Any tips on dropping the gas tank on a 78?

Well we have decided to go ahead and drop the tank to get it cleaned then resealed at a local radiator shop since we have to work on the fuel pump. Are there any tips or tricks that come in handy for dropping the tank on a 78?

Also is it realistic that a do it yourselfer can rebuild a points fuel pump? Or does hassle and cost come out equal to sending it off?

For the middle time until the pump is complete has anyone tried one of these cheaper pumps? http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/facetpumps.php

Thanks all,
Michelle

I use that pump, have been since 2000. In fact I installed two of them in line with each other and put a switch for each one on the dash. I only use one at a time but this way I have a backup pump in it's ever needed. So far (I'll jinx myself) I haven't needed the backup. I do switch between the two once in a while just so they both get a chance to operate. They are a little louder than other pumps, but once the car is running the exhaust tone drowns them out. At least you know they're working. Some people don't like them (the purists) but I like them, they are rock solid pumps and don't cost a fortune. Eight years and still ticking.

I did mine on my 73, It was pretty straight foward, common sense was used: empty the tank first...
shot some WD-40 under the bolts the night before and it came out easy. I was suprised when i saw the top of the tank it looked like swiss cheese so i put in a new one from V.B. Also a good idea to purchase a new set of bolts and nut retainers.

The pump was also easy, the kits Moss and V.B. supply are good and does the job well, i am on my second year with the rebuild kit in it and no problems so far.

Take your time follow the instruction that comes with the kit.

p.s the tank i purchased from V.B. to my supprise does not come painted its bare steel so you will have to coat it yourself.

Also, if you do buy one, make sure you specify the model that runs in the 1.5 to 4psi range. They have different models for different operating pressures. I can't remember the model number.

of importance is to have the tank empty and then with a flat piece of 2 X 2 plywood on a jack support the tank loosen all the bolts and wires and ease it down.....if the top is pinholed and or thin get a new one. If you know how a points kit is do able, or look closely and clean with emory paper and bench check with two coffee cans one with gas one empty of gas outside naturally.

That's the pump I use on my 77. In addition to the 40105 pump you will need the 479735 part to adapt to the hose. Also I would recommend that you put a fuel filter before the pump. The adapter has a screen that will plug up easily. ..................

Also, do it outside, away from the house just incase. You shouldn't have any problems though.

I would get a new rubber hose that goes from the tank neck to the filler neck while you are at it.

I took all the bolts out from inside the trunk. Then a few more from underneath until I only had two left. I laid down under the tank and supported it with my knees. I didn't have a floor jack so it was the best I could do.

I painted my new one with truck bed liner. It has held up well. I would replace the packing strips and bolts with a new kit if I had to do it over.

Being that I am now an expert on gas tanks due to having to replace two; I can add my two cents worth. I found it easier to get rid of the gas by removing the gas line at the rear of the fuel pump (make sure to disconnect the battery first). This acts as a siphon and the gas will flow. I then disconnected the filler hose area and, in my car, the other thing that goes to a cannister. Then I removed the interior bolts in the trunk and then, and only then, did I remove the four bolts from underneath the car after disconnecting the fuel gauge sending wires. The gas tank then slid gently down to the ground without much effort. To reinstall just reverse the process.

Since the gas was still good, I flowed it into a gas can after using a cotton T shirt as an additional filter and put it in my trunk. Of course when my gas tank had problems it was almost full and I did not want to waste the fuel.