Right fuel tank?

[79K15 HIghSierra]

Hey there, my 1979 k15 high Sierra is in need of a new fuel tank! Just wanted to ask some wiser minds here before I pull the trigger. Found a tank and sending unit on rockauto, seem really reasonable on price, can’t think of any reason they wouldn’t fit, but never purchased either before and would hate to get the wrong item!

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[AuroraGirl]

You’ll want straps! Or at least the rivets or bolts to fasten the old straps to your new tank

 

[AuroraGirl]

I used new straps and just used small bolts for the rivets but that isn’t the preferable way to do it. I’m going to change the side the tank is on and change the filler soon so I may redo it but just keep that in mind. Also anti squeak material may be nice to have to

 

[Grit dog]

You’ll want straps! Or at least the rivets or bolts to fasten the old straps to your new tank

The straps don’t attach to the tank.
And the fixed end of the straps don’t need to be removed from the tank brackets to remove the tank.
Why would you need new straps or hardware unless the old ones are broken or rotted out?

 

[Grit dog]

@79. I believe short boxes are all 16 gal and long boxes 20gal. Idk if they’re interchangeable. Make sure you have the right size for your truck.
And fwiw, the fuel filler size is smaller up through 1982?
But the order is specifically for your head so shouldn’t be an issue

 

[79K15 HIghSierra]

@79. I believe short boxes are all 16 gal and long boxes 20gal. Idk if they’re interchangeable. Make sure you have the right size for your truck.
And fwiw, the fuel filler size is smaller up through 1982?
But the order is specifically for your head so shouldn’t be an issue

Good to know! I had no idea, that’s why I posted here before I ordered thank you!

 

[RoryH19]

Also check if your sender has 2 or 3 connections. I'm replacing my 78 short bed k10 tanks and remember this was an option on RA.

 

[AuroraGirl]

The straps don’t attach to the tank.
And the fixed end of the straps don’t need to be removed from the tank brackets to remove the tank.
Why would you need new straps or hardware unless the old ones are broken or rotted out?

I dont remember the process a lot, but I know i needed new straps. Mine were probably rusted bad. IIRC there is a threaded rod on one end of the strap, and that seized and twisted right off on both bands. I Cant remember it perfect, but basically, it was bad. His might not be in bad condition perhaps.

 

[1lejohn]

If you buy the brackets they come with the straps. I ordered both thinking they were separate parts.

 

[Scott91370]

For the anti-squeak material I used roofing felt/tar paper. Cut a piece long enough and double the width then folded it in half.

The 16 and 20 gallon tanks are not interchangeable. If you put a 20 in a shortbed it will hit either the wheel well, cab or both. The 16 MAY fit in place of a 20, but why?

 

[Grit dog]

For the anti-squeak material I used roofing felt/tar paper. Cut a piece long enough and double the width then folded it in half.

That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Been waiting on backordered anti squeak kit for a month now. Wouldn’t have even bought it but I used up my tar paper and the pre made was like $10.
I was thinking about using rubber but then again 35 years later the original tar paper from the factory was doing the job.

 

[curse]

Good to know! I had no idea, that’s why I posted here before I ordered thank you!

I had no idea either.

 

[Brian Dominey]

I am wondering if a 16 will fit in place of a 20. The reason I ask is I have a line on a cheap 16 gallon tank and I'm not worried about the 4 less gallons. It's a 81 C10 longbed. Thanks.

 

[C10MixMaster]

I am wondering if a 16 will fit in place of a 20. The reason I ask is I have a line on a cheap 16 gallon tank and I'm not worried about the 4 less gallons. It's a 81 C10 longbed. Thanks.

yes it uses different filler hoses though. https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-87-ch...s/cc-1981-87-gas-tank-filler-door-components2 However these truck go through gas so fast i would spend a few extra bucks for the extra 4 gallons.

 

[Brian Dominey]

yes it uses different filler hoses though. https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-87-ch...s/cc-1981-87-gas-tank-filler-door-components2 However these truck go through gas so fast i would spend a few extra bucks for the extra 4 gallons.

Thank you