bowtie350_428

I am thinking of doing the trap door mod to replace my fuel pump using a pneumatic grinder and cut off wheel. But I am a bit nervous of all the sparks that are going sprinkle all over my tank. I know some here do not worry about this and are willing to take that chance that their hoses/tank are 100% sealed. Well that makes me nervous because sometimes during hot days, I can smell gas fumes from the gas cap area, even though the cap is tight. I was under the impression there is a tank vent somewhere under there and I am guessing this is the source of the occasional smell. Can someone tell me there is a fuel tank vent near the gas tank?

Also can someone tell me if they know of a cut off wheel that will not generate sparks when cutting metal?

LS1121

iTrader: (17)

I just did mine and I think it was a carbon wheel and it still made sparks. I don't think you can cut thru steel and not create sparks. lol

CancerJCC

iTrader: (4)

I used a drill bit (with stop) and tin snips. Sparks around fuel scare me too!

the crusty pirate

iTrader: (2)

tin snips or air nibbler.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Are tin snips strong enough to cut that metal? How much does it deform the piece if you were wanting to use the original to make your replacement panel.

bowtie350_428

I wonder the same thing. I think snips would be hard and may turn into an ugly hack job. Cancer, how did your tin snips workout?

I am probably going to get an air nibbler. After drilling a 1/2" hole on one corner, I can used compressed air to blow out any residual fumes. Then I would use the air nibbler to make the cut.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I've seen it done with a pneumatic grinder and we had no issues. I mean think of how many muffler shops weld on the underside of cars without issue. Gas tanks must be sealed up pretty well if muffler shops aren't setting cars on fire left and right.

Double Aught

iTrader: (5)

I used a dremel and went through a number of cut off wheels without a problem.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

A hand nibbler is the absolute best tool for the job - something that looks like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/compact...ler-65895.html

Drill a small hole, insert the nibbler, and it'll go straight through that thin sheet metal without any issues. No sparks, clean cut, and won't cut any of the lines on top of the tank while you're doing it.

5.3Lnova

if you are that concerned, wet the tank and surrounding chassis, and keep a fire extinguisher close, we do this stuff every day at our shop and we don't start fires, why can't you?

bayer-z28

iTrader: (14)

I did this a couple weeks ago. Use a dremel also. Beware if you have the hotwire fix already installed. The harness sits RIGHT against the hump in the back where you're cutting. 0_o I just barely grazed the sheathing with the dremel. Only go as deep as you need to.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

You can eliminate this problem if you drop the tank about an inch...the bolts holding the straps in place have a LOT of engaged threads, so you can drop the tank a fair amount without actually removing the bolts.

mebuildit

Use your head and don't use a grinder of any sorts. Buy a nibbler or a electric shear, go online and look at those aluminum doors that can be riveted or bolted on. Much cleaner look that those die grinders, and taking the chance of either you getting burned or watching your car burn down to the ground.
It only takes one spark to ruin your entire life! For those who have done it! Go buy a lottery ticket.

Duffster

iTrader: (103)

it's very easy to run the gas out and simply drop the tank altogether...

bayer-z28

iTrader: (14)

I was JUST wondering about that too! If I have to replace my lines for a regulator, I was thinking about dropping the tank an inch or so.

And I didn't know how close anything was, so I made sure not to cut any deeper than I needed too. I guess the harness was right up against where I was cutting. Didn't break any insulation, just barely nicked the heat shrink on the sheathing.

k_cash1432

iTrader: (9)

I used a nibbler and it wasnt the best when you went above the indentions but i cut my hole too big if you cut it where your supose to it works awesome!

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

It makes all the difference in the world...makes unhooking the lines on top of the tank easier too.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

We use a die grinder and a 1qt spray bottle of water. Drop the tank a couple inches, wet it down, then spray the cutting wheel.... No sparks.
A second benefit... The wheels last A LOT longer.

LS1121

iTrader: (17)

Yes and it's like a10 min job lol