[FC] Gas tank removal

[Chris & Bill Strickland]

Gas tank removal is pretty straight forward -- loosen/remove what you 
need to to take it out -- a full tank is heavy whereas an empty tank is 
less so --  if you have to drain the tank, DO NOT use an incandescent 
drop light anywhere in the vicinity - dropped "drop" lights have started 
many serious gasoline fires during such maneuvers - the gas fumes lay on 
the floor.  If you have to see, use a flashlight.

Generally, if so equipped, you just need to remove the inner stabilizer 
supports and tip the bar downward to get tanks out -- take your choice 
as to which you find easier, full removal of the bar, or tipping and 
holding it out of the way.  Yes. the clamps can be a pain, but a little 
intelligent use of  proper tools can make the clamps easier to deal with 
-- I like the worm screw clamps best for this, if'n ya ain't got a case 
of 100 point itis.  1960's will let you put the filler pipe on the tank 
first and then put the assembly in the car -- cavecars rule! 
(unfortunately, I don't think this is an option on FC's)

The vendors have a softer filler neck hose available that some think 
makes tank reinstallation easier, and it probably does, but real fuel 
hose (stiff) would be (and is) my preference for this critical safety 
related part.

Bill Strickland