I have seen many posts about creating a fuel pump access door in the floor of the car in order to change the fuel pump easily. Being a competent metal fabricator I am going to go this route as I am confident I can produce a very professional looking job. The only thing that has me stumped is what tool to use to cut the steel fuel lines safely. It doesn't appear to be enough room to use a tubing cutter.If anyone has done this job before I could sure use some advice.

 

I used wire cutters to chew the lines apart. After they were apart I removed the assembly and cut the nasty ends off with a dremel while I was away from the tank.

 

Hey greg, can you post pics of the project pls? that's an important "mod" that will save a lot of time when the time comes. Thanks.

 

My apologies for the hijack.....

I'd never do this, but I was wondering how big of a hole in the floor is necessary?

I'm wondering of one of those locking doors that came with those old school pick-up truck auxiliary tanks would work?

 

end of page 2 and page 3 have pics, measurement and all you need to know. a quick search would find it, not even a search its still ont he first page of fab

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fabr...cess-hole.html

 

Ok, so I just spent the last 2 hrs reading through this thread and found some VERY STRONG opinions on the subject. I don't think I would ask any questions here if I ever attempted such a "mod". Thanks for the info though.

 

Yes. There are some very strong haters about this mod. I still see it as correcting a factory oversight.

I just wonder if they hate the cars that came this was.....FROM THE FACTORY? Do they see the designers as "dumb" for providing an access door?

 

Yes I will post picks if I do this job. However so far the only suggestion I have gotten about cutting the fuel lines is using wire cutters to chew them apart. I will not do that or this job altogether if I cannot do it cleanly and neatly.

 

The previous owner did mine "the right way" as some say here. So hopefully I won't have to in this life...

 

if the car came with the access, there is no problem and i can say confidently that nobody would have an issues with it.

most of the hatred of this "mod" is when people say this is the "right way" to swap a fuel pump. No, is this application the "right way" is to drop the axle. Cutting the hole is a bit of a lazy method for most people. But again for other people its the only way because of a lack of tools and equipment to do it themselves, and/or the lack of money to pay somebody to do it for them, and for this i cant blame them.

The argument is made over and over again, and honestly, with the proper tools, it doesn't take more that a couple hours to do the job by dropping the axle.

Cutting the fuel lines is the hairy part, a lot could go wrong there, then reconnecting the lines could be hazardous if you dont keep in mint the pressure involved. the pressure line on the TPI cars to be done with a flare, or high pressure hose, clamps, and the tubing bubbled on the end to prevent the hose from pushing off.

The other propblem is rust. Witohut properly sealing the cut, on both sides, you can invite rust that is already an issue on these cars.

Personally, i would never cut the access door. Unless the car is a racecar that requires frequent servicing of the pump.

The factory pumps have lasted 20 years in some cases, so if you get a good pump the odds that it will live another 20 are pretty good.

In the end, do what you want, its your car, and thats all that matters.

-Phil

 

you can use a mini tubing cutter. remove the lock ring form the sender, then it will come out of the tank enough to get the tubing cutting on the lines, or so im told. Using a pair of diagonal cutting pliers to cut the lines is just retarded, not sure whos idea that is/was. Might as well cut it with a hammer and a screwdriver at that point...

 

Why is cutting the line with wire cutters retarded? It is fast effective and after the cut is made you can pull the lines out and trim the chewed up part off with whatever you want. You will loose about 1/2" of damaged hardline after the trim but you will need to trim off more than that to fit a union in.

Double hack job ???

IMO wire cutters are safer than other options that will work.