Gas Tank installation
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Gas Tank installation
I have a 1969 Corvette that is in project phase right now. I am currently trying to install a new gas tank. I've got the tank, tank anti-squeek pad, tank straps and strap anti-squeek pads.
Currently my tank is pushed into its place and is holding steady but is not correctly installed. How does one fit the tank in its place with the tank straps? Pictures would be a big help but are not absolutely necessary.
One of my hangups is that my '69 has the rear upper deck of the '78-'82 with the wraparound bubble rear window and bought a 1969L gas tank. Will this cause some issues? The gas filler hole is in different locations on cars with the flush rear deck than on cars with the bubble rear window.
Currently my tank is pushed into its place and is holding steady but is not correctly installed. How does one fit the tank in its place with the tank straps? Pictures would be a big help but are not absolutely necessary.
One of my hangups is that my '69 has the rear upper deck of the '78-'82 with the wraparound bubble rear window and bought a 1969L gas tank. Will this cause some issues? The gas filler hole is in different locations on cars with the flush rear deck than on cars with the bubble rear window.
Last edited by 1969Vette383; Aug 11, 2004 at 11:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Do you have a 69 assembly manual or a 69 Chev chassis service manual? They will help with some assembly illustrations. The tank install isn't too difficult, but with a revised filler location, you could be in for some headaches. You may have to fabricate a new filler tube...although I would be leaning towards re-installing the tunnel rear (removable) window...even with all that extra cost and/or effort.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 8
From: Where are the Smoky Mountain Cruisers? Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Originally Posted by A C
Do you have a 69 assembly manual or a 69 Chev chassis service manual? They will help with some assembly illustrations. The tank install isn't too difficult, but with a revised filler location, you could be in for some headaches. You may have to fabricate a new filler tube...although I would be leaning towards re-installing the tunnel rear (removable) window...even with all that extra cost and/or effort.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Originally Posted by A C
Do you have a 69 assembly manual or a 69 Chev chassis service manual?
..although I would be leaning towards re-installing the tunnel rear (removable) window...even with all that extra cost and/or effort.
..although I would be leaning towards re-installing the tunnel rear (removable) window...even with all that extra cost and/or effort.
I would love to reinstall the correct rear upper deck. I want that factory removable rear window back on the car, though I was hoping I could wait until a bit further down the road. If I must do this...? I'm afraid my car is down for at least 3-5 years on top of the 1.5 it has been down already. If I can work around that, maybe I can get back on the road by next summer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
The hold-down straps can be difficult to get into position so that the cinch bolts can be started. The rear frame crossmember has a cutout where the tank straps are bolted. While the body was off, I put the business end of the strap into the hole at an angle and use the flat end of a tire iron to lever it into place. Holding it in with the tire iron, I could start the bolts and finish the job. A similar approach will work with the body on, you will just have to find a lever that works for you. I can't help with the filler neck on your custom deck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Um - I don't think it's going to work - stock - out of the box.
The rear frame and filler location changed drastically between
the 69-77 and 78-up styles. I think you will need the 78 tank
to work with the bubble glass rear. Of course, this will probably
mean modifications to the rear section of the frame.
There are a couple vettes in here that have the late style rear clip on
the early style C3 - but can't remember usernames.
I would put up a new post asking specifically for this.
The rear frame and filler location changed drastically between
the 69-77 and 78-up styles. I think you will need the 78 tank
to work with the bubble glass rear. Of course, this will probably
mean modifications to the rear section of the frame.
There are a couple vettes in here that have the late style rear clip on
the early style C3 - but can't remember usernames.
I would put up a new post asking specifically for this.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Originally Posted by Z-man
Oh boy - good to know it's going to be a pain in the rear to re-install!! 
(See my post about trying to get the thing out...)
(See my post about trying to get the thing out...)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
Originally Posted by NHvette
Um - I don't think it's going to work - stock - out of the box.
The rear frame and filler location changed drastically between
the 69-77 and 78-up styles. I think you will need the 78 tank
to work with the bubble glass rear. Of course, this will probably
mean modifications to the rear section of the frame.
There are a couple vettes in here that have the late style rear clip on
the early style C3 - but can't remember usernames.
I would put up a new post asking specifically for this.
The rear frame and filler location changed drastically between
the 69-77 and 78-up styles. I think you will need the 78 tank
to work with the bubble glass rear. Of course, this will probably
mean modifications to the rear section of the frame.
There are a couple vettes in here that have the late style rear clip on
the early style C3 - but can't remember usernames.
I would put up a new post asking specifically for this.
Oy this is going to suck. Looks like she's down for a decently long time.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
I have a 69 L-46 coupe and have wondered how easy/difficult it would be to replace the gas tank. Along with an engine and carb swap, at some point the previous owner replaced the dual line tank with a single line version (presumeably to accomodate the new carb and fuel lines). As I rebuilt the engine to L-46 configuration, I discovered that the return line was capped off by the fuel pump and that the new tank did not have the return line.
I recently inherited a 76 L-48 that needs a tank and I am thinking of swapping out the tank in the 69 and buying a correct dual line tank for it.
Am I crazy??
Mark
I recently inherited a 76 L-48 that needs a tank and I am thinking of swapping out the tank in the 69 and buying a correct dual line tank for it.
Am I crazy??
Mark
