Determining the exact gas tank capacity for your classic 1973-1987 Chevy truck requires a bit of detective work, as the size varied depending on the model, body style, and even the year of manufacture. This guide will help you pinpoint the likely size for your specific truck, and explain the factors that influenced the variations.
Factors Affecting Gas Tank Capacity in 73-87 Chevy Trucks
Several factors contributed to the differences in gas tank capacity across the 1973-1987 Chevrolet truck lineup:
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Model: The gas tank size differed between the various models offered during those years, including the C10, C20, and C30 series. Heavier-duty trucks like the C30 typically had larger tanks to accommodate longer distances and heavier loads.
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Body Style: The body style (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab) also influenced the tank size. Extended and crew cabs, with their larger overall dimensions, sometimes had slightly larger tanks compared to regular cabs. However, this wasn't always consistent across all models and years.
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Year of Manufacture: Even within the same model and body style, subtle changes in tank design or manufacturing could lead to minor variations in capacity from one year to the next.
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Optional Equipment: Some optional equipment might have indirectly impacted fuel tank size. For instance, if additional underbody components were added, they might have necessitated a slightly smaller tank to accommodate the necessary clearances.
Typical Gas Tank Sizes for 73-87 Chevy Trucks
While pinpointing the exact capacity without your truck's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is impossible, here's a general range of capacities you might expect:
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Most Common: Many 1973-1987 Chevy trucks came equipped with gas tanks ranging from 15 to 20 gallons. This was a common size for the C10 and many C20 models.
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Larger Trucks: Heavier-duty trucks, such as the C20 and C30 models, often featured larger tanks, sometimes reaching capacities of 20 to 26 gallons. The larger capacities were to extend their range, especially when hauling heavy loads.
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Variations: It's crucial to remember that these are estimates, and variations exist. Some trucks, especially those with unique modifications or customizations, could have gas tanks that fall outside these ranges.
How to Find the Exact Capacity of Your Chevy Truck's Gas Tank
The most reliable method to determine your truck's gas tank capacity is to:
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Check the Owner's Manual: If you still have the original owner's manual for your truck, this document should specify the exact gas tank capacity.
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Examine the Gas Tank: Look for markings stamped on the gas tank itself, though this information might be difficult to access without removing the tank.
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Consult a Parts Catalog: A Chevrolet parts catalog specific to your truck's year and model might list the gas tank capacity in its specifications. Often available online or through auto parts retailers.
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Check the VIN: Your vehicle's VIN can provide detailed information about its specifications, which might include gas tank capacity. A dealer or mechanic can decode the VIN for you.
Conclusion
The gas tank capacity in 1973-1987 Chevy trucks wasn't standardized. Understanding the factors that influenced tank size – model, body style, and year – helps narrow down the possibilities. While the typical range is 15-26 gallons, consulting your owner's manual, parts catalog, or using the VIN is the most accurate way to determine the precise capacity of your specific truck. Happy cruising!
