'66 gas tank removal

[Mark Nolan]

Just bought a '66 coupe. It's been sitting in a garage unregistered & unstarted since '81. It was "rode hard" until that point but, I couldn't pass up the price.

The gas that was in it has turned into something like varnish so, I want to drop the tank and clean it out (...and get a look at the build sheet... I've got a hunch it's an ex-big block car).

How tough is this and are there any tricks or pointers out there before I undertake this job?

Thanks,

mark

[Mike Cobine]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

It is pretty basic. Just be sure it is empty, as gas is heavy.

You need to remove the rear exhaust, spare tire carrier, and various hoses and wiring to the tank on the bottom. The cross member that holds it is relatively straightforward to remove.

Most of this will be easy enough to see once you get started.

Naturally, gasoline is a flammable and dangerous liquid, even when old. So take the same precautions you would with anything connected to gasoline. No flames, no sparks, no inhaling, and no body contact. Most likely the fumes are gone, but one means of being sure is to remove the fuel line on bottom, plug it with a rubber plug or hose with a bolt and clamp, and fill the tank with soapy water. This should displace all fumes and clean most residue to safety in handling. Then drain and remove the tank.

With the tank off, you can clean it better.

[Mike Cobine]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

It is pretty basic. Just be sure it is empty, as gas is heavy.

You need to remove the rear exhaust, spare tire carrier, and various hoses and wiring to the tank on the bottom. The cross member that holds it is relatively straightforward to remove.

Most of this will be easy enough to see once you get started.

Naturally, gasoline is a flammable and dangerous liquid, even when old. So take the same precautions you would with anything connected to gasoline. No flames, no sparks, no inhaling, and no body contact. Most likely the fumes are gone, but one means of being sure is to remove the fuel line on bottom, plug it with a rubber plug or hose with a bolt and clamp, and fill the tank with soapy water. This should displace all fumes and clean most residue to safety in handling. Then drain and remove the tank.

With the tank off, you can clean it better.

[Wayne P.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

Don't believe you'll find a tank sticker on this model.

[Wayne P.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

Don't believe you'll find a tank sticker on this model.

[Mike M.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

wayne is correct. 1967 first year tank stickers utilized. mike

[Mike M.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

wayne is correct. 1967 first year tank stickers utilized. mike

[Mark Nolan]

'66 Tank Thanks

Fellas

Thank you for your help. Great ly appreciated

Mark

[Mark Nolan]

'66 Tank Thanks

Fellas

Thank you for your help. Great ly appreciated

Mark

[Donald T.]

Re: '66 Tank Thanks

There are other indications if it was a BB car. If the rear diff is original the code can indicate BB vs. SB. Also, the larger half shafts. Check the oil pressure gauge for 80 lb and for 6500 redline, as that would indicate a 425 HP motor. Others that know BB better than I might be able to offer other clues as to its original configuration.

[Donald T.]

Re: '66 Tank Thanks

There are other indications if it was a BB car. If the rear diff is original the code can indicate BB vs. SB. Also, the larger half shafts. Check the oil pressure gauge for 80 lb and for 6500 redline, as that would indicate a 425 HP motor. Others that know BB better than I might be able to offer other clues as to its original configuration.

[Jim T.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

Mark since the 67 was the first year for the build sheet you may not have to drop the tank to clean it. I removed the gas cap retainer on my 70 once to replace the gasket. This really opened up the the top of the tank. I removed the gas and was able to reach in the tank and give it a good cleaning. It was nor really dirty but I could see where small amounts of water were on the bottom and removed it all.

[Jim T.]

Re: '66 gas tank removal

Mark since the 67 was the first year for the build sheet you may not have to drop the tank to clean it. I removed the gas cap retainer on my 70 once to replace the gasket. This really opened up the the top of the tank. I removed the gas and was able to reach in the tank and give it a good cleaning. It was nor really dirty but I could see where small amounts of water were on the bottom and removed it all.

[Craig S.]

Re: '66 Tank Thanks

BB cars had the rear stabilizer bar, and the halfshafts with caps vs ubolts. The shafts themselves were not bigger, just shot peened before installation. Also check for the fuel line position and angle, different for BB cars...Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: '66 Tank Thanks

BB cars had the rear stabilizer bar, and the halfshafts with caps vs ubolts. The shafts themselves were not bigger, just shot peened before installation. Also check for the fuel line position and angle, different for BB cars...Craig