Tanks, Inc. 49M-G 1949-1951 Mercury Steel Fuel Tank - 18.5 Gallon

Tanks, Inc. 49M-G 1949-1951 Mercury Steel Fuel Tank - 18.5 Gallon

The Tanks, Inc. 49M-G is an 18.5-gallon replacement fuel tank designed for 1949-1951 Mercury passenger cars. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant die-stamped alloy-coated steel, this tank combines original-style dimensions and fuel capacity with improved internal baffling and modern fuel system compatibility.

Whether you're restoring a classic Mercury, replacing a corroded original tank, or building a custom street rod or restomod, the 49M-G provides a quality replacement fuel tank with provisions for aftermarket sending units and optional electronic fuel injection upgrades.

Vehicle Applications

• 1949 Mercury passenger cars
• 1950 Mercury passenger cars
• 1951 Mercury passenger cars

Applications include compatible Mercury coupes, sedans, convertibles, and other passenger car body styles. Verify the original fuel tank configuration, mounting arrangement, filler neck location, and available clearance before ordering, particularly on modified vehicles.

Features & Specifications

• Manufacturer: Tanks, Inc.
• Part Number: 49M-G
• Product Type: Replacement steel fuel tank
• Vehicle Fitment: 1949-1951 Mercury passenger cars
• Construction: Die-stamped alloy-coated steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant steel coating
• Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons
• Dimensions: Stock-style replacement dimensions
• Internal Baffling: Included to help control fuel movement
• Fuel Pickup: 3/8-inch NPT internal pickup tube
• Mounting Provisions: Caged mounting nuts
• Filler Neck: 2-1/4-inch outside diameter
• Fuel Sending Unit: Compatible aftermarket 5-hole sending units
• Factory Gauge Resistance: Approximately 73-10 ohms
• Tube/Reed Sender Length: 6 inches
• EFI Conversion: Compatible with an optional PA-Series retrofit fuel pump module
• Electric Fuel Pump: Not included
• Fuel-Level Sending Unit: Not included

Die-Stamped Alloy-Coated Steel Construction

The 49M-G is manufactured from die-stamped steel with an alloy coating designed to provide corrosion resistance compared with untreated steel fuel tanks.

The tank retains the original-style 18.5-gallon capacity and mounting configuration, making it suitable for traditional Mercury restorations and custom vehicle projects where the original tank has deteriorated or become unusable.

Unlike many basic reproduction fuel tanks, the 49M-G incorporates internal baffling to help reduce excessive fuel movement during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The tank also features caged mounting nuts to facilitate installation using an appropriate mounting arrangement.

Fuel Pickup & Sending Unit Compatibility

The 49M-G incorporates a 3/8-inch NPT internal fuel pickup tube for properly configured conventional fuel delivery systems.

The tank accepts compatible aftermarket fuel-level sending units using a standard five-hole mounting pattern. Common sending unit resistance ranges include:

• 73-10 Ohms: Compatible with many original-style early Ford and Mercury gauges.
• 240-33 Ohms: Common aftermarket gauge systems, including compatible Stewart-Warner and AutoMeter applications.
• 10-180 Ohms: Compatible VDO gauge systems.
• Other Resistance Ranges: May be used when matched to the installed fuel gauge.

For factory-style Mercury instrumentation, the appropriate sender should match the original 73-10 ohm resistance range.

When using a tubular or reed-switch sending unit, Tanks, Inc. specifies a 6-inch sender length for this tank.

Important: The fuel-level sending unit is sold separately. Verify the gauge resistance range, sender mounting configuration, and float clearance before installation. The factory sender should not be assumed to fit the aftermarket five-hole opening.

Traditional Restoration & Carbureted Applications

The 49M-G is well suited for traditional Mercury restorations using conventional carbureted fuel systems.

Its internal fuel pickup, stock-style dimensions, and compatible fuel sender provisions make it a practical replacement for an original fuel tank.

During installation, inspect the existing fuel lines, fittings, filters, filler hose, mounting components, and venting arrangement. Replace deteriorated or incompatible components as necessary.

Fuel delivery requirements should be matched to the engine's fuel pump, carburetor, and intended vehicle use.

Electronic Fuel Injection Conversion

The 49M-G can also be adapted for electronic fuel injection using a compatible Tanks, Inc. PA-Series in-tank electric fuel pump retrofit module.

The tank is not supplied with an electric fuel pump or an integrated EFI pump reservoir. Installing a PA-Series system requires additional tank modification and sufficient internal clearance for the pump and reservoir assembly.

PA-Series retrofit systems incorporate an electric pump, adjustable mounting components, and an internal fuel reservoir tray to help maintain fuel delivery during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Available PA-Series configurations include:

• PA-2: 190 LPH in-tank electric fuel pump retrofit kit for compatible applications.
• PA-4: 255 LPH high-flow in-tank electric fuel pump retrofit kit for applications requiring additional fuel delivery capacity.

Pump selection must account for actual engine fuel demand, operating fuel pressure, electrical control strategy, and available tank dimensions.

Unlike certain dedicated Tanks, Inc. EFI-ready fuel tanks, the 49M-G does not have provisions for direct installation of a GPA-Series pump module. Use the appropriate PA-Series retrofit components when planning an in-tank EFI conversion.

EFI installations also require compatible fuel pressure regulation, filtration, fuel supply and return lines, tank venting, and electrical integration.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation requires confirming the fuel tank mounting arrangement, filler neck alignment, connecting hose dimensions, fuel pickup routing, and chassis clearance.

The tank features a 2-1/4-inch outside-diameter filler neck. Connecting hoses and clamps must be compatible with the filler dimensions and suitable for automotive gasoline service.

The existing mounting straps and related hardware should be inspected carefully. Replacement mounting components may be necessary depending on their condition and the vehicle's configuration.

Modified chassis, suspension systems, exhaust routing, or bodywork may require additional fabrication to achieve proper clearance and secure mounting.

Fuel-level sending units, electric fuel pumps, and certain installation accessories are sold separately unless specifically included in a package.

Professional Fuel System Installation

Squid's Rod Shop is an authorized Tanks, Inc. dealer providing replacement fuel tanks, custom fabrication, and professional installation in Hickory, North Carolina.

Our team specializes in classic car restoration, custom fuel system plumbing, fuel tank installation and modification, electronic fuel injection conversions, and complete drivetrain integration.

Whether you're restoring a 1949-1951 Mercury to its original configuration or building a custom restomod with modern engine management, we can help select the appropriate fuel tank, sending unit, fuel pump, and supporting components.

For product compatibility assistance or professional installation, contact Squid's Rod Shop.

Pricing Note: All prices are subject to manufacturer's price changes without notice. If a price change occurs, we will notify you for approval before finalizing your order.