Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

What's the best way to get the spring into the rubber gas filler drain tube on a 69 coupe?

[Gene M.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

As you slide it in turn it in the opposite direction as wound. That will cause the spring to coil down making it a smaller diameter. Soap or dish detergent will make it slide easier.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Here's a link to Doc Rebuild tips:

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/tip22.html

Hope this helps.
Jeff

[Michael J.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Interesting the old Doc, though he has no respect for NCRS or originality, mentions how originals were done. Maybe he is mellowing.........

[Michael L.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

OK so I used Doc rebuilds idea and inserted the spring with the rod. It made it MUCH easier, but the spring is now "impacted" in the first ten inches of the hose. Is this how the originals were? I'm guessing, since this thing is the fuel overflow hose, that it was critically important that it drain to the ground and not get tucked up inside the body somewhere where it could let fuel collect. If that's the case then maybe the purpose of the spring is at least partly to weigh the end of the hose down and keep it directed towards the ground?

Mike

[Don H.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Mike
the end of the spring should be at the very end of the hose, nearest the ground.
Spray silicone lube up inside the hose to allow you to pull the spring to the very end of the hose.

[Michael L.]

[Michael J.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Many of us who do this for judging, are not concerned about the spring going the entire length of the hose...........if you know what I mean......

[Jeff W.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

And there should be a strap holding the drain tube in place inside the bumperett so movement of the tube should be quite hard.

[Mark G.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Thanks for the tip on how to install the spring. What's involved in installing the hose onto the nipple?

[Gary S.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

If you are talking about the gas drain "cup" then insert the tube in very warm water for a minute or so.

[Mark G.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

That's it, but how do I access the nipple, assuming it is there?

[Jeff W.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

You can access the nipple by pulling back the filler inlet seal. It is visible between the inlet and the body.

[Mark G.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

I have the filler door and bezel off and the rubber cup removed from under the body panel. Do I just stretch over and off of the fuel cap bung on the tank?

edit: I got it and of course there isn't a nipple. Hate to pay $13 s&h for a $3.00 part. Will any ole plastic nipple work or it it something special?

[Jeff W.]

Re: Best way to insert the spring into the gas filler drain tube on a '69?

Other than originality, no, I don't think there is anything special about the nipple. This is mine. I presume it is OEM. The nipple feeds through the washer and then through the rubber cup to the hose. The washer butts up against the collar of the rubber cup.


This is the AIM illustration for 1968