Yes it can get quite chilly up here in MN. Before my wagon I had an 84 190d with a greasecar kit in it. I had an extra plate heater and an auxiliary coolant pump for around town or extremely cold days. The coldest I ran straight wvo was -15f, it did just fine with all the extra precautions.

I didn't know that oil breakdown like that thanks for the explanation, I'm thinking then in the wagon I could get away with pad heat on the tank only when needed.

I havent converted the wagon (yet) because I've been unable to find an elegant tank solution. I do like the idea of keeping the cargo area completely intact. Perhaps a small tank behind the stock tank or in place of the spare? I'm definitely interested in a tank if keeps the back of our wagons as great as they look!

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

Here are some tanks I did for TD's.











The custom alum tanks I made for a friends car. I am thinking of making some my car but they're not cheap to build! They mount in original place with factory hardware. the veg tank fills from original filler spot and diesel tank fills from under 3rd seat.

I converted the main tank in my car. Yes it did get all gunked/poly'd up after 4 yrs. I installed another tank with an alum heat X, time will tell. Hopefully it'll be fine for a few more years. The insulation got beat up pretty fast, never got around to installing a cover i had planned (the webbing was to hold the shield, it is not holding the tank up!). has been fine with no insulation though, in winter i blend in a couple gallons of diesel anyway.





The diesel tank is a from a sand rail (chirco)

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82 MB 300TD, 87 Audi 4000TQ, 05 Audi A4 avant 1.8T 6spd (Wifes), 63 356C, Samurai VW 1.6TD, 71 NSU 1200C, 71 Toyota Hilux, tractors and junk

Wow, very impressive! Those are some fantastic custom tanks, and by far the nicest solution I've seen for a 2 tank system on a 300TD.

For the custom tanks what was the approximate gallon size for each? How expensive are they to make?

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

I like how you used the rear most cavity underneath. This is where my car has a large vacuum reservoir. I have thought about storing vacuum somewhere else and using this space for a small tank.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

Thanks, they were alot of work to make. I did not do the welding.

The diesel tank is like 7 gal and the veg tank is like 20 gal

Was over 1500 just for the tanks all said and done, not cheap but he was happy.

The vac reservoir is located in r side compartment opposite spare tire.

I was thinking of building some for my car, but no time right now, and the converted main tank doing fine for now.

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82 MB 300TD, 87 Audi 4000TQ, 05 Audi A4 avant 1.8T 6spd (Wifes), 63 356C, Samurai VW 1.6TD, 71 NSU 1200C, 71 Toyota Hilux, tractors and junk

Do you guys think it's feasible or worth the effort to convert a Greasecar 24" round tank to sit in my wagon's spare tire compartment? I wouldn't normally think this an option, but I believe I can get a used Greasecar kit with this tank for a reasonable price.

Originally hey are made to sit horizontal, but I would need it to be vertical. I think the fuel hookups are in an ok location but the fill and the fuel tank sender would have to be relocated to the top.

If I could get the whole used kit for $500 do you think it's worth it? How hard would it be to relocate these items? thanks for any thoughts. Greasecar tank pic on left, similar setup to how I would mod it on right

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

I thought about doing that, it looks like it would be possible.

Hose routing with stock GC tank may not be ideal though, not sure how that would work out.

The filler would need to change for sure.

You don't have a place for the spare tire, unless you don't mind it in the back, on roof or doing with out.

You would still have a nasty veg tank in the car, but I guess its better then being strapped in the back.

I then decided to use my stock tank, on my second one now due to poly.

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82 MB 300TD, 87 Audi 4000TQ, 05 Audi A4 avant 1.8T 6spd (Wifes), 63 356C, Samurai VW 1.6TD, 71 NSU 1200C, 71 Toyota Hilux, tractors and junk

Hi Mark thanks for the reply!

Well I ended up buying the kit, it was too good to pass up it has the Greasecar Co-Pilot and everything for $500. I'm now thinking I might sell the tank and reuse the valves, heated filter, co-pilot.

Do you think two plastic tanks they same dimensions you made those custom 2 aluminum tanks would work? There is a company that makes custom plastic tanks that are reasonable and there shouldn't be any poly issues going with them. What do you think about that idea?
Water Tanks, Plastic Tanks, Custom Plastic Tanks, Poly Tanks, Storage Tanks

Otherwise, I think I'll be going down the path you forged, two custom aluminum tanks. I really like the idea of having all the weight evenly spread back there and a 20 and 8 gallon tank rather than a 13 sitting vertical with no spare!

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

At one point there was a question about whether these tanks can be used flat??? Maybe I misunderstood. Anyway I saw one installed in a 300d trunk today in craigslist pictures. 84 Mercedes 300D GREASECAR

Oh I meant can you use vertical, answer is no. I figured that out after looking at one, much more difficult to alter than I initially thought.

So I need to build a custom tank still... I had been mulling single tank options, especially since I have a Webasto Thermo Top C installed. That would allow me to heat everything up with the auxiliary heater, could run it off a small diesel/kerosene tank.

I've had this car for 6 years and love driving it. Probably have another 10 or 20. Might as well do it right the first time...I'm leaning towards two custom tanks like the setup above. Still haven't made progress on it yet though...

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1983 300TD - 202k with 5 speed Getrag conversion

I understand completely.

The nice right side mounted tank pictured in the beginning of the thread is sweet.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.