Replace my mech fuel pump with eletric?

The fuel pump in my 49 Caddy is not pumping anymore. I don't know what the problem is but, I would like to replace it with an eletric unit instead.
Has anyone ever done this?

 

i havent done it on my 51 ford but many people have it is a common thing to do.

 

Its no big deal.
You can either put a block off plate where the original fuel pump goes or just leave it in place and by pass it.

Ideally what you want is the electric pump somewhere near to the tank and close to or below the normal fuel level. Electrics dont pull fuel well they are designed to push fuel.

I have run them up close to the engine in a pinch but that's not the ideal setup.

I normaly don't run mine off the ignition switch but on a separate toggle. Buts its just a matter of choice. I like the idea of no one being able to drive my car farther than the fuel in the float bowl allows.

Unless you are running a monster carb set up on the caddy you won't need a mega pump. A carter street pump is a good choice they are inexpensive and don't require a lot of special pluming.

 

How does the pump know how much fuel to push at a given speed?
What I mean is, at idle, it should only pump out, lets say, 5 Gallons per hour but, at wide open throttle, it will pump out much more. Is there an internal regulator somehow connected to the ignition system?

 

you can buy fuel pumps that pump a certain amount or buy a fuel pressure regulator.

 

Find out what the normal fuel pump pressure is for your engine. I recommend installing a fuel pressure regulator and setting it to the right PSI so you don't blow gas past your needle and seat on the carb.