1952-59 Ford Gas tank work question

I just installed a new 1969 Mustang gas tank and sending unit in my 59 Ranchero. She went right in with only minor modifications on the under floor. As we all know, the mustang tank fills from the center rear of the tank, The filler tube is higher than the tank by about 6 inches and the filler tube has an overflow return line back to the tank to stop spillage when filling it up.

Since I wanted to keep my side fill up on the Ranchero, I had the original filler tube closed off by welding a round flat piece to it. I also had a filler inlet (2 1/8") to match the original filler tube welded onto the side of the tank to allow use of the side filler tube. No, I have no leaks,,, all is well there. This filler tube enters the tank at about 1/2 way up the tank. Due to space limitations, I could not put it on top or higher up. However, the fill lip is about 8 inches above the top of the tank.

I got everything installed, added a few gallon of gas to get me to the station. When attempting to fill it up at the station, once p***ed about 9 gallons, the filler kept spitting out gas and clicking off the pump. I cannot get more than about 11 gallons in it and then I have to fill really really slow.

Slap myself on the forehead. I now realize that I left no way for the air to leave the tank except up through the filler tube which is full adding gas. Therefore the air surges out pushing gas with it and turns off the pump. How dumb is that.

I can easily get to and drill a hole into the old center filler tube and add a fitting & hose to run back over to the new filler tube. I can then add a fitting fairly high up on the filler tube to connect the hose to. This would allow the air to escape while filling the tank.

Now the question. Is it safe to drill these holes now. The new tank now has gas in it. I can drain the gas if need be. I think I can drill slowly and keep the drill spot cool with water. Do any of you have any experience with this? I know having had gas in the tank things can get dicey.

Thanks

 

Probably nobody will say its safe to have things heat up in that department. Maybe there is another way to put the holes there, cant say. Anyway it will never be good to have small metal particles in your tank from drilling, so maybe ya should do what you dont want to and then get it properly rinsed.

 

I thought maybe if I drain the tank, fill it up with soapy water all the way to the top, I could then drill the tank. I can remove the filler neck to drill it.

The small pieces of metal don't worry me. I have filters before and after the fuel pump.

 

Not what you want to hear, but being SAFE is the main priority, not saving time. Pull it, drain it clean, rinse, use a magnet to capture any loose burrs, metal chips.
We don't want to be reading stories about "look what happens when you didn't follow instincts"

 

Yup, probably you'd be ok, but its better to keep it safe. Call on a couple of friends, have them help you, grill some meat, do the work, go for a ride and then, only then, have a couple of beers =)

 

The best thing I have used is to drain and completely clean the tank I use white vinegar then rinse with water purge the tank with straight argon gas you can get it at any welding supply store. I know it's a lot of work and you probably don't want to hear about it but gas fumes are nothing to take lightly

 

Can you add the vent at the gauge float sending unit plate?

 

OK, I got her done . I completely drained the tank and dried it out with an air hose. I then filled it with soapy water and put the air hose down into the tank and let it boil for an hour. I drained that, rinsed it and then filled it back up with water. I slowly drilled a small (1/16) hole into the old filler tube. I ran water over the drill bit while drilling. Water immediately came out of the hole. Once I knew I had all the fumes out and with water running out of the hole, I enlarged the whole a few steps at a time until I reached the size I needed. I then tapped it for 1/8 pipe thread. I removed the new filler tube to drill and tap it.

I then added the fittings and ran the 3/8 gas line hose from the old filler tube on the tank to a high point on the new filler tube. This gives me the vent I needed.

I let everything dry over night and filled her up with gas. Job done .

Boy, a simple dumb mistake can be hell to fix. I bet I never make that mistake again

 

Good to hear. Its a good tutorial alright.
Time for a couple of beers!

 

Good job and remember, success teaches you nothing!