New Bed question

[Charlie Kleman]

So I'm very new to the square body GM world, recently inherited my paps 78 K20 and I'm working to get it back on the road again. The original bed is shot and needs replaced and he has a new bed in the garage.

Not sure if he didn't realize when he bought it or not but the new bed is obviously from a newer truck with the fuel door on the driver side of the bed whereas the original bed has the exposed gas cap on the passenger side.

So is there anyway to relocate the gas tank or anything to make the new bed work?

Thanks

 

[idahovette]

I think you can switch sides with it if you change the tank straps and brackets. You can use the same ones, just reverse them on the tank. The tanks are the same I believe. Longer hoses and electrical wiring, but the hoses should be replaced anyway. Should be easy once you get the bed off. Good luck. If I'm wrong someone will catch my mistake,soon!!

 

[Charlie Kleman]

That's what I was hoping to be able to do, thanks!

 

[Honky Kong jr]

So I'm very new to the square body GM world, recently inherited my paps 78 K20 and I'm working to get it back on the road again. The original bed is shot and needs replaced and he has a new bed in the garage.

Not sure if he didn't realize when he bought it or not but the new bed is obviously from a newer truck with the fuel door on the driver side of the bed whereas the original bed has the exposed gas cap on the passenger side.

So is there anyway to relocate the gas tank or anything to make the new bed work?

Thanks

Blazer or Burb tank swap

 

[HotRodPC]

I think you can switch sides with it if you change the tank straps and brackets. You can use the same ones, just reverse them on the tank. The tanks are the same I believe. Longer hoses and electrical wiring, but the hoses should be replaced anyway. Should be easy once you get the bed off. Good luck. If I'm wrong someone will catch my mistake,soon!!

Don't even need to change the straps and brackets or tank. They're the same for both sides. You'll just need to use the filler pipe for the bed with the door so it mounts properly.

 

[HotRodPC]

Lemme know if you need the filler pipe, I probably have one on one of my spare tanks. All my spare tanks were off gas door beds.

 

[Charlie Kleman]

Lemme know if you need the filler pipe, I probably have one on one of my spare tanks. All my spare tanks were off gas door beds.

Sorry for the late reply but I’ll let you know, thanks for the help!

 

[Charlie]

 

[75gmck25]

As already explained, the tanks are all the same, so just use the filler pipe that matches the bed side and it will work.

I also suggest using a new sending unit, and replacing all the rubber hoses with new ethanol resistant hose. The new gas eats up the old rubber hose fairly quickly, and those hose connections at the sending unit are impossible to reach once the tank is mounted again. Sending units also get flaky if they have been in an empty tank for many years. They tend to be more accurate if kept immersed in gasoline.

I've used SAE J30R9 high pressure FI fuel hose, but you can get SAE J30 R7 TBI pressure hose for a little cheaper. Check prices online because it can be expensive to buy it at the parts store. However, online you probably have to buy at least 10 feet at a time.

Bruce