85 FB

How easy is it to remove the rear bumper? I asked the shop tech if it was a simple task, he said it should only be a couple bolts holding it up there. I took a peek, only saw two bolts that I figured were the ones, located under those metal tubes propped against the bumper. Are there any other bolts I may have looked over?

And, the reason for doing this is because I'm wanting to replace my gas tank with another one, and the nuts inside the car body that holds up the rear strap bolts stripped off the body, so the bolts are just free-spinning, and won't come out. How do I access those rear nuts?

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

unbolt the filler neck. (i think 4 10mm bolts)
there are 2 straps but IIRC, there is a plastic that needs to come out also.
no need to remove the rear bumper.

BTW, be sure to mark the hoses prior to removal.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Just checked my spare shell , your idea will work. 2 bolts for the bumper and the wires for the plate lights will get the bumper off. If you can drop the tank, with the straps still on, you can get to the bolts from the forward side of the rear cross rail without removing the bumper.

85 FB

Hey, thanks alot. I was only able to drop the tank by moving the straps out of the way as they swung on the rear bolts but for the life of me, could not see any other away to get to those nuts except from way up above, with removing the bumper.


Wacky, thanks, but I know how to take the tank down, I've done it before. I was just asking about access to the rear nuts and bumper removal. But, do I really have to mark the hoses and disconnect them before dropping the tank? Hmm, maybe that's why I had trouble while lowering the tank some (just enough to peek up above, not all the way down mind you) and putting it back up.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

FSM shows the fuel and vent lines if you get confused.

Stick your finger in the hole above the straps, you should be able to feel the nuts. You may need to remove the bumper any when you re-install.

Hades12

There are also two shocks on the bumper, there are two access plates in the rear hatch, pull them up and you will the end of the shock they should both have double nuts on them.

85 FB

Hmm, I might just take the bumper off anyways to ensure I have everything out of my way before R&R.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

I think I need some viagra to improve my memory. I have done multiple demolition but I cant remember how I removed those tanks.

btw Stupid CALI self-serve junkyards no longer sell gas tanks...they poke holes in them so the only thing useable is the gas float assembly. Im glad I kept one for each of the 1st gen gas tanks for future use.

perfect_circle

i was thinking if you just un attached the ones in the front, you can swing them out of the way, then drop the tank.. thats what i did. and im pretty sure that you will be able to tell what hoses go where.

and wacky..why does cali not sell tanks? thats wierd...

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

Fire hazard. The tank has be completely drained out before a vehicle can go to the yard for the junkyard vultures. Easier to just poke a large hole in the tank.

perfect_circle

but they have drain plugs, THOSE FILTHY BASTARDS!!

Hades12

Quote:
Originally Posted by perfect_circle
and wacky..why does cali not sell tanks? thats wierd...




Most yards can not sale tanks, Even if they dont put a hole in them they still can not sale it. State laws, You also can not buy a Cat used Ever from anywhere.

Over the last year I have sold several tanks, and will be keeping any of them I can for future sales, But they are hard to pack for shipping so the cost is high on them.

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

Sale of used cats went out the door over 10 years ago due to strict CA smog laws. Gas tanks >>> approx 3 years. Also most junkyards are now on concrete, instead of plain dirt, to prevent further soil contamination. In the past 12 months, I have noticed that prices have increased by 50%.

Whats next: I bet draining oil (tranny, engine and rear end) and anti-freeze. Wtih A/C refrigerant, Im sure that those ******* are just letting them out in the atmosphere.

And yes, I agree that packaging a gas tank is a PITA.

slashdawg00110

All the gas tanks are punctured at the u-pull-it yard here in Kansas City. Coolant too, and oil I think.

Wacky - is that a snow sled on the shelf? Waiting for a good blizzard in LA?

Hades12

Local pull a part cuts the lower rad hose on all cars, and diffs with a rear cover get a hole in them

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

lol

85 FB

I did swing the straps out but it bothers me that now the nuts hidden inside the body are now twisted off the body and frozen onto the bolts. So, it'll make me feel better to have the straps completely off, drop the tank for easier clearance issues, and ensure the tank is properly aligned up when going back up. Right now, my tank is not aligned, altho it looks it, due to the fact that the driver's side front strap mounting hole will not sit flush against the car body. And, yes, I have tried multiple times to have the tank be properly aligned, the filler neck always lined up. Oh well, too late now, the tank is up there, but I'm aiming for a new tank and float assembly next month.