Gas Tank Removal

[geordie]

Another question on my quest to get my ’65 Coupe stripped for paint.

The rear bumper and lights have all been removed. I want to paint the exterior of the car and the interior of the trunk (black). To facilitate this I want to remove the gas filler neck.

I’ve thought of either:

1. Leaving the gas tank in place but removing the neck and turning it so that it is inside the trunk. I may have to cut the hose to achieve this. Then use the neck and cap to seal the tank (temporarily) , but this will be inside the trunk, allowing the painter to paint both the inside and outside of the car.

2. Alternatively remove the gas tank all together.

Would removing the gas tank help the painter, prep and paint the trunk?

Also if I remove the tank, after draining the gas out, would it make sense to flush the tank out with a mild detergent and water mixture to allow me to store it safely in my garage?

Comments please.

 

[Edbert]

I'd consider replacing the tank entirely if it is 7-10 years old, if it is older than 15 years then I'd consider a tank replacement mandatory.

I don't know if it would help the painter or not, ask him that. I'm just saying that your carb will be happier with the clean fuel supply, do the lines too while you are at it. The tank and the lines are pretty cheap and easy to replace.

 

[1320stang]

Personally, I'd remove the tank, but either way would be fine.

 

[dawtips]

Removing the tank would take you 15min max

 

[jerry S]

How long should it take to swap out an old gas tank for a new one?

 

[geordie]

My tank is about 5 years old. It's clean as a whistle on the underside. If I remove it can I clean out the inside with a mild detergent and lots of water to minimize explosive vapors before I store it?

If the detergent is flushed out with a hose and lots of water then allowed to dry, in the Arizona sun, this should be ok and leave no residue or contaminants that could affect the carb.

Comments..........

 

[geordie]

Further comments anyone please.

 

[dawtips]

just get a new one, you wont regret it and you will know you can trust it

 

[stangkid88]

How long should it take to swap out an old gas tank for a new one?

I just replaced my tank and the hardest job is draining the old gas. After you drain, you just need to remove 11 screws, unhook the sending unit and electrical feed, and the filler neck. Put it back in reverse. Whole process should take about an hour (if you don't brake anything like me...)

Personally, I would go with removing the tank and just putting in a new one. The paint job will be cleaner and it'll look nice with everything fresh.

 

[palerider94]

I just recently did mine too. Also replaced the sending unit and all lines. Had a lot of varnish in old lines. The tank was the easiest part - draining gas the worst. Best way to drain gas is to clamp off ruber line - cut line after clamp and put connector to another couple feet of hose.