VCI logo Archive Index | Current Issue
Removing 1800S Gas Tank

I am currently working on the '65 P1800's fuel system. I was looking in my Haynes automotive repair manual and it doesn't have any information on fuel tank removal. I am curious if you could tell me the easiest way that I could remove the tank so I can get it hot tanked.
Daniel Lozano
fusion-26@email.msn.com

David says:

  1. Raise the car sufficiently to catch the gas from the drain plug on the bottom of the tank.
  2. Squirt your best rust penetrant at the fitting on the fuel line.
  3. Remove everything from trunk floor including mat and fiberboard.
  4. If the car has much rust, spray the screws in the tank flange with penetrant.
  5. Disconnect fuel sender wire.
  6. Loosen sheet metal screws holding tank flange to trunk floor; you may need an impact driver. If they are badly rusted and/or have stripped heads, and you have to resort to drilling (or any other spark producing means to remove them), this should be done before opening anything that allows fuel vapors to be present.
  7. Loosen clamps on filler and vent hose. Work the hoses loose.
  8. Loosen screws on sending unit to tank.
  9. Drain gas tank, cautiously, preferably out-of-doors. DO NOT USE TUNGSTEN-BULB TROUBLE LIGHT UNDER CAR (long story you don't want to hear!).
  10. Remove the sheet metal screws from the tank flange to the trunk floor.
  11. Unscrew flare nut on fuel line from male union that goes into tank. This often does not work. If the flare nut is rusted tight to the steel line and twists the line off, replace or splice a new piece on (if any rust is on the rest of the the fuel line, replace the whole thing).
  12. Unscrew the union from the tank.
  13. Disconnect the filler and vent hoses from the tank.
  14. Lift the tank out from inside the trunk.
  15. Remove the sending unit.
  16. Rinse the tank to make it less of a bomb!
The one we just did was cleaned inside, sealed, and pressure tested for leakage. I'm going to remove the remaining undercoating and paint the exterior with POR-15 before reinstalling. Also, both the fuel pump, carb float bowls and more may need a lot of cleaning. It will run much better with a steady supply of gas!

A common cause of rusty gas tanks in these cars is the drain from the filler well on top of the fender. There is a hose that connects to the well and goes down to the trunk floor. If this drain is clogged, the well under the gas door fills with rain water and goes into the filler putting water directly into the tank. Be sure this drain hose is clear of obstruction.

RE: The Haynes manual: at least write "caution" on the cover. See Phil's "how to" on front suspension and compare with your Haynes manual!

Back to the Top