54 fuel system valve?

[Guy M.]

Before too long ill be setting my tank and making final connection to the fuel pump. I thought about putting a ball valve ahead of the flex. Would this be desireable although its not original? How do you folks keep the gas from getting everywhere when replacing the pump?

[Jim L.]

Re: 54 fuel system valve?

Having a fuel shutoff valve is a great idea, in my opinion. I added one to my '60 years ago; it's in the rear near the tank but accessible without having to remove the tank cover. When I had to change the fuel pump last summer, having the valve made the job a lot simpler and safer.

Jim

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 fuel system valve?

Guy - are you going for judging ?
Just asking......
If you need to replace the pump - they make tool / clamps to squeeze the flex line so fuel doesnt run out....

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 fuel system valve?

Thanks for responding guys, I dont think Ill have this car judged, whats the point, its a reincarnated basket case ( 75K worth +) with a 54 belaire engine and tranny but with all the Corvette goodies. I dont think it would score too well. ( although it came out beautifully, if you didnt know you couldnt tell) If all that is needed is to squeeze the flex then maybe thats the way to go. The valve itself could cause a problem all buy itself it an o-ring went bad. I just dont want to do anything twice. I appreciate the input!

[Jim L.]

Re: 54 fuel system valve?

If all that is needed is to squeeze the flex then maybe thats the way to go. The valve itself could cause a problem all buy itself it an o-ring went bad.

The reason I installed the valve on my '60 (and on other cars I didn't mention) is that I've never been comfortable squeezing a fuel hose to close it off. Seems to me that doing so flexes it in a way that might promote premature failure. That said, I'm certainly aware that many do it with impunity.

Just let the record show that I've got about 35 vehicle-years with the shut off valves and have never had a failure.

Jim

[John H.]

Re: 54 fuel system valve?

When I restored my 57's, I made up the plug below to screw on the frame hard line male SAE fitting while I worked on the fuel pump and its inlet-side flex line - it's a standard Weatherhead brass double female 45* SAE union, with a 45* SAE male plug in one end.


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