Adding a sump in tank

[rod7515]

I have questions about the safest method of welding a sump into my existing fuel tank. I really dont want to lose my spare tire well so I dont want to go with a fuel cell. However I dont want to risk a tank exploding and injuring anyone so a fuel cell may be the answer.

What methods have others used that eliminate possible tank explosion?
I have heard of using argon or nitrogen, however I dont understand how this works since there will be holes drilled into the tank allowing gases to escape.

Now if I have to go with a fuel cell are there any options for keeping the spare tire well? I want to use a 16 gal cell if this is my option for safety.

Thanks for any suggestions and information on this subject, By the way my car is a 66 Dart.

Rodney

 

[Bad Sport]

You are talking in tank pump, correct?

 

[73Scamp318]

The safest method... Have someone else do it.

Honestly, if you really want to weld a sump on your tank yourself, I'd pick up a new one to start with. They are pretty cheap, I've seen several places where you can get one for well under $200 and then you don't have to worry about the possibility of explosion.

One side note, I've heard that the tank's coating, which I think is galvanized, can create toxic gases when you're welding on it. I'd be sure that where you're doing this is very well ventilated, at the least.

 

[67Dart273]

Use CO2......one of the cheapest gases you can buy. "I've read" where guys have used exhaust gas from a running engine, but.........no thanks.

Block it up nice and solid, fill as much of the tank as you can with water to eliminate space and to keep it cool, and run your CO2 bottle through "what's left" of the airspace.

 

[rod7515]

Bad Sport, no this will be an aftermarket pump such as a Holley or Mallory that locates on the frame for a gravity flow then pushes to the front.
Has anyone ever added a fuel cell and kept a spare tire well? This would be a less expensive way then buying a new tank plus the sump.
Rodney

 

[gtmopar]

Don't think there's enough room to keep your spare tire well and put a fuel cell in. I had to eliminate mine all together in order to run mine. Unless you have a custom cell made that's shaped like a U that straddles the tire well. Just brain storming. I'm actually in the same boat with my fuel tank, I'm trying to figure out how to weld a lowered sump so my pump can be gravity fed as well. If I figure something out ill post pictures.

 

[rod7515]

Some additional reading tells me that a radiator shop can do a clean to remove the fuel residue. Not sure if its safe to weld after that or not. Im going to give the local shop a call tomorrow and ask for a price to do that and then a price for them to add the sump and leak test it. That sounds like a safer method, have to see what cost would be. I'll post once I get a quote.
Rodney

 

[72BBSwinger]

Let it ventilate naturally for a couple days, then throw a lit propane torch into the sending unit hole. Best way is just burn off the residue...

 

[Abodybomber]

The safest method... Have someone else do it.

Honestly, if you really want to weld a sump on your tank yourself, I'd pick up a new one to start with. They are pretty cheap, I've seen several places where you can get one for well under $200 and then you don't have to worry about the possibility of explosion.

One side note, I've heard that the tank's coating, which I think is galvanized, can create toxic gases when you're welding on it. I'd be sure that where you're doing this is very well ventilated, at the least.

This. Did this,with my El Camino in 97. The boil out,and tank liner cost 150.00+ then .A new tank,costs that and less. A few more dollars up front,actually make the job easier. FWIW,a 450-475 horsepower Chevy rat,sure appreciated the modifications.

 

[MoparMic]

My chassis guy always does it for me he has me clean it out with Dawn!! dish soap. Fill it up 1/2 way with water and about a cup of Dawn then shake it a few times then repeat. After a few times you want even be able to smell the gas

 

[Oldmanmopar]

I ran a garden hose in the tank and then emptied it and left it dry . I then did the propane torch in the sending unit hole. then I welded it on . I also took 3 inches off of one side.

 

[jimjimjimmy]

there will be a lot of negative comments here I use the exhaust method which seems to work fine just use your brain lots of members think there workin with nitro g or sumtin.