1976 vette:
To drop the gas tank I just take out these four bolts:



Then remove the bracket that runs across. Move the tank out slightly so it falls on my head, and it's down....correct?

Also found this hose laying the the spare tire holder. I assume it was attached to something.



Was also wondering...as I lower the gas tank, will the fuel line come with it, or am I going to break it when I lower the tank.
Thanks in advance for your assistance

 

Funny, my hose did the same thing. It is for the fuel to drain down if you overflow your tank. If you look up the forward side of the tank, you'll see where it goes. Or, you'ss see when you drop the tank. Good Luck!

 

Never taken it out, so I don't want to mess it up!

 

mstock,

Just did mine about 3 weeks ago....this is where a second pair of hands is good because as you lower the tank it needs to be disconnected on the topside by removing the clamps on the flexible hose couplings. I did mine solo just by using jackstands and blocks of wood to hold it partially in place while I disconnected hoses topside. I assume you siphoned/drained as much gas as possible out already? I had a buddy help me re-install it just because he was here and drinking my beer already anyway It all went relatively smooth....good luck!!

 

Yes, got 99.5 % of fuel out already. So you drop it a little bit, disconnect the hoses, then drop the rest?
That being the case, since it is the flexable hose I need to replace, I don't really have to drop it all the way down?
Thanks for the info!

 

If by yourself...it is tough.
--A little trick is to let the tank rest on the exhaust (if still there) once you drop the bolts off the crossmember (or use small floor jack with wood to let it rest on)...then the tank is low enough to reach and disconnect the top hoses with pliers and needle nose pliers...two on the right of the gas cap disconnect at the tank.
--The line at the left of the gas cap links to a "T" valve screwed into the top of the tank at about 8 inches left of the gas cap...if you disconnect that line *right there* it will do nothing....reach further LEFT OF THE "T" and disconnect there...that will release that line where needed.
--a positive wire
--a ground wire

If removing:
--Another trick is a small (short) 9/16 wrench inserted into the hole in the side of the frame to back-up where the tank crossmember bolts.
Insert wrench in hole on top of bolt...also have a 1/4 drive breaker bar with 12pt (a good flank-drive) 9/16 socket handy for other bolts inside as a back-up too...dont forget the tools inside frame when completed


I just did my 79 last week...I am sure it is similiar.



BTW--I believe that loose line is the water drain line for the gas cap boot...that plastic fitting at the end of that line is for the line boot seal.


Also--you *can* replace the top hoses after lowering the tank a little...if you can completely drop...its a great time to do repairs with the tank out of the way...
repair:
other hoses
all hidden electrical wiring.
electric antenna (if applicable)
add or repair ground straps
repair or replace assorted rubber bushings
clean and paint
ect...
Some things are real tangible with the tank removed...you can actually sit under there.


GL




Jim

 

Thanks for all the info! I'll drop it on the weekend!

 

I just finished the tank in my '77 over the weekend.

Try and find someone to give you a hand, it makes life so much easier. When you drop the crossmember the tank needs to swivel down. I lowered the front edge of the tank, disconnected the electrical connections, used a new razor blade and cut the hoses so I didn't damage the nipples pulling on the hose.

When you go to put it back together stick the back edge of the tank up and into the opening, install hoses and electrical. Then push the front edge of the tank up and the crossmember will bolt up without problems.

Here is a tip I used that worked well for me. I used some strips of roofing tar like others have done, but I used some Permatex Hi Tack and glued the strips into place. I used a couple of bungie cords till it set up so that I didn't have to worry about them shifting while putting the tank back in.

Good luck,
Jeff

 

Jeff, thanks for the tip.

 

what about the two straps that go around the tank... if you don't get those unhooked you will not be able to drop it.

they attach to that crossmember with the four bolts?

jim

 

Lifted mine off last weekend (body off)... Here's what it looks like on top (76').

 

When reassembling I wrapped string around the hoses and wires so I could locate them when tank was half way up. It makes finding the ends of each much easier. Also makes identifing each easier while in a difficult to see spot. ALSO, BE SURE YOU DON'T TRAP THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE STRAP. DON'T WANT TO CHOKE OFF THE FUEL SUPPLY.
TJ

 

Tie some rope around your gas tank and run it up through the gas filler door. Tie the rope around a broom handle. Makes re-installing the gas tank a one man job.

 

Along those same lines, make sure that the fuel lines (supply and return) are not too long and overlap each other. The person who dropped the tank before did this and the supply line was pinched and the car never ran correct. I dropped the tank and replaced the line with a little shorter piece and made sure that the lines did not cross. All is well now. I did it with two people and it was pretty easy. Good luck.

 

Gee...I don't see the straps. Where on the cross member should they be attached?
and thanks again for all the info and tips folks

 

The straps run up and over the top of the tank unlike most cars that run under the tank.

You will see where the straps hook into the crossmember that you will remove. The 2 bolts go from under the rear frame and go into the straps. The straps have a nut that is attached to the straps.

When you lower the tank it works best to lower the crossmember and straps at the same time. It will come out as a unit.

Jeff

 

There ya go little fella....
Just did this last week and this weekend it'll go back in.
POR-15 worked wonders on the outside and the sealer inside.
While its out may as well give it some life and beat the sh*& out of the rust monster! Good luck.

 

here are the tank straps i mentioned that need to be disconnected. One side has a hook and the other side has one bolt.

 

Now, those straps in the picture I see. Was expecting something rubber...anyway... Thanks for all the info. Now all I have to do is locate theose bolts for the straps, as I don't remember seeing those. Will keep you posted this weekend(case I run into unexpected trouble )
Little fella??

 

The bolts are located on the other side of the tank in the exact same position.
The hardest part is to hook the the strap back on the tank... the strap doesn't like to go into its original position.

Also, the tank is resting on a rubber pads along the rails, make sure you save those and use them again so your tank is not resting on bare metal when you reinstall it. they might look like hell but they will still work.

Good Luck,
Jim