When it comes to safety issues and classic trucks, gas tanks are probably one of the most highly debated subjects. While some will argue that it’s safer in the rear, others will argue that it’s best by the cab. Depending on whom you ask, the answers will always vary and the debate will carry on.
That said, the best decision to go with is the one that makes you feel safest, and for this ’54 build, we opted to mount a new 19-gallon tank out back on the frame. At least for us, there was something quite unsettling about driving near a tank of combustible liquid, so we decided to throw it out back. To top it off, we didn’t want to go through the process of restoring an older tank, so we decided to with a custom-made unit from Classic Performance Products.
Since we used a new frame from the artisans at TCI, all we had to do was supply the dimension to CPP and they hand crafted a new gas tank that would drop right in between the rails on the rear of the frame. To be honest, doing a step-by-step installation may come off as quite comical because it really was as easy as dropping it in and bolting it up. Of course you have to install the fuel filler and down tube along with the brass fittings, and necessary fuel sender, but it’s pretty self-explanatory.
On some applications you may have to shorten the fuel sender, but other than that, the install is relatively easy. CPP makes one of the finest aftermarket tanks on the market. The aluminum gas tanks simply fit between the framerails, are fully baffled, and are compatible with EFI or carbureted applications. Once the tanks are installed, fuel can be added through the bed floor, or custom side fills can be added. These tanks are pre-notched for leaf spring clearance and install without having to move the crossmembers.
While CPP gas tanks offer a slew of benefits, the greatest benefit we’ve experienced is the peace of mind that it brought us. To know that your fuel is being carried far away from the cab is enough for us to make the switch, and it’s also good to know that you’ve got a fresh clean tank to hold the juice to your lifeline.
Should you hate trips to the gas station, CPP offers their aluminum gas tanks for many applications and you can even opt to go with higher capacity tanks. In addition, they’re all crafted in the USA and their quality and customer service is unmatched.
We loaded up the Project ’54 Lowrider Truck frame, manufactured by Total Cost Involved, and made a trip down to the great and helpful people from Classic Performance Products. Measuring tape, a pen, and drawing paper came along with them as they took a look at the location where their aluminum 19-gallon tank would be set and mounted. Even though CPP has a complete line of fuel tanks, they wanted to make sure that their tank would fit on to the rear of the framerails like a glove. Once the mounting specs and modifications were made for EFI compatibilities, we received the tank for installation.
Advantages of an Aluminum CPP Tank:
Rust Prevention
Aluminum fuel tanks are less susceptible to corrosion. To be honest, purchasing one of these CPP aluminum tanks will last a lifetime. Steel is also more susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture and the rust factor multiplies when it’s exposed to road salt and sea air.
Low-Sulfur Fuel
Nowadays, the increased use of low-sulfur fuels promotes an increase in interior corrosion of fuel tanks. Aluminum is not nearly susceptible to this type of corrosion and it is yet another added bonus when going with a CPP tank.
Weight Savings
Aluminum tanks are much lighter. Weight reduction is one of the best ways to reduce pollution and increase gas mileage, so this is a win-win.
Baffles:
CPP tanks come with baffles, which are located inside the tank. These baffles help provide internal support to help withstand fuel sloshing loads, and keeps slosh to a bare minimum. That means that it keeps your fuel from beating up your fuel sender lever and float while keeping the fuel gauge reading steady.
The Lowrider Project ’54 Bomb Truck undercarriage mockup build is now complete, except for the upcoming exhaust install. As you have followed along in our special series of articles containing the early step-by-step build, we will soon begin the next stage of disassembling the entire Total Cost Involved Lowrider Truck frame. We will be removing all of the modern suspension components, including the Wilwood disc brakes, air suspension, high-performance brake booster, and Currie rear axle. We will also remove the Chevrolet Performance Crate LSX engine and 4L85 E Transmission so that we can send over everything chassis related to get powdercoated. Stay tuned for another upcoming Project Bomb Truck segment, as we reinstall the truck’s chassis, and then further down the road we slightly chop the top of the truck’s cab?
E3 Spark Plugs Monthly Tech Tip
When the Spark Just Isn’t There
Spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture within your engine’s cylinders. This continuous ignition is what keeps your car moving down the road. If you don’t check on your spark plug’s performance with regular services, or change them when necessary, they can cause problems.
Here are some indications that your car’s engine probably needs a new spark of life!
Rough engine idle: The sound an engine gives off is constant and smooth, but if your spark plugs aren’t performing as they should, your engine will produce a rough and jittery sound and create larger vibrations throughout the car.
Trouble starting your car: Many people think that their car not starting right up is because they probably need a fuel filter or their battery is going dead. It is also possible that faulty spark plugs are causing your battery to drain.
Engine misfiring: When your engine misfires it causes the vehicle to halt for a fraction of a second and then continues it’s usual movement. One or more cylinders aren’t firing properly, which can also lead to higher amounts of emissions.
Wasting fuel: If your spark plugs have deteriorated, you’ll notice that your vehicle is starting to eat up gas a lot more and you wind up making more visits to the gas station.
Lack of acceleration: If your vehicle is accelerating poorly, it is pretty easy to tell. It feels as if the vehicle doesn’t want to respond when you put your foot down, or it does, but not as quickly as it used to.
If your vehicle’s performance relates to any of the above warnings, and if you’re not able to change the spark plugs yourself, then it’s about time to have your vehicle serviced and ask for E3 Spark Plugs with the DiamondFIRE power to work in your car, SUV, minivan, truck, motorcycle, snowmobile, or even your ATV. E3 Spark Plugs are not ordinary plugs either! The diamond-shaped architecture flame kernel moves toward the air/fuel mixture to create higher combustion pressure. This in turn allows for a better burn to improve fuel efficiency and engine performance. Please visit www.e3sparkplugs.com or ask for them at any auto parts store.
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