Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

All,
Doing a fuel tank pull on 68 1600 project car this Saturday, is there a write up on this project anywhere out there?

Is this a pretty straight forward operation and PLEASE add any pitfalls to be on the look for.

Much thanks as always!
Matt
68 1600(2)

I don't know about a write-up, but I recently pulled mine (67.5, so no return line). #1, the less fuel in the tank the better. #2, get under there and soak all four bolts with something to get through the rust that's sure to be on them. There are "J" bolts in the back, and regular bolts in the front.

Take your time, don't force anything if there's another way, and if you don't have a helper, use a jack or something to take the weight of the tank once it's free. Even a stack of 2x4s or 4x4s would be better than having it freefall to the ground.

My $.02, for what it's worth.

It has been recommend to use a can of P.B. Blaster to loosen up the nuts.

Don't forget to disconnect the tank from the filler neck.

There is a very good recommendation when putting the tank back in. Connect the J-bolts to the frame insted of the trunk as originally designed. This will keep the trunk floor from have cracks in the floor or cracks in the trunk if slightly rusted.

When you go to pull the tank, you don't need to remove all of the mountings. I have pulled them just by pulling the J bolts. PB Blaster will be your friend! I suggest that you disconnect the fuel lines BEFORE you try to take the tank out. Having the tank secured makes the removal of the lines a little easier sometimes. Remember to remove the filler neck and save the filler neck boot. Those things are pricey, so be careful with it. The sender can be disconnected by removing the access panel in the trunk. While you are there, remove the breather line.

With the tank out, drill the holes in the frame directly across from the stock rear mounts (for the J bolts) You will be happy that you did in the long run.

Take photos of as much as you can. Several folks have asked for this to be documented. A lot of us have done it without the writeups, but that will help some folks. I will be happy to write the text if you can take the pics.

And --I would be happy to put it all (pics and write-up)on the 311s.org site.

Steve

Also, don't forget the fuel level sending wires. The wires and connectors will get tweaked if they are not disconnected before the tank is dropped...Once again, don't ask how I know! TR

Thanks for the info guys! I did manage to avoid a tank pull this weekend as I got the car started (at least for now). I really needed to get the car running to start diagnostics on a clutch-tranny problem. I'll write this one up and post it at lunch time. Thanks again!
Matt
68 1600(2)