New tanks w/relocated filler

CairoManx · Post by **CairoManx** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:19 pm

In an earlier thread people were talking about relocating the filler necks on their tanks. There is an auction on ebay now where someone is taking new 68 and later tanks, moving the neck and selling them. It might be good for someone who doesn't want to do it themselves. When its done, its a much safer arrangement than having your fuel filler sticking out beside your headlight on the very front edge of your car. It also looks a lot better and gives an extra gallon of fuel capacity. I'm not 100% sure a 68 tank will clear the underside of a manx hood, especially if you use a foam rubber strip under the lip of the tank. The forward left corner of the tank might have to be re-contoured with a bfh. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dune-buggy-Manx-Texasbuggy-new-center-fill-fuel-tank_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ46093QQitemZ4597041644QQrdZ1

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:47 pm

I have a late model tank in my Manx and there were no interference issues.

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:54 pm

$100 seems a bit high - I took the tank out of my 65 donor car. The local fab shop filled it with water and made the alterations for $20.00. I am almost ashamed to show this picture - I have not painted the tank inside or out yet. The new neck was part of the flip top kit that I purchased. There is a length of hose to connect the filler and the tank. The moral to the story is - why spend $80 that you dont have too??

CairoManx · Post by **CairoManx** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:00 pm

I agree with you 100%. I have a question though, why did you put the filler where the quantity sender goes. If you had put it where the ebay guy does, at the center top, you wouldn't have had to relocate the sender mount and you'd have more fuel capacity.

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:04 pm

How do you say "Brain Fart" without sounding crude? It's hell getting old!!

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:58 am

How 'bout dis? I used plumbing fittings to mock mine up. No welding just some solder. Also could be JB welded. I moves the filler higher up the hood. I think it looks better up there. The hose in the middle allows some flexibilty. I plan on venting it with small "tygon" tubing from the stock vent location and then coiling it around the fuel fill a couple of turns and exiting it out of the front of the car. Although I will not have a fuel gauge I am going to install a new sending unit for later on as well.

DIESELDOOG · Post by **DIESELDOOG** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 3:37 pm

Hay Murz Were did you get that fuel cap.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:31 am

http://www.batinc.net/main.htm

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:41 am

I bought my cap that is identical at Aircraft Spruce. Here is the link. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pdf/catalog/Cat06169.pdf I don't know how the price compares.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 12:50 am

I've been doing a little research on fuel filler options. Here is a Lamborghini Kit car site that has a few options. Lambo Kit Cars And, I just discoverd this "pop-up" style in a Streetrod magazine. Push it once, it stays down...push again and it pops up(hence the name):hello:. They installed one in a fiberglass rod (the weld in style on the right). They "glued" the removed, round piece of 'glass back on the filler and it blended right into the rest of the body. I haven't found a for sure price on these and I'm sure they are $$$ but some of you guys are building really nice buggies and I thought it might be an option. There are a few styles mostly on Chopper Sites. Available Here

Here is a quick drawing.....

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 1:09 am

Guys, against the advice of many, I have decided to nix the copper tubing from the fill neck and just use a Gates radiator hose for the fuel fill. It will eliminate a lot of fab time. The number I think is 21418 gates, but I will have to check. I figure I will change it every year as a maintenance item. The hose just fit too good. Pics to follow later. Have a happy and safe new year!!!! MURZ

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 2:48 am

Murz, I thought the copper pipe was a heck of a good idea, but then I'm not ready for a fuel tank yet.

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 4:07 am

Gates makes fuel resistant hose for hooking up fuel filler necks the call it "Vulco-Flex". Problem being, I think it only comes in straight lengths. I do know that 1973 to 1980 Chevy pickups used a nice 90 deg. hose for the fuel filler that might work well for you. The copper filler you had setup in the pictures sure looked nice. Why don't you want to use it?

CairoManx · Post by **CairoManx** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 4:19 am

[QUOTE="MURZ"] and just use a Gates radiator hose for the fuel fill. [/QUOTE] Fuel hose is made from a different rubber compound than radiator hose. With the elbow set-up you're planning, you'll probably have standing fuel in the filler hose. I've seen radiator hose rubber swell up and rupture when it was used as a filler hose. I'd keep a real close eye on it. How about using mandrel bent metal 90 degree elbows and real fuel hose for the straight bits.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 7:26 pm

Well, as the story goes, I had the whole setup in copper tubing figured out.It lloked slick, fit well, etc. Then......the guy at the radiator shop soldered the 90 a little off angle at the tank. He thought it was no big deal, I did too, until You multiply that angle by 12-14 inches of tubing. It was way off!!! I was ticked, but having the job I do (CARQUEST factory rep) I contacted a good friend who work for GATES who in turn called an insider at tech services who said it should hold up fine as long as I don't keep it submerged in gas. I got to thinking and even if I fill it too the top the little amount of gas that will be in there won't stay for more than 5-8 miles assuming 18mpg. So I am just going to try it and see, but I will check out that Chevy truck fill hose deal too. I have talked to several that didn't recommend the setup with the radiator hose and then I have talked to several who have actually DONE it and not just read about it and the "Do'ers" say that it holds up fine. Consider my car a test. I will cahnge it out evry six months just for kicks and giggles :laugh1: :laugh1: :laugh1: MURZ