Fuel pump access hatch in 2001 convertible
Fuel pump access hatch in 2001 convertible Has anyone cut an access hatch in the trunk area for removing the fuel pump? Wondering if this works the same for our cars as the hardtops. Im thinking we have less headroom for pump removal due to ours being more of a coupe than the hardtops. Im hoping it works... I will be needing to change pumps this weekend.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,643
Likes: 2,571
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Someone just asked about this the other day:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...trap-door.html
As I mentioned in the other thread, I think it would be more likely to be possible with a '99+ car as the pump location is further back (more room to angle it in/out). Not sure it would be possible on a '98 or earlier though. Either way, it would be great to hear from anyone who has done this with a convertible.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...trap-door.html
As I mentioned in the other thread, I think it would be more likely to be possible with a '99+ car as the pump location is further back (more room to angle it in/out). Not sure it would be possible on a '98 or earlier though. Either way, it would be great to hear from anyone who has done this with a convertible.
Someone just asked about this the other day:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...trap-door.html
As I mentioned in the other thread, I think it would be more likely to be possible with a '99+ car as the pump location is further back (more room to angle it in/out). Not sure it would be possible on a '98 or earlier though. Either way, it would be great to hear from anyone who has done this with a convertible.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...trap-door.html
As I mentioned in the other thread, I think it would be more likely to be possible with a '99+ car as the pump location is further back (more room to angle it in/out). Not sure it would be possible on a '98 or earlier though. Either way, it would be great to hear from anyone who has done this with a convertible.
I can confirm that this does work in 4th gen convertibles. Did it this weekend. You do have to tilt the pump towards the inside of the car and not towards trunk to get it to come out. But there was room.
Last edited by idahoz28; May 5, 2025 at 12:12 PM.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,643
Likes: 2,571
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Yes. Actually would be simpler on the earlier cars since the pump is more toward back seat. Would make it so the pump can be pulled straight up instead of having to tilt it toward the inside of the car. Just need to be careful with pump once it is out of tank. The lower white part of the pump assembly is actually a reservoir and is full of fuel so you have to make sure not to tip it too far and spill inside car.
Here I was thinking I hope to god I never have to cross this Rubicon in my car, then RPM_WS6 goes and posts those pictures of exactly where to cut for a pre '99 car, WITH MEASUREMENTS, That looks MUCH less daunting than dropping the axle to get the tank out. Thanks bud, now I have one less excuse to avoid this job. 
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Here I was thinking I hope to god I never have to cross this Rubicon in my car, then RPM_WS6 goes and posts those pictures of exactly where to cut for a pre '99 car, WITH MEASUREMENTS, That looks MUCH less daunting than dropping the axle to get the tank out. Thanks bud, now I have one less excuse to avoid this job.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 1,158
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
If anyone does tackle this job, make it look super clean by cutting a piece of donor floor pan from another car. I did that and if you didn't know these cars, you'd be hard pressed to convince someone that it wasn't a factory set up. 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,643
Likes: 2,571
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Here I was thinking I hope to god I never have to cross this Rubicon in my car, then RPM_WS6 goes and posts those pictures of exactly where to cut for a pre '99 car, WITH MEASUREMENTS, That looks MUCH less daunting than dropping the axle to get the tank out. Thanks bud, now I have one less excuse to avoid this job.
@idahoz28
Did you take pics or have dimensions? Want to do this to my 02 vert while I have the trunk tore apart with parts laying all over the shop for the stereo upgrade.
DaveDog
Did you take pics or have dimensions? Want to do this to my 02 vert while I have the trunk tore apart with parts laying all over the shop for the stereo upgrade.
DaveDog
@idahoz28
Did you take pics or have dimensions? Want to do this to my 02 vert while I have the trunk tore apart with parts laying all over the shop for the stereo upgrade.
DaveDog
Did you take pics or have dimensions? Want to do this to my 02 vert while I have the trunk tore apart with parts laying all over the shop for the stereo upgrade.
DaveDog
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
From: Lincroft, New Jersey
Fuel pump hatch to cut out convertible I’ve read your thread about the 2001 convertible my vehicle is a 2002 convertible Trans Am. I’m just a little confused the hole that’s being cut. Is that on the upper pot with a convertible top rest that shelf area is that where you’re cutting it or is it down the well on the car, I’m still confused. I gotta get ready to do this cause my fuel gauge is the one that’s causing a problem. The pump is working great I’m pulliabout 70 psi on it but the gauge is just FLUCTUATING. SND S GET CEL KEEPS TELLING ME HIGH VOLTAGE
PERFORMED DIAGNOSTICS TEST GOUNDS GOOD ALL WIRING FROM CONNECTOR TO ECM BCM ARE GOOD WHEN TESTING THE FLOAT ISSUE. did a couple of test and it’s all defective SO IM GOING TO GET PUMP MODULE AND REPLACE BOTH ANY SUGGESTIONS ON BRANDs THAT YOU HAD GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH I WOULD APPRECIATE your opinion
Thank you so much. I appreciate your time. If you have a picture the finish product that would be really great.
PERFORMED DIAGNOSTICS TEST GOUNDS GOOD ALL WIRING FROM CONNECTOR TO ECM BCM ARE GOOD WHEN TESTING THE FLOAT ISSUE. did a couple of test and it’s all defective SO IM GOING TO GET PUMP MODULE AND REPLACE BOTH ANY SUGGESTIONS ON BRANDs THAT YOU HAD GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH I WOULD APPRECIATE your opinion
Thank you so much. I appreciate your time. If you have a picture the finish product that would be really great.
Last edited by TRANS2002; Dec 11, 2025 at 07:38 AM.
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
From: Lincroft, New Jersey
Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer my question (thank you j
Just have one question it’s on the placement of making this access hole will a be of a rectangle or a perfectly square like example 8 x 8 or something like 6 x9 most of the access holes I see are rectangle and where do I get my measurements from? Would I find center and measure out side to side and then front to back
is there a method to this madness that would be so great if I can get some guidance before I start chopping the back of my car up
QUOTE=JohnnyBs98WS6Rag;20633508]The fuel tank resides above the rear axle, so its under the hump behind the rear seats / below the top well (not at the bottom of the trunk).[/QUOTE]
Just have one question it’s on the placement of making this access hole will a be of a rectangle or a perfectly square like example 8 x 8 or something like 6 x9 most of the access holes I see are rectangle and where do I get my measurements from? Would I find center and measure out side to side and then front to back
is there a method to this madness that would be so great if I can get some guidance before I start chopping the back of my car up
QUOTE=JohnnyBs98WS6Rag;20633508]The fuel tank resides above the rear axle, so its under the hump behind the rear seats / below the top well (not at the bottom of the trunk).[/QUOTE]
Last edited by TRANS2002; Dec 11, 2025 at 07:21 AM.