Where is the gas tank on a Model T?

The gas tank on a Ford Model T is built into the car’s body rather than in the engine bay, and its exact position varied by year and body style. In many examples, the tank sits inside the passenger compartment—either under the front floorboard or behind the rear seat—with variations depending on the specific chassis and restoration era.

Understanding the layout helps explain why Model T restorations and maintenance can differ from one car to another. The design choices were driven by gravity-fed fuel flow to the carburetor and by the overall minimalist approach Ford used in the Model T’s engineering.

Common fuel-tank placements in Model T designs

Below are the two placements most frequently seen in original Model Ts and in restorations. Each configuration reflects how Ford managed gravity-fed fuel delivery to the engine.

• Under the front floorboard, inside the body near the pedals—this position kept the tank above the carburetor to maintain gravity flow.


• Behind the rear seat or in the rear floor area—this location places the tank toward the back of the car, with fuel lines running forward to the engine.

For restorers and collectors, these two layouts are the primary references when identifying a Model T’s fuel-tank setup. Always check the surrounding chassis area and follow the fuel line from the tank to the carburetor to confirm the layout on a specific car.

Year-by-year tendencies and body-style influence

While two main placements were common, the exact location could vary with year, body style, and production run. The following notes describe general tendencies seen across Model T generations, acknowledging that exceptions exist.

1. 1908–1912: Tanks were frequently located under the front floorboard area, aligning with the early open-rail chassis and the need for gravity-feed fuel to the carburetor mounted near the engine front.


2. 1913–1927: Some bodies used a tank positioned behind the rear seat or in the rear floor area, influenced by different body configurations and the desire to simplify access for filling in certain models.

When evaluating a specific vehicle, consult the car’s service manual or a trusted restoration guide for that exact year and body style, as there were multiple variations and occasional transitional designs.

Practical tips for restoration and maintenance

To identify and assess the fuel-tank layout on a Model T you’re restoring or inspecting, consider these steps:

• Inspect the floor area under both the front seats and the rear seating area for a cylindrical or box-like tank and note where the filler cap is located.


• Trace the fuel line from the suspected tank toward the carburetor to confirm the fuel path and ensure gravity-feed compatibility.


• Check historical photos or parts catalogs for your specific year and body style to verify the expected tank placement.

With an older vehicle like the Model T, small differences in tank placement can affect fueling, maintenance access, and restoration authenticity. Taking the time to verify the exact configuration helps ensure accuracy and reliability in operation and display.

Summary: The Model T’s gas tank is integrated into the car’s body, not the engine compartment, and its location varies by year and body style. The two most common configurations are under the front floorboard and behind the rear seat. For any restoration or maintenance work, reference year-specific manuals and historical guides to confirm the exact layout for your particular Model T.

How many gallons of gas did the Model T hold?

The Ford Model T's fuel tank capacity was approximately 10 gallons, though some sources note a slightly smaller capacity of around 9.5 gallons for certain earlier models or oval tanks. The tank was typically located under the front seat, relying on gravity to feed gasoline to the engine. 

• Standard Capacity: The most frequently cited figure for the Model T's fuel tank is 10 gallons. 
• Variations: Some sources, particularly those discussing specific parts or discussions from the time, suggest a slightly smaller capacity of 9.5 to 9.75 gallons, especially for earlier models with oval tanks. 
• Fuel Delivery: The fuel was fed to the engine by gravity, which is why a Model T would struggle to climb a steep hill when the fuel tank was low, as the engine was not getting enough gas. 

Where is the gas tank on a 1927 Model T?

1926 and '27 Model Year coupes have the gas tank in the cowl. 1924 and '25 Model Year coupes have the tank under the seat. 1923 Model Year and earlier coupes, with the "suicide" doors, have the gas tank in the trunk (turtle deck) and that location really can limit what you might try to carry in there.

Where was the gas tank on a Model T?

The Model T gas tank location varies by model year, with early models placing it under the front seat and later models (1926-1927) moving it to the cowl in front of the windshield. Some earlier models also had the tank in the "turtle deck," or trunk, which is the case for some coupes from 1923 and earlier. 
This video shows the location of the gas tank on a Model T truck: 51sPlywood Palace Garage YouTube · Mar 6, 2022

• Early models (approx. 1908-1925): The tank was typically located under the front seat. Some models also had the tank in the rear trunk area (turtle deck). 
• Later models (1926-1927): The gas tank was moved to the cowl, the area in front of the windshield. 

Where is the car gas tank located?

The gas tank in a car is usually located either on the left or right side, and you can determine its position by looking for a small arrow next to the fuel pump icon on your dashboard's fuel gauge. This arrow points to the side of the car where the fuel door is located.
 
You can watch this video to see how to identify the gas tank location: 50sTrip AstuteYouTube · Jun 16, 2017
How to find the gas tank

• Check the fuel gauge: Look at your dashboard and find the fuel gauge, which shows the fuel level. 
• Look for the arrow: Next to the gas pump symbol on the fuel gauge, there is a small arrow (often within a triangle). 
• Interpret the arrow: The arrow indicates which side of the car the fuel door is on. If the arrow points left, the fuel door is on the left side of the car. If it points right, the fuel door is on the right. 

This video explains why the gas tank location can vary: 23sKim KomandoYouTube · Jul 23, 2023
Additional information

• Some older cars may have a lever inside the car, typically on the driver's side floor, to open the gas door. 
• On some vehicles, the gas door can be opened by pushing directly on it to release the latch. 
• The location of the fuel tank is not standardized in the U.S. and can vary by manufacturer, safety design, and model.