I have to replace my fuel pump in my 89 iroc. It has a full tank of gass (of course) In my 4th gen they cut an access hole in my trunk. I'm planning on doing this one myself. does any one know if you can cut an access in a 3rd gen? if so where exactly? What is the best way to close the access back up?

 

Geez, only discussed a million times. Yes, you can, no you shouldn't. :-)

 

Also bear in mind the fuel lines are not like the 4th gen. You will have to cut them and repair them for an access panel job

 

thanks a lot Pocket. would I have enough room to drop the rear, exhuaust, and tank off a set of jack stands in the drive?

 

I just did this last month and since I used to work In Heat Treating Metal I'm NOT worried about the supposed loss of strength in this "crumple" zone. Just use a thicker piece of metal (I used 1/4" to offset the lost Tensile Strength) and make sure to use Grade 8 sheet metal screws for attaching the new panel. (You will definitely need to seal the new plate with some fuel/oil Resistant Silicone) I used this "Sticky" as a guide for where to cut the hole: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/faq-...tal-above.html

 

just curious? why wouldnt you suggest it? The owner before me did it on my 86. Of course i found this out after i dropped the tank. what a pain in the $$s. Wis i had known about this access hole before. it would have saved me about 3 days labor working by myself.

 

Depends on how tall your stands are, but most should allow it
Dont completely remove the rear, unbolt the shock mounts and lower it away with the DS, brake lines, TA, and LCA's still attached

Should be a 3-5 hour job as its a handful of bolts and some maneuvering of the tank

Yes Ive done it before