shoebox is correct, i am am a welder and i have repaired fuel tanks before. a full tank is better than an empty tank. i know it sounds crazy but the fumes is what is explosive, gasoline alone will just burn. take for example if you have a puddle of gas and threw a match in it, it will not all just explode, it will just ignite and burn(rapid) but it will not explode. what about taking the gas cap off for a while before you start to let some fumes excape then when you are ready to start recap it. also a fan for ventalation will help.
Just pay attention to what you are doing and be very cautious. if you are un sure of yourself with powertools use a pair of tin snips or find someone who can help you. i think this is a great idea because this sounds much easier then dropping the tank. plus it give us an access later on for future use. just my .02

 

with the tank closed up are there any fumes?
Would tin snips work pretty well?
Is there enough padding under the carpet to go over the plate and screw heads?

How long did it take you? This must save quite a bit of time?

 

Please post some pics of the racetronix install, they seem like great drop in systems. I would like to see how much better they are than my universal walbro was.

And how much time did you save cutting the hole? It only took me about 4 hours to get to my pump by dropping the tank. I didn't want to deal with cutting a hole in my car, and found that droping the tank is quite easy, just a lot of **** to unbolt.

Dan

 

I will try agian Do you have to cut the fuel lines or just lift it up and remove the with what room you have???

 

I would image tin snips would be ok, since the metal is less that (I'd guess) 1mm thick. It bends pretty easily, but you'd need a nice set. Like I said in the install, there will be no sparks if you use the Dremel on speed 3 and take your time. I started hacking away at 30,000rpm and sparks were flying, and realized that wasn't a good idea.

From start to finish, it took all of about 30 minutes using my Dremel.

The padding under the carpet is a good 3/8" thick, and if you use a thin enough cover plate, you won't even notice it being there. (Padding + carpet on top of that, so it'll be invisible practically.)

Cutting of the fuel lines is not necessary (that would be bad...). The extra room toward the rear seats to the edge of the hump is to allow clearance to remove the pump from the tank. It's a cumbersome assembly, but there will be room.

My Racetronix pump JUST got shipped out today, so I'll need a few more days, unfortunately...

And when you reinstall the cover plate, don't forget a cute little message on it. I've chosen "Alligators Below."

 

you guys ever heard of a RotoZip, it uses a drillbit instead of a cutting wheel
i used to use one when i hung drywall you use it to cut out electrical boxes in the wallboard
just make a few inscissions and than use snipps to keep your safety stand piont high
i'm gonna be doing this on my brothers TA sjortly so i can use all the directions i can get

BTW both of those writeups are vrey nice and extremely helpful keep up the good work guys

 

do you have any measurements on where to start the cuts at. i would like something to get me in the area pretty close.

 

Be right back...I'll go make some measurements...

 

http://www.worldisround.com/ophotos/260/359.jpg

There ya go.

 

I use a RotoZip a lot. I have the attachment for the
cut off wheel and sander. I like the idea of making some pilot holes and then using the Tin Snips.

Those measurements are GREAT!!

How long did it take to get your Racetronix pump?
I didn't get it ordered today so I guess I won't be able to now till Monday

 

Shipments typically take 3-5 work days to arrive once we ship. We ship usually within the same or next business day once payment clears.

Jack
Racetronix

 

I'm not to sure about this one guys. I think I will take the time to drop the gas tank. I do not like the idea of cutting a hole in my car and having to fabricate a cover in the future. Nevermind the idea about blowing myself up!!

 

I have no problem with the idea of cutting the hole. With a thick plate, sealant and screws, it will be stronger than it was before you cut it.

As a side note, I might consider using some POR-15 on those exposed metal edges.... will prevent it from ever rusting.

-Michael

 

ramair95ta: thanks for the measurements. how are you going to mount the cover? i was wondering if you was going to use sheetmetal screws or what. when i change my fuel pump i'm going to cut the hole, i have no problem with doing that but just to be safe i think i'm going to cut some pilot holes and use the tin snips then smoothe it out on the edges.

ramair95ta: when you get the pump in let us know the measurements of the cover and how you installed it, if you would.

 

I'm probably just going to use a 1/8" piece of steel or aluminum, or whatever I can come across in my basement actually. Using POR-15 is a good idea, and I think I'll take advantage of that! I'll use some short (very short...)sheet-metal screws, most likely.