hearing more than fuel slosh from the front tank, you need to investigate what it is and why. Is the tank loose? Is the front of the body not supported?

Second, you need to investigate why you are only getting 5 gallon use out of that 10 gallon tank. Is there a riser on the outlet raising it up and leaving a large portion of fuel in the tank unused.

The tank cannot be switched around 180*, it only fits one way.

Before I would change anything, I would see why it is doing what you describe. Post a photo of how the tank's bottom is in the body with the discharge point, post a photo of the front tank/body supports, post a photo of where the front filler is located on the tank.
_________________
Bad News Racing 2018 NORRA 1000 3rd in Class
Best Day Ever Racing 2022 NORRA 1000 2nd in Class and first All Female team to complete the race

Everyone is gifted. Some just do not open the package.

Looks like it was painted with a live chicken,polished with a brick and buffed with a pine cone

[StevieC]

[motoRAT]

look I've done to my tank, I was getting only 5 litre (1.5 g) capacity, and on right turns, fuel came out, so this is what I did, not tested yet but I'm confidente it will work

cut it

flip it

_________________
Be curious, dismantle it all, reassemble it, go for a ride!

[andk5591]

My body just hangs out front as well. I think adding a support is not a bad idea. I kind of have that with a rubber bushing supporting the front of the stock tank, but something better will be done later. Its very possible that your body is flexing enough to allow the tank to bang into something. 10 gallons of fuel is a bit of weight to be hanging out there.

Anyway - I went through this last year on our buggy - had issues with the stock tank and was gonna be a real challenge removing hood, plus am planning a body off redo in the future. Did a 13 gal Jaz (I think) fuel cell in the rear seat area. Not super happy with it, but it works for now. Issue to consider. Tank angle greatly impacts your fuel sender reading. Mine sloped to the rear some and even if reading 1/8 tank, it only took 5 gal to fill it.

When I do the body off - will probably go back to a stock location tank.
_________________
D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...