Fuel Tank installation
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
Fuel Tank installation
I am replacing the fuel tank in my 73 Corvette with the body in place. I am ready to put the tank in place but am wondering if anyone has any tricks or experience with this. I think I have to raise the tank and secure it temporarily in place and then put the support member in.
Alternatively I would like to put the support in place and then try to "wiggle" the tank past it.
Any suggestions?
Alternatively I would like to put the support in place and then try to "wiggle" the tank past it.
Any suggestions?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 131
From: Spartanburg SC
I simply couldn't do it by myself. It's the only time my wife has ever been under a car. Install the rear member with the straps attached to it. Seat the tank on that and have someone hold one side while you put the bolt in on the other side of the front support.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 65
I have done mine twice by myself. To put it in, I'd take the neck off, as short as it is, it made it a ton easier to do, by myself.
Before you start, have all the pieces parts within reach, ready to grab. I laid on my back to do mine, the car was on jack stands, about 12 or so inches in the air.
This last time, I had new straps, and hardware, so it was pretty easy for me. And, there is no shame to have another pair of hands underneath to help. It would've been easier, but I was ready, and nobody was here when I did it
Take your time, and good luck!!!
Before you start, have all the pieces parts within reach, ready to grab. I laid on my back to do mine, the car was on jack stands, about 12 or so inches in the air.
This last time, I had new straps, and hardware, so it was pretty easy for me. And, there is no shame to have another pair of hands underneath to help. It would've been easier, but I was ready, and nobody was here when I did it
Take your time, and good luck!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
Did mine by myself on my 75. I used my floor jack with a block on it to hold it up while I got the crossmember and hardware connected. I too left the filler neck off until it was in place.
Mike
Mike
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
I recently replaced the tank on a 69 convertible. The most difficult part for me was removing the tire carrier. A friend assisted in the removal, but I was able to install the tank by myself. Rather than purchase the anti-squeak strips (roofing paper strips) I followed suggestion I had read by someone else on the forum and went to Home Depot and bought some of the material plumbers use to line shower pans. The material is vinyl and works quite well.
The overflow boot and overflow hose can be attached from the top after the tank is installed.
I thought it was going to be tuff but it turned out to be quie easy.
Good luck.
The overflow boot and overflow hose can be attached from the top after the tank is installed.
I thought it was going to be tuff but it turned out to be quie easy.
Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 224
From: Pawleys Island, SC
I've also taken the tank down and reinstalled it twice by myself ('77). I just cut a couple of pieces of 2x lumber to prop it up as I worked. Working on the fuel and vent hose connections through the filler hole was a little difficult, but in my experience, the part that gave me the hardest time was getting the overflow hose to stay snapped into the boot as I pushed the tank up into final position.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
I recently replaced the tank on a 69 convertible. The most difficult part for me was removing the tire carrier. A friend assisted in the removal, but I was able to install the tank by myself. Rather than purchase the anti-squeak strips (roofing paper strips) I followed suggestion I had read by someone else on the forum and went to Home Depot and bought some of the material plumbers use to line shower pans. The material is vinyl and works quite well.
The overflow boot and overflow hose can be attached from the top after the tank is installed.
I thought it was going to be tuff but it turned out to be quie easy.
Good luck.
The overflow boot and overflow hose can be attached from the top after the tank is installed.
I thought it was going to be tuff but it turned out to be quie easy.
Good luck.
I agree, pretty easy. I did it with the boot and hose attached. It is definitely one of those jobs that you can spend more time thinking about than doing.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 36
From: Cedar Park TX
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
I replaced the fuel tank on my 73. I could not get the bolts started, using the new straps. Glad I kept the original straps. Was able to sand blast them and paint them first. Embarrassed to admit, I tossed the old tank without saving the filler neck piece. There went $80.