FUEL TANK INSTALLATION ORDER

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CFD244

CFD244

"THE NEW OLDSMOBILES ARE IN EARLY THIS YEAR"
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Hi Folks

Before I start trying to learn things the hard way, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

The back story......In a '71 Demon I am installing a new 1970 spectra fuel tank and using a 1970 Duster filler neck and cap.

So far I have the filler neck sitting in its (what would be it's final resting position with the trunk floor seal lightly tacked in place) contemplating how to get this tank in.

So, Have I started off in the right direction? Any real world experience greatly appreciated.

Thanks
FABO
 
I have always installed tank with the fill grommet in place in the tank. Once in place put the trunk floor seal on the loose tube sticking in the 1/4 panel. then stuff the tube in the tank grommet screw the tube flange to the 1/4 panel and last install the floor seal.
 
RAT ROD AL said:
I have always installed tank with the fill grommet in place in the tank. Once in place put the trunk floor seal on the loose tube sticking in the 1/4 panel. then stuff the tube in the tank grommet screw the tube flange to the 1/4 panel and last install the floor seal.
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This filler tube gets installed from inside the trunk. Would this procedure work with my set up?
 
Yes, just slip the tube in farther then slip it back out into place. As a matter of fact, Troy , they all install from inside. :BangHead:
 
I used my transmission jack to bring the tank up into position and get the fill tube aligned. Worked like a champ (Once I found the right fuel tank)
 
RAT ROD AL said:
I have always installed tank with the fill grommet in place in the tank. Once in place put the trunk floor seal on the loose tube sticking in the 1/4 panel. then stuff the tube in the tank grommet screw the tube flange to the 1/4 panel and last install the floor seal.
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That is the way I am doing it tomorrow. The tank is in. Definitely put the grommet in before installing the tank unless you like a battle :)

Here is my Demon from 20 years back Troy.

June 20, 04 002.jpg
 
Dont forget the lube.

I used Vaseline, others have said not to.

Silicon grease, Windex, other rubber safe lube.
 
I put the grommet on the tank and then raise the tank into place while at the same time getting the tube installed in the grommet. I use something like PBlaster to lube the grommet. Don't forget the trunk seal around the filler tube.
 
I think at some time or on some bodies the fillet tube installed from outside the car that would make things easier.

No matter what, do not tighten ANYTHING up till EVERYTHING is in place.
 
1970 gas tanks are wrong. I been down this road before. They advertise the tank as a 68 through 70 but that’s incorrect. 1970 is actually a one year only tank. You need a 72 tank and plug the nipple on the top of the tank. The filler hole in the tank is in a different area.
 
The only place that advertises the gas tanks correctly is 521 restoration
 
1MeanA said:
That is the way I am doing it tomorrow. The tank is in. Definitely put the grommet in before installing the tank unless you like a battle :)

Here is my Demon from 20 years back Troy.

View attachment 1716356459
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That's a beauty. Bet you wish that you still had it. Do you recall what you were running for rubber?
 
davescuda said:
1970 gas tanks are wrong. I been down this road before. They advertise the tank as a 68 through 70 but that’s incorrect. 1970 is actually a one year only tank. You need a 72 tank and plug the nipple on the top of the tank. The filler hole in the tank is in a different area.
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I bought 4 tanks to get the right one for my 64

IMG_20241015_090250261_AE.jpg


IMG_20241015_082843061_AE.jpg


IMG_20241101_184757516_AE.jpg


IMG_20241101_181242326_HDR.jpg
 
davescuda said:
1970 gas tanks are wrong. I been down this road before. They advertise the tank as a 68 through 70 but that’s incorrect. 1970 is actually a one year only tank. You need a 72 tank and plug the nipple on the top of the tank. The filler hole in the tank is in a different area.
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Ah crap. That's what I get for buying **** too far in advance. If the 70 and 71 cars have the same quarters, and I am using the 70 filler pipe why does it not work? And, why would it work on a 1970 car then? Trying to understand. I appreciate your input.

And......Would I still be able to use the 1970 filler neck with the '72 tank?
 
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CFD244 said:
That's a beauty. Bet you wish that you still had it. Do you recall what you were running for rubber?
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I seem to build cars for other people. I’ll have a look and see if I can find the tire size….probably went for the biggest I could fit.
 
CFD244 said:
Ah crap. That's what I get for buying **** too far in advance. If the 70 and 71 cars have the same quarters, and I am using the 70 filler pipe why does it not work? And, why would it work on a 1970 car? Trying to understand. I appreciate your input.
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Probably the opening for the tube. If it doesn't align to the opening it won't seal correctly and you'll have fumes
 
70 filler tube is ok. Just need 72 tank
The black tank is an original 70 tank. The silver tank is advertised as a 70 tank but actually is a 68-69 tank and you can see the filler tube area is closer to the front on the car. Which makes the tank almost impossible to go in. The trunk floors are different. And if you do get it in the rubber seal up on top is all buckled and puts pressure on the quarter panel.

IMG_1440.png
 
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OP, does your filler tube have a flange inside or outside of the quarter? If it is a 70 filler tube I think the flange is on the inside of the trunk with a vent tube that goes through the trunk floor/filler tube rubber gasket. If so, it is a dance. Mount the tank with the filler tube grommet in place liberally dowsed in silicone spray on the inside diameter. Try to have the tank as loose as possible and still on the straps. put the floor gasket on the filler tube with the vent tube removed from the filler tube. Work the filler tube as far into the grommet as possible using silicone as a lubricant. It has to go further than it would be when in place. Screw the filler tube to the quarter and rock the gas tank to rotate on the filler tube while gently pushing up until it is snug to the trunk floor while keeping the tank/trunk pad in the correct location. (yeah it really is a dance) As you work it on take up the slack in the straps until everything is finally in place. reinstall the vent tube on the filler pipe and through the gasket and into your frame rail. Swear you will never ever do this again.
 
str12-340 said:
OP, does your filler tube have a flange inside or outside of the quarter? If it is a 70 filler tube I think the flange is on the inside of the trunk with a vent tube that goes through the trunk floor/filler tube rubber gasket. If so, it is a dance. Mount the tank with the filler tube grommet in place liberally dowsed in silicone spray on the inside diameter. Try to have the tank as loose as possible and still on the straps. put the floor gasket on the filler tube with the vent tube removed from the filler tube. Work the filler tube as far into the grommet as possible using silicone as a lubricant. It has to go further than it would be when in place. Screw the filler tube to the quarter and rock the gas tank to rotate on the filler tube while gently pushing up until it is snug to the trunk floor while keeping the tank/trunk pad in the correct location. (yeah it really is a dance) As you work it on take up the slack in the straps until everything is finally in place. reinstall the vent tube on the filler pipe and through the gasket and into your frame rail. Swear you will never ever do this again.
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That's why I said I install the tank and filler tube basically together. You kinda have to if the flange goes on the inside of the quarter. That's how it is on Vixen.
 
davescuda said:
70 filler tube is ok. Just need 72 tank
The black tank is an original 70 tank. The silver tank is advertised as a 70 tank but actually is a 68-69 tank and you can see the filler tube area is closer to the front on the car. Which makes the tank almost impossible to go in. The trunk floors are different. And if you do get it in the rubber seal up on top is all buckled and puts pressure on the quarter panel.

View attachment 1716356536
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Thanks Dave.....My car has an AMD trunk pan. Would that make a difference? Hoping not to have to buy a second tank, but I guess it is what it is :(
 
CFD244 said:
Thanks Dave.....My car has an AMD trunk pan. Would that make a difference? Hoping not to have to buy a second tank, but I guess it is what it is :(
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No the AMD trunk floor pans are 70 - 73 and up design
Sell your 70 tank that you bought as a 69 - 69 tank because that what it is. It’s not a 70 tank. Like I said no one makes a 70 tank. It’s a one year only tank. Everyone one that sells gas tank advertises the 1970 gas tank wrong besides 521 restoration that they tell you.
 
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davescuda said:
https://521restorations.com/a-body/fuel/fuel-tanks-premium-tin/
Take a look, they don’t even advertise a correct 70 gas tank. They advertise it with the nipple on the top of the tank which is a 71 and up tank.
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Thanks for setting me straight on that Dave. Saved me some headache. Looks like I'll be sourcing a new tank (after I glued down the pad and installed the grommet :BangHead:). I compared the AMD units and the difference is obvious.

So, when I list this tank for sale, is it safe to say "fits 1968 and 1969"?
 
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