Trap Door Mod - Cut off wheel without Sparks.
12-29-2011, 06:38 PM
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Trap Door Mod - Cut off wheel without Sparks. 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 on a 97 LT1 Trans Am?
Also can someone tell me if they know of a cut off wheel that will not generate sparks when cutting metal? I don't want to blowup the car.
Also can someone tell me if they know of a cut off wheel that will not generate sparks when cutting metal? I don't want to blowup the car.
12-29-2011, 06:48 PM
#2
pnuematic shears? pneumatic reciprocating saw at a very low angle?
Siphon the gas out of the tank and wait a day and do it in a well ventilated area?
Have a fire extinguisher ready?
Up the good old life insurence policy?
Siphon the gas out of the tank and wait a day and do it in a well ventilated area?
Have a fire extinguisher ready?
Up the good old life insurence policy?
12-29-2011, 07:04 PM
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Guessing you dont want to go through all the trouble. I can never hack my 4th. Gen!! For me, it's doing it right or don't do it at all....not to be a jerk though.
12-29-2011, 07:41 PM
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I agree with what you say...I cannot imagine cutting my F-bod. I'd go through the hassel and remove everything before I cut it..I have both intank and external fuel pumps in my car..
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12-29-2011, 07:55 PM
#8
You'd have to be a complete klutz and a total moron to accidentally cut into the tank enough to cause a fire. Snips or a wheel - either one works just fine.
IMO, the RIGHT way is to cut the trap door. Once you've done it you'd understand (and likely never do it the old fashioned way).
IMO, the RIGHT way is to cut the trap door. Once you've done it you'd understand (and likely never do it the old fashioned way).
12-29-2011, 10:50 PM
#10
On The Tree
fyi: Youd be better off filling the tank all the way to the top than draining it... its the vapor that is combustible, not the liquid itself...
12-30-2011, 12:38 AM
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A nibbler sounds like a good idea. I did not realize they were so cheap. At least they are cheap from China Freight Tools. When I begin cutting, I would still want to put the car outside the garage. And also have the fire extinguisher and marshmallows handy.
I am not worried about cutting the tank or lines, but rather I worry about residual fumes that may be hanging around from a leaking tank gasket or hose. As suggested, I am going to drill a 1/2” hole on one corner. Then through that hole, I will blow out the area with compressed air just to help dissipate any fumes that may be there.
I understand how some may not like cutting their car up, especially if it is in cherry condition. But I really don't want to go through the hassle to take the tank out from the bottom. FTS!!!! Besides, I think having easy access the pump is a nice idea.
I am not worried about cutting the tank or lines, but rather I worry about residual fumes that may be hanging around from a leaking tank gasket or hose. As suggested, I am going to drill a 1/2” hole on one corner. Then through that hole, I will blow out the area with compressed air just to help dissipate any fumes that may be there.
I understand how some may not like cutting their car up, especially if it is in cherry condition. But I really don't want to go through the hassle to take the tank out from the bottom. FTS!!!! Besides, I think having easy access the pump is a nice idea.
12-30-2011, 05:34 AM
#17
You'd have to be a complete klutz and a total moron to accidentally cut into the tank enough to cause a fire. Snips or a wheel - either one works just fine.
IMO, the RIGHT way is to cut the trap door. Once you've done it you'd understand (and likely never do it the old fashioned way).
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IMO, the RIGHT way is to cut the trap door. Once you've done it you'd understand (and likely never do it the old fashioned way).
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12-30-2011, 08:45 AM
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Offset sheet metal snips work very well, that's what I used when I did mine. The hole can easily be patched, I agree it really is the 'right' way to change the pump. 10x easier than the proper method.
12-30-2011, 08:57 AM
#20
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