Ok with Christmas out the way it was time to remove the petrol tank. I wasn't sure how much fuel was left in the tank from the last journey. So I started by lifting the back of the car on to wooden blocks on top of my ramps. Removed both rear wheels and unscrewed the fixings for the filler pipe tubes, disconnected the wires to the sender.
I removed the nuts holding the bottom of the Spax shocks which I had fitted many years ago and lowered the axle down onto stands then I lifted out both springs and rubbers.
I removed the bolts holding the Tie bar to the axle and then cut the rear brake hose and removed the handbrake cables and brackets from the axle, I then carefully lowered the axle to the ground.
The tank is held in the four stud bolds with two straps – the first stud came out fine, but the remaining three wouldn't move. So I just folded back one of the support straps and cut the other one, allowing me to manoeuvre the tank down and away from the car without spilling any of the fuel which I could hear inside.
With a quick clean and emptying the petrol I carefully tapped around the retaining ring with a hammer and pulled out the sender unit.
The tank looks ok but I think it would be safer to get it pressure tested before refitting with a new sender unit and seal.
6hrs
Bottom side
Top side
A good vintage...
