Fuel Tank Removal

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Jul 1, 2006 | 06:23 PM

73, Dark Blue 454

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 10

From: Austin TX

Fuel Tank Removal

On my 73, I need to remove my fuel tank for general clean-up and to find a small fuel leak (that drips on one of my mufflers,..nice).

After eye-balling the job, it appears I may have to lower my exhaust (it's the original exhaust system) in order to make room to drop the tank.

Can someone confirm if the tank can or can't be dropped with the exhaust (mufflers) in place.

Advice welcome, and thanks!

Jul 1, 2006 | 06:27 PM

big_G

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 5,752

Likes: 4

From: Austin Texas

I find it necessary to pull the mufflers.

Jul 1, 2006 | 06:37 PM

Duke94

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 6,640

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From: Ann Arbor Michigan

I removed the mufflers as well, gives more room to work as you will need to disconnect a couple of hoses on the pass side. before you can drop it all the way down.

Jul 2, 2006 | 12:11 AM

Z-man

Race Director

Joined: Nov 1999

Posts: 10,643

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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible

I don't know how you would get it out without removing the mufflers first...

Jul 2, 2006 | 11:27 AM

73, Dark Blue 454

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 10

From: Austin TX

That's what I thought,..thanks guys!

Jul 2, 2006 | 11:28 AM

PhotoVette1

Safety Car

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,503

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From: Raleigh NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-man

I don't know how you would get it out without removing the mufflers first...

The gas tank clears chambered exhaust systems nicely.

Jul 2, 2006 | 11:31 AM

GUSTO14

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 8,812

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From: eastern NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454

...Can someone confirm if the tank can or can't be dropped with the exhaust (mufflers) in place.

Advice welcome, and thanks!

Yes it can be done without removing the mufflers.... but as others have mentioned it is definitely easier to do with them out of the way. It's been a few years since I replaced my tank, and I may have lowered the mufflers, but I did not remove them.

Good luck and be careful when you start removing the straps... After draining the fuel tank, I got a face full of gas when I started loosening them and had to quickly tighten them up to stem the flow... I then used rags to sop up the remaining gas in the tank. Removing the straps revealed major rust holes in the bottom of the tank, and the straps were doing a good job of masking them.

GUSTO