can fuel tank be lowered w/ rear attached

**qwik219d9** · 09-04-2009, 02:40 PM

I'm planning a trap door for a fuel pump swap on my 99 TA.

can fuel tank be lowered just a little w/ rear end attached?

I would like to lower the tank if it's not to hard for the extra clearance when cutting the body of the car.

images of how this fuel tank lowering is done, is appreciated.

Thanks

**Mr. Luos** · 09-04-2009, 04:51 PM

No images, but I believe you can remove the tank with the rearend in place...just needs to be hanging down.
Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Exhaust is probably in the way though.

**Firebirdjones** · 09-04-2009, 05:11 PM

You are correct, I remove the lower bolts in the shocks and it sags enough to remove the tank.
Yes the muffler is in the way. I remove the I-pipe at the muffler connection and just remove the entire rear unit as an assembly. It's actually very simple and doesn't take much time. Getting ready to do my wifes car as a matter of fact.

I can have one out and back in before you have that hole cut and a plate fabbed up.
A lift and a tranny jack are wonderfull for this job

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 09-04-2009, 05:21 PM

^^Wut he said.....

Although, I have seen some pretty well done doors, but wouldn't recommend it.

**qwik219d9** · 09-05-2009, 04:02 AM

I'm not really interested in completely removing the tank that would be way to much work for me just want to lower it about 1/2" to prevent damageing the fuel line when cutting the body.

I want to do the fuel pump swap w/ the least amount of work,
don't have a lift, trannie jack ect. I do have ramps and 17" jack stands & Dremal tool.

I do understand that cleaning the tank is very important is this the main reason to drop the tank?
if not can't a sphion tube be used to clean the tank though the trap door?

why is the trap door not recommened? true or false

1.even w/ a small hole it weakens the body and causes the car not to handle correctly?

2.can't clean tank while tank is attached?

3.fuel fumes are dangerous?

4.a trap door would make GM look foolish?

Thanks

**pajeff02** · 09-05-2009, 06:23 AM

I personally would rather take the time to do the job via dropping the tank versus cutting holes in my car. I understand that it is a bit of a PITA, but that just seems to go hand in hand with owning an F-body.

Post up some pics of whichever route you take on this please.

**Firebirdjones** · 09-05-2009, 07:17 AM

Not sure what you mean by cleaning the tank so I can't comment there.

Some people like the trap door idea, some don't. I have the means to pull the tanks without much effort so I stick with that method. I have other cars where cutting the floor isn't even an option anyway, so I've become accustomed to dropping the tank over the years. The engines are designed to come out from the bottom too, although people do it topside. Isn't much on these cars that are easy.
Not to mention for the last 20 years we have traveled out of our way to buy rust free cars throughout the country, and the last thing I want to do is start cutting on one like that, especially if it's unnecessary.
For me it has nothing to do with safety hazzards, weakening the body, fumes, etc....I just avoid hacking on the car in such a mannor,,,,but that's just me.

**Mr. Luos** · 09-05-2009, 07:19 AM

Done right, it doesn't take that long.
First time is normally the hardest.

I had to cut my exhaust to get my tank down. And I did it.
I can't bring myself to cut the body of my car....
I beat on it. Launches hard, I take it on mountain drives (sweeping corners), and I want to make sure it is structurally sound. Does the trap door lower this? I don't know, but I don't want to find out.
When I had my tank down, I cleaned the hell out of it. Inside and out. Was a piece of cake with it out of the car.

**astyles** · 09-05-2009, 09:16 AM

i cut the trap door with the tank in place.....no probs.

**qwik219d9** · 09-05-2009, 02:24 PM

I don't have the resources most of you guy's have I only have limited tools.

also I understand this is a 2 man job most people I know are just regular car folks and don't like to get dirty crawling under a car, last time I asked for help they did'nt show up so I can't depend on someone helping me wiggle and remove a fuel tank.

not interested in cutting my exhust ect. as stated before want to make it as easy as possiable.

please respond to the intial post & post #4.

Thanks

**cuzimoto** · 09-05-2009, 05:11 PM

Just had an IROC at the shop with trap door. Some one got there membership at the meat cutter union cause that was some hacked up shit. Could never do that to my car. When I removed my tank the rear was in place shocks and all. Just removed panhard bar and hanger for exhaust and let it hang. I had a lift butt still had the car real low and slid it out while on my back so a jack and floor jacks will do fine.

**pajeff02** · 09-05-2009, 05:25 PM

Sounds like an access hole is the easiest thing for you then in light of what you have posted. I assume most people go in there with a die grinder and wheel to cut an access hole -- this would not be my preferred method.

Not sure of the contours you have to deal with, but either an air nibbler or an air chisel would make a nice clean cut without blowing sparks all over the place. Also, these tools simply can not cut too deep and get into something you shouldn't.

I would start by laying an outline around the area to be cut with masking tape so you have a nice guide to follow. If you need to drill a starter hole - set the drill bit in your chuck so you can bore through a block of wood and just penetrate the sheet metal with the bit. The drill chuck should bottom out on the block just as you pierce through the metal. This will save you from accidentally piercing your tank or lines.

**Mr. Luos** · 09-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by qwik219d9

not interested in cutting my exhust ect. as stated before want to make it as easy as possiable.

Most shouldn't have too.

Mine is all custom, fully welded, so it was in the way and needed cut. Most just come apart.

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 09-05-2009, 09:10 PM

If you do the door, Find SOMEONE on here that has done one VERY WELL, and have them do a cardboard mock up template and send to you, so you can be damn sure you cut exactly the right spot.....The first time.

**SS SLP2** · 09-08-2009, 09:22 PM

loose the straps a little will let the tank hang down about 1/2-3/4 in, I cut with a durminel ? grinder, just cut slow and cut only deep as needed to go threw the metel,
I do not think cutting is going to weaken body of car, you may make a panel to m bolt in place or just duck tape the cut piece back in place. with the carpet back in place you are the only one who will know about the cut

just my .02' Johnny

Fuel Pump Access Door Installation
http://www.geocities.com/formulapower2/fuelpump.html

That link should tell you all you need to know!

FUEL PUMP DOOR ALSO

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/12533/index.html

**qwik219d9** · 09-09-2009, 03:05 AM

how are the strapes loosened? doe's the heat shield have to be removed do the shoches have to be removed ect. image of this would be nice.

thanks for the link however my car is a 99 LS1 I plan on a hole much smaller like this hole

http://gonicd.com/intankinstall/intankpumpinstall.html

on the second link I bet thats a 98 which is slitely differant than 99+.

thanks