I'm about to start on totally revamping my fuel system(1974 Nova SS). So far I have almost all the parts I need. I think.
This is what I have:
- Brand New stamped steel fuel tank, factory coating on the inside.
- 3/8 steel fuel line - 25'
- Fuel line bending tool.
- Old fuel guage sending unit
- old fuel lines(already removed)
Here is the fuel line I purchased. Just waiting for it to arrive:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tle=270055014163&fvi=1&item=270055014163&rd=1
Here is the new gas tank:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0234.JPG
Old Gastank:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0223.JPG
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0219.JPG
Place where gastank was:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0220.JPG
1st known problem...
Fuel sending units for a 1973-1974 nova are not reproduced(from what I've found). My old sending unit is VERY rusty and the sock resembles a rusted out tube. When I pulled the unit out it was hard to tell the sock from the outlet pipe. Not to mention it was FULL of rust on the inside. The entire tube that sits inside the tank is also covered in an outer layer of rust. I'm not sure what the inside of the tube is like. I imagine its pretty gross. How do I clean this thing up? Whats the best way? Can I test its functionality before installing? Prior to removal the guage had no wires running to it so I don't know if the thing actually works. Does anyone know of a company that makes new ones? Tanks from 1975 and up look very similar to mine... Woudl they have the same sending unit?
2nd known problem...
How do I connect two steel lines? I noticed in the old fuel lines there was a 3/8 rubber hose connecting two original 5/16's steel lines running underneath the car. I'm assuming this was to allow everything to move a little if anything flexed. Is this right?
3rd...
Where should I rout the new fuel lines and how should I hang them? I've heard people saying you should follow the stock rout. Is this the best choice? I still have the original hangers from the old fuel line. Can I reuse these?
4th...
Flaring tools, what do they do and how do I use them? I can borrow for the day a flaring tool from a local parts supplier. The only thing is the guy said they take some getting used to. Any tips? Does a flaring tool roll the end of a line so that fittings can be used and they have some way to grip the tube? Should they be used to round the end of a line so a rubber hose won't slide off?
5th...
Should I replace my old fuel tank straps? How do I tell if they're still good? I would hate to have my $300 fuel tank fall our from underneath my car! I'm a student on a serious budget and can't afford another.
6th...
How should I seal the outside of my fuel tank and fuel lines? I really like the unpainted metal look but don't want it to rust out right away. A friend of mine suggested something before I got the tank but I didn't have a chance to write it down.
I think thats all. Its a lot of questions but I've never touched anything like this before and my parents tell me everyday I should have bought a civic... They aren't the type that would get their hands covered in grease
Thanks,
Luke
This is what I have:
- Brand New stamped steel fuel tank, factory coating on the inside.
- 3/8 steel fuel line - 25'
- Fuel line bending tool.
- Old fuel guage sending unit
- old fuel lines(already removed)
Here is the fuel line I purchased. Just waiting for it to arrive:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tle=270055014163&fvi=1&item=270055014163&rd=1
Here is the new gas tank:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0234.JPG
Old Gastank:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0223.JPG
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0219.JPG
Place where gastank was:
http://www.webdummy.net/nova/winter/DSCF0220.JPG
1st known problem...
Fuel sending units for a 1973-1974 nova are not reproduced(from what I've found). My old sending unit is VERY rusty and the sock resembles a rusted out tube. When I pulled the unit out it was hard to tell the sock from the outlet pipe. Not to mention it was FULL of rust on the inside. The entire tube that sits inside the tank is also covered in an outer layer of rust. I'm not sure what the inside of the tube is like. I imagine its pretty gross. How do I clean this thing up? Whats the best way? Can I test its functionality before installing? Prior to removal the guage had no wires running to it so I don't know if the thing actually works. Does anyone know of a company that makes new ones? Tanks from 1975 and up look very similar to mine... Woudl they have the same sending unit?
2nd known problem...
How do I connect two steel lines? I noticed in the old fuel lines there was a 3/8 rubber hose connecting two original 5/16's steel lines running underneath the car. I'm assuming this was to allow everything to move a little if anything flexed. Is this right?
3rd...
Where should I rout the new fuel lines and how should I hang them? I've heard people saying you should follow the stock rout. Is this the best choice? I still have the original hangers from the old fuel line. Can I reuse these?
4th...
Flaring tools, what do they do and how do I use them? I can borrow for the day a flaring tool from a local parts supplier. The only thing is the guy said they take some getting used to. Any tips? Does a flaring tool roll the end of a line so that fittings can be used and they have some way to grip the tube? Should they be used to round the end of a line so a rubber hose won't slide off?
5th...
Should I replace my old fuel tank straps? How do I tell if they're still good? I would hate to have my $300 fuel tank fall our from underneath my car! I'm a student on a serious budget and can't afford another.
6th...
How should I seal the outside of my fuel tank and fuel lines? I really like the unpainted metal look but don't want it to rust out right away. A friend of mine suggested something before I got the tank but I didn't have a chance to write it down.
I think thats all. Its a lot of questions but I've never touched anything like this before and my parents tell me everyday I should have bought a civic... They aren't the type that would get their hands covered in grease
Thanks,
Luke