Who has cut their gas tank out to install wiring under dash? Looks like you could unbolt it and get to wiring from outside if done right.
Neither '28-'29 or '30-'31 tanks unbolt that easily. I have always just cut them out and accessed stuff from underneath. Is suppose you could figure out a way to make the top unbolt a little easier if you really wanted. Did the wiring on a friend's '29 with the tank top off; but never planned to remove it again once installed.
Back in the 70's I cut the bottom out of one that I was using on a T bucket style roadster body I was building using a 30/31 cowl and the back section of some big old touring car with sheet metal in the door area. That one might still be floating around Texas I cut the bottom out of the tank about like this guy did who has one for sale on Ebay. More pictures here 192883882384 The one I had had the bottom of the tank rusted out to start with. Looking at Rich B's post all I had to start with was the cowl so it was reasonably easy to remove the tank. in the car it is probably a lot easier to do it as he showed.
For safety while cutting, you might want to toss dry ice in the tank to displace flammable vapors and oxygen. Even an old dry tank can support combustion. Dry ice is used also for cutting up old gas station steel tanks safely. I cut my ‘29 A tanks almost completely, leaving an edge around the top of the tank just enough to give the cowl top support to maintain needed strength. I build a bit of internal framing to give the cowl lateral strength and support for a solid steering column mount. The ‘32 ford style dash sheet metal stampings are great for mounting any instrument panel you like.
I know it's an old post, but what tool(s) did you use to curve that tubing so nicely in the under dash structure?
‘ Another photo of the gas tank structure. I manually rolled the tubing in a device with three rollers, with a hydraulic cylinder on the center roller to adjust the radius. I used the same tool to roll several steering wheel rings, including the rim for this car’s steering wheel. I looked through my photos for a shot of the tool, but was unable to find one. I am currently unable to get to my shop due to health issues for at least another few weeks. It is kind of like a slip roll and is on a stand. I searched a bit on eBay to find one, but failed. Definitely a handy tool. Next time I am able to get to my shop, I will take a photo. Sorry I can not provide much help right now, but stuff happens when you are 80 years old.
The Jalopy Journal
