Dropping the Gas Tank
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 2
From: Troutman NC
Dropping the Gas Tank
Ive never done it but I need to, can the tank be dropped? whats involved? I did a body off frame change years ago on a C3 for a customer so that was easy
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
What year? Update to your profile will generate faster and more accurate response pool.
In general, pretty easy to remove once the spare tire carrier is out the way. Can often be removed without removing the exhaust at all if you have hands/arms on the smaller side else reaching the fuel lines can be difficult. Getting it back in can be a challenge if you don't pay attention to how the support and straps are oriented prior to removing it.
In general, pretty easy to remove once the spare tire carrier is out the way. Can often be removed without removing the exhaust at all if you have hands/arms on the smaller side else reaching the fuel lines can be difficult. Getting it back in can be a challenge if you don't pay attention to how the support and straps are oriented prior to removing it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 2
From: Troutman NC
What year? Update to your profile will generate faster and more accurate response pool.
In general, pretty easy to remove once the spare tire carrier is out the way. Can often be removed without removing the exhaust at all if you have hands/arms on the smaller side else reaching the fuel lines can be difficult. Getting it back in can be a challenge if you don't pay attention to how the support and straps are oriented prior to removing it.
In general, pretty easy to remove once the spare tire carrier is out the way. Can often be removed without removing the exhaust at all if you have hands/arms on the smaller side else reaching the fuel lines can be difficult. Getting it back in can be a challenge if you don't pay attention to how the support and straps are oriented prior to removing it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
When reinstalling the tank, be sure to keep your eye on the rubber fuel line so that it doesn't get squashed between the tank and whatever. Ask me how I know.
Also and obviously, remove as much fuel from it as possible before removal.
Also and obviously, remove as much fuel from it as possible before removal.
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I had a strong fuel smell from my '75 last summer so I dropped the tank to inspect it and replaced all the rubber hoses back there. That fixed it. You may consider doing this while you're in there. Use fuel grade hose.
I removed the entire rear bumper (brackets and cover as a unit). This made dealing with the tank and hoses much easier. But you may get the same access to the tank hoses by just removing the cover. You'll need a 3/8" to remove all the nuts holding the urethane bumper on. This is MUCH easier if you have a side-ratcheting wrench. When re-installing don't over-tighten them. I did, and it distorted the rubber a bit where the nuts are. Loosening them fixed it though.
Michael
I removed the entire rear bumper (brackets and cover as a unit). This made dealing with the tank and hoses much easier. But you may get the same access to the tank hoses by just removing the cover. You'll need a 3/8" to remove all the nuts holding the urethane bumper on. This is MUCH easier if you have a side-ratcheting wrench. When re-installing don't over-tighten them. I did, and it distorted the rubber a bit where the nuts are. Loosening them fixed it though.
Michael
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 2
From: Troutman NC
Well its out, Not that bad really, The sock was collapsed and clogged the baffle that goes down in front of the fuel lever arm was broke off and laying in the bottom of the tank, The lines were old and brittle so I welded the baffle back on the plate, got a new sock and hoses should be good to go
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 2
From: Troutman NC
In this link post #110 has some good picks of the tank during a body off restoration. I think this will give you a good visual of the end result. Also after thinking about when we installed mine it seemed like when took the rear of the gas tank in vertical all the up and the moved the bottom of the tank forward it fell into place. The lip of the gas needs to get above the frame rail in the back. That why I think it you look closelt at this photo it should go easier for you than it did for us.. Good Luck!...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ictures-6.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ictures-6.html
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 586
Likes: 10
From: Alexandria VA
Use the ones that cover your entire eye area, not the regular glasses style. Getting a piece of rust in your eye aint no fun.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 2
From: Troutman NC
Mine was actually pretty clean no rust, SC car But I am from MI and have worked on Rusty Junk for decades, I wont even look at a car whos life was from the rust belt
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi fb,
I know what you mean about "rust belt".
My wife to be moved to Maryland from Michigan, and Detroit specifically, in 1971.
I was helping her unpack her 67 Mustang fastback. I realized that when I almost finished with the trunk….. I could see my FEET!
Regards,
Alan
I know what you mean about "rust belt".
My wife to be moved to Maryland from Michigan, and Detroit specifically, in 1971.
I was helping her unpack her 67 Mustang fastback. I realized that when I almost finished with the trunk….. I could see my FEET!
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 11
From: Brigham City Utah
Just do a good visual and look for leaks/weak spots under the strap area. My 1973 didn't have any coolant, oil, trans or fuel leaks until I started cleaning the under side and pulled the tank.
Cleaned the tank up and bingo.
Sent it in to be welded, coated and tested so all is fine now.
Karsten
Cleaned the tank up and bingo.
Sent it in to be welded, coated and tested so all is fine now.
Karsten