Fuel Cell Install in the Bed

[Chevynut73]

After taking the '73 from a long bed to a short bed, i had to remove the original fuel tank and don't really want to install a short bed 16 gal tank in the frame so would like to install a fuel cell in the bed.

My question is  -  Do i need to/have to hook up the RETURN LINE to the canister under the hood ?

Thanks

[Captkaos]

Your fuel pump will have a return line so yes.  To get rid of that you would have to run a electric pump/regulator in the tank set to the ideal 5-7lbs that your carb wants.
This is assuming you are just changing tanks.

[VileZambonie]

Why would you want a fuel cell in the bed? Just replace the tank

[Chevynut73]

Thanks for the info, i will go ahead and run the return line. 

VZ - your answer is in my post, thanks.

[VileZambonie]

Thanks for the info, i will go ahead and run the return line. 

VZ - your answer is in my post, thanks.

Because you didn't really want to. I got that much

[Chevynut73]

VZ - the short bed fuel tanks are 16 gal. correct?  That's too small.

Do not want to cut up the bed or frame braces anymore than we already have, so a between the frame fuel tank is not a good option.

Installing a fuel cell/tank in the bed is a good option.

You have any ideas?

[Mike81K10]

LWNB trucks also have the 16 Gallon Saddle tanks. I have two that came OEM with my truck. The rear tank that some installs in the frame rails (back of truck) carries more than 16 gallons. You need a vent line to the canister, it is for vapor and can prevent vapor lock. VZ or someone else may have another idea. I am just going by the OEM setup.

[Captkaos]

Since 1990's I have swapped alot of my 73-87 trucks to the Blazer/Jimmy tanks in the rear frame..   I wrote this YEARS ago... http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/blazertank.html
That is a 31 gallon tank and it is in that truck and my current twin turbo truck documented here: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12120.msg190717#msg190717
LWB trucks could be had with 20gallon pairs, 20gallon single, 20 and 16 gallon, or in some rare (cannot prove original) instances 16 gallon pairs although the later I question as all the documentation I have says standard LWB tank was 20.

SWB trucks were only available with 16 gallon pair or a single 16.

You want find a 31 gallon fuel cell and everyone i know that used one had horror stories on a daily...

[Mike81K10]

Perhaps the original owner of my truck ordered it with the two 16 Gallon tanks. I am the second owner and I got it with low miles (about 60K I believe) and all original. The owner carried a camper in the bed. He pulled it out and put it into a new truck he bought. The original color was baby blue with a blue interior. Shortly after getting it I had to get the transfer case rebuilt.

[VileZambonie]

Dual tanks are bolt in and the Blazer tank conversion is another option. If you only have one gas door/hole, there are ways around that as well. I wouldn't give up your bed space for a fuel tank unless this is a race truck. One 16 gallon tank means more pit stops to gas up and have everyone drool over your truck too