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I've got one more day to spend on my 70. Currently finishing up the front carpet. I'd like to drop the tank and get the sticker off and get put away it in a file. But I've not removed a tank in an assembled car. What would you estimate for how long it would take to get the tank out and back in again? Any tips for getting this done smoothly? The tank is already drained.
From what I know, I need to:
1) remove the spare tire and housing
2) disconnect the lines, including overflow
3) remove one side muffler?
4) dis-assemble support and lower it down
Removed gas tanks on 72 68 &69 and do not remember having to remove a muffler. Although removing a muffler would give more access room. Think you have it all. Kinda of a bulky item. I use both hands and feet to remove and reinstall lol's (no lift yet).
Better to have a helper. IMO hard to manage with only 2 hands.
plus fuel level wire as you know. How long? Depends on if cross mount bolts are rusted. If not, an hour maybe?
Now i think about it, the last 2 tanks i put in were for a 68 & 69 with sidepipes which would explain not remembering removing mufflers; ha! You might have to remove one muffler and certainly give more room.
Last edited by 20mercury; Mar 21, 2025 at 01:02 AM.
Depending on muffler style sometimes you can unbolt the hanger and just push the muffler over sideways a couple inches. Wiring for sender of course.
replace those rubber hoses while your in there. Counting on a couple rusted bolts, needing to replace that tar paper strip, etc, etc. 2-3 hours should cover it. It's really not that hard.
I've got one more day to spend on my 70. Currently finishing up the front carpet. I'd like to drop the tank and get the sticker off and get put away it in a file. But I've not removed a tank in an assembled car. What would you estimate for how long it would take to get the tank out and back in again? Any tips for getting this done smoothly? The tank is already drained.
From what I know, I need to:
1) remove the spare tire and housing
2) disconnect the lines, including overflow
3) remove one side muffler?
4) dis-assemble support and lower it down
Am I missing anything?
I've done this a couple times. Shouldn't need to remove the exhaust.
Once you remove the tank support crossbar you'll have plenty of room to manipulate the tank between the mufflers.
You might want to replace the anti-squeek felt on the crossbar while you in there.
The toughest part is reinstalling the hold down straps. Take some photos of the orientation of the straps and cross bar before you begin.
Great info. guys! I'm currently finishing up the driver side carpet so I may be able to get to this today. I really want that tank sticker and also a drive around town by tonight.
I agree, not a tough job. It's much easier with a lift. Before you pull the tank, make sure your tank sticker is there and readable. Also, pick up two long carriage bolts or running stock with nuts. I used the bolts to pull the straps down into position during reassembly. Once in position, remove the carriage bolts and reinstall the correct bolts. Lastly, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from all of the garbage that will drop out. Good luck. Jerry
Yes, have a helper. I pulled mine on the '82 and there was no tank sticker. I'm sure I was the first one to do it but curious if the Bowling Green cars maybe didn't put one there? Also check the condition of the rubber cushioning on the tank and supports as it may be deteriorated.
After removing everything except the tank, I found it was still a hassle to maneuver the tank around to get it to come out.
HOWEVER, in manhandling the tank to get it out......I ripped openings in the tank wall! The tank was rusting from the inside out, and the rust had eaten down the thickness of the tank steel walls to paper thin. I ordered a new Quanta tank.....they appear to be exact replicas of the OEM tank. I would guess the Quanta tanks are made with the OEM tooling.
HOWEVER, in manhandling the tank to get it out......I ripped openings in the tank wall! The tank was rusting from the inside out, and the rust had eaten down the thickness of the tank steel walls to paper thin. I ordered a new Quanta tank.....they appear to be exact replicas of the OEM tank. I would guess the Quanta tanks are made with the OEM tooling.
Sounds like you pulled it out just in time before someone worse happened
While you are at it, replace the rubber fuel and vent lines with fuel injection line. It is way stronger and designed to resist deterioration from ethanol fuels. It is inexpensive. Also, consider replacing the sock on the fuel sender and the downstream filters. They may be clogged with rust. Jerry
Well, as I was wrestling with the loose tank and concluding I was not going to get it out without having to remove at least one muffler, which is corroded enough to make that a major PIA, I decided to just lower it enough that I can reach in and get the sticker. That was my goal after all. I’ve got pieces of it and it’s pretty toasted. But I can at least see what I already know; that my car came cortez silver with 454 and close ratio manual transmission. I can’t read much else and the photos are mostly unreadable. So, knowing my tank is in good solid condition clean on the inside and everything is working. I am going to put it back together and call it a day. I’m glad I thought to do this without getting it all the way out. The reward would’ve been a major disappointment.
Estimated time for dropping tank
