Fuel line replacement

[Michael G.]

Is it possible to remove and replace the metal fuel lines without removing the body? I presently have the entire rear axle removed and wonder if anyone has attempted this install with body-on. Thanks, Mike
(71 4 speed w return line)

[M W.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

If it's anything like my 64...not hardly. But you might be the lucky one.

Cheers,
Craig Willetts

[John H.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Is it possible to remove and replace the metal fuel lines without removing the body?

It is on a C3, but not on a midyear (the rear half of the fuel line on a midyear runs INSIDE the rear frame rail).

[Michael G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Thanks John. Are there any tricks to this install? I don't have easy access to a lift and was wondering if there was a minimum clearance needed below the vehicle or any other helpful hints. Thanks again, Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Hi Michael,
I believe you'll have to put some extra bends in the line to get it into position. You then need to straighten it back out to get it to lay down on the frame where it belongs.
A couple of the clamp bolts are in pretty tight quarters to get backed out and then started again. Someone I know 'shortened' them a little to gain a bit of clearance between the frame and underbody.
Good Luck with your projects.
Regards,
Alan

[Bill C.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

I would not even try it -------

It is tricky getting them through the 4spd cross member with the body off the car.

Just my 2 cents ......

[Michael G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Thanks Alan. I know the bolts you are referring to. These bolts appear to be a form of self-tapping type that threaded their way into the framerails. Now that the threads are formed, I can remove the thread starter tips. I am thrilled to hear that this CAN be done with the body on with a little finess. Thank you, thank you all. Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Hi Michael,
Bill C's point is well taken. It's not easy!
Not having the car off the ground very far will complicate matters.
People have been known to cut the line in 2 and then hide the connection as the line passes through the tranmission cross member.
In what condition is the present line?
Regards,
Alan

PS: The fuel line replacement situation was one of reasons I decided to lift the body and then well.......

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Michael:
It is absolutely possible to replace those lines and brake lines as well with the body on. I have done it on my '69 and on a '72. It IS difficult but you don't need a lift and with patience you can do it. The clips along the rail are hard to get at but since you are replacing the lines, you can cut the lines and get them out of the way, cut or flatten the clips, and get a tool on the bolts. They wil be rusted in but, again, with patience, you can do it. One of the tricks is to get the car as high as you can, remove the wheels to allow as much room for rotating and repositioning the lines as you can. You may have to, as was said above, somewhat bend the lines gently and straighten them out after installation. Gentle bending won't hurt (after all most lines are sent to you bent in half!). Work slowly and back off when you seem to hit a snag to re-think and you should be alright. Good luck.
Jeff

[Michael G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Alan--They are not leaking at this time, but the areas at the mounting clips are frightening. I want to take advantage of my current position (entire rear end and exaust are removed) as a body-off is not in the near future. Thanks for your thoughts, Mike

Jeff--You have raised the confidence level here very much and I appreciate your experience and advice. Will be forging ahead once the tubes arrive. Thank you, Mike

[Michael G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

I dedicate this to Jeffrey Salz who inspired me to do this.
Get the old lines out intact. It's a struggle but will give great insight to the new installation. Try to create more space between the bolt heads and the clips. (large screwdriver) or just cut the clips, pull out lines, flatten down clip and remove bolts. I was able to create space and get box wrench on bolts. Limited bolt head access but can be done. Tape the end openings so no debris is collected in the new line. As Jeffrey mentioned, you will have to slightly straighten some of the preformed bends to do this. Be careful. Get as much space under the car as you safely can. Try to relax the end bends (tank connection and engine bay end.) Start to feed the tank end in the upward climb in front of rear wheel. This is the hard part. There is a series of bends that will be at this location when fully installed and they must be relaxed (straightend) slightly for this to work. If you have detailed what you could access on the frame, you will scratch it up a little. Deal with it. You can touch-up later. If you hit a snag, STOP. Examine what the obstruction is and remove and lightly adjust the line as needed. You will need to be a bit forcefull with the line but don't ruin it. Wood shims work well for adding force where needed as you feed it through the frame. Watch the other end as you are feeding the line in. It will need to move around with you and could easily hit and scratch things. Once you have it up and over the arch in the rear frame, you need to make a LARGE loop out of the rest of the line left to go foward through the trans crossmember. Start to feed it through the opening. You will have to finess it some and rotate the loop so you don't kink the line. If frustration sets in, STOP. Walk away, shake it off and continue. You know what the alternative is--Body off! If you got it in, you are looking at a rather wavy new line. No problem. Start to sharpen up the bends at the entry piont in front of rear wheel. Eastwood has a tubing bending pliers which work well. Fasten a clip there and start to reform the line to the frame .Add a clip as you go. They will work to hold the line so you can straighten in incriments. Good luck and let me know if I can assist further. Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Hi Michael,
VICTORY!!!
There're sure are a lot of hard earned hints in your re-cap!
Regards,
Alan

PS: There are more than a few occasions in life when stopping and stepping back help.

[Steven G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Michael, I just lifted a 72' body off frame, If you need pic's, let me know, a pic. is worth a thousand words. Steve

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Michael, I just lifted a 72' body off frame, If you need pic's, let me know, a pic. is worth a thousand words. Steve

I know that I wouldn't mind them, if you have a chance to post them.

Patrick

[Michael G.]

Re: Fuel line replacement

Thanks Steven,
If you get the chance, the photos would be greatly appreciated. Mike