SouthTowns Specialties, LLC

FAQ

How to Polish Aluminum by a Master Detailer

A video to teach people how to polish aluminum the right way! https://youtu.be/gyOodLNI4BQ

How do I Clean a Diesel Fuel Tank ?

Instructions

Wait until the diesel tank is nearly empty. Then use the drain to remove the remaining diesel into a container that is approved for diesel storage.
Use a fluid extraction pump if there is no drain in the tank. Attach flexible braided tubing to the intake on the pump, then attach a PVC pipe onto the end of the end of the braided tubing. Note that the diameters of the intake, tubing and pipe must match. Insert the tube into the tank, to the bottom, and pump out contaminants into the diesel container. Once clear diesel fuel starts to appear, stop pumping as you have removed the contaminants–which settle at the bottom–from the tank
Determine the capacity of the diesel tank. Add an appropriate amount of a diesel tank cleaning solution. Add a diesel tank cleaning solution that is ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) compliant.
Fill the tank with diesel fuel. Return any clean fuel from the top of the container if you used the drain. The top of the container will have clean diesel if it hasn’t been mixed.
Dispose of any contaminants and unclean fuel in an approved manner. Check businesses listed in phone directories under waste products. If you can’t find any, contact your county government for information about approved methods of disposing of hazardous waste.

Diesel Fuel Tank Maintenance

Using Jewelers' Rouge to Keep a Fuel Tank Polished

Use a 6-8" diameter muslin wheel
The higher speed on the wheel the better (10,000 RPM is good)
Be generous with the jewelers' rouge
Use the exterior edge of the wheel
Buff an area no larger than the size of your hand at one time.
Get it looking perfect, then move on.
There will be black goop on the surface of the tank. Remove this with acetone, lacquer thinner, or baking soda and a rag.

Removing Bacteria from Fuel Tanks

Remove fuel tank and drain off fuel
Partially fill tank with high concentrations of simple green (high-alkaline solution) or the chemical: Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Agitate for 30 to 60 minutes
Rinse well with water
Rinse well with a mild bleach solution to neutralize the alkalinity
Rinse well with water

Note: Fuel can be treated with a biocide treatment to prevent future contamination.

Where can I find a New Replacement Tank?

This is the right place to look!

All of our tanks are FMCSA approved and labeled for use as side mounted fuel tanks for medium & heavy duty trucks.

All our tanks are built to order. This keeps the cost of warehousing hundreds of tanks, which in turn cost you less than going to a dealer.

Use the tabs at the left of the page to find your Tank.

If you can’t find the tank you’re looking for, and/or you would like a formal written Quote including Shipping and timing, Please fill out the “Request for Quote” form that can be found at the top of any of our web pages. We will e-mail you back a written Quote normally with-in an hour.

What information do I need to inquire about a fuel tank ?

Generally, the height, width, length, gallons, and whether the tank is steel or aluminum is a good place to start.

Additionally, the year, make, model & part number of the tank is helpful but not necessary.

Are there any steps involved? Is it a step tank? Are there steps on the straps and/or brackets?

The more information provided helps to ensure that the proper tank is quoted.

Who is SouthTowns Specialties?

Southtowns Specialties LLC is a provider of high quality fuel tanks that will meet or excide the manufactures specs. Usually at a much lower cost than buying from the major truck dealers.

We can provide Steel tanks for your Gas, Diesel, or Hydraulic need. Aluminum Tanks are available for Diesel or Hydraulic needs only.

FMCSA Part 393 Subpart E 393.65/.67
These tanks are FMCSA approved and labeled for use as side mounted fuel tanks for medium & heavy duty trucks.

The tanks manufactured in our facility adhere to the industry standards prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Part of these standards include the drop test to certify the structural worthiness of our tanks. In order to comply with the regulations, and maintain the highest quality for you, each tank is also pressure tested to ensure a leak-free product and labeled in accordance with these standards. Each tank features our specialty, state-of-the art welding and is custom crafted using milgrade or polished aluminum or Steel to guarantee the best quality.

We have MANY sizes and shapes available! Brackets, mounting straps, caps, and tank fittings, are also available.

We can help you with ANY fuel tank that you may need.

3 Reasons To Consider An Aftermarket Fuel Tank

One of the more useful aftermarket parts that you can get for your truck is a fuel tank, mostly because of the many benefits that it can provide. An aftermarket fuel tank is not intended to actually replace your current fuel tank but is instead meant to supplement it. Listed below are just a few of the reasons to consider an aftermarket fuel tank.

Driving Range

One of the most annoying aspects of many vehicles is that it can seem like you are constantly having to stop and refuel during a long haul or road trip, especially with high-powered and heavy vehicles like trucks. Sure, your truck is likely to have a very large fuel tank in it already, but that doesn’t really help all that much when you consider just how low the fuel efficiency is on many trucks and SUVs, especially if you have a heavy load in the vehicle or are towing a trailer. In that situation, an aftermarket fuel tank can easily double or triple your driving range due to the sheer size of the tanks that can range in capacity from 30 gallons all the way up to 100 gallons.

Placement Versatility

Another reason to consider an aftermarket fuel tank is that it is really easy to find a spot to place it as there are a number of different sizes and shapes available. For example, there are additional tanks that can fit in the truck bed just behind the cab or on the side of the bed next to or over the wheel wells.

In addition, you can even find tanks that are short enough that you can keep install them in your bed but still take advantage of a tonneau cover. This placement versatility makes it easy to increase your fuel capacity without completely compromising your truck bed space.

Durability

Finally, you will want to consider utilizing an aftermarket fuel tank because it is typically going to be very durable. In most cases, a new fuel tank will be made entirely out of steel or comparable materials. In addition, these materials will often be powder coated to make them even more durable by making the tank itself resistant to chipping or corrosion when exposed to the elements.

Contact your local auto parts store or fuel tank supplier today in order to discuss which aftermarket fuel tank would be a good fit for you and your vehicle. These tanks are a good choice if you want a versatile and durable way to greatly increase your fuel capacity and driving range.