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Tank spacer

71RRHI

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I just installed the areomotive phantom in tank fuel pump for my 71 Road Runner, I dont want to modify my trunk floor to clear the pump. I'm thinking about cutting some spacers from some composite decking material I Have laying around. Just wondering what are others using?
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I just installed the areomotive phantom in tank fuel pump for my 71 Road Runner, I dont want to modify my trunk floor to clear the pump. I'm thinking about cutting some spacers from some composite decking material I Have laying around. Just wondering what are others using?View attachment 571208 View attachment 571209 View attachment 571210
That's precisely what I did with my tank. Using square pieces of oak ( like is used between the box and frame on box trucks ) I measured the drop needed and fabricated long, slightly wedged pieces that sit in the top grooves of the tank, front to back. The drop was more at the front of the tank and less at the rear, enough to clear the lines and electrical wires. I used a shop jack to raise and position the tank and when I was satisfied with the fit and level of the tank laterally, I attached the oak strips to the tank using PL Premium lightly. The straps had to be replaced using flat bar the same thickness and width as the originals and lined with self-stick closed cell foam strips on their top side about 1/4 inch thick. This ensured that the tank would not shift sideways on cornering. Do not over tighten the straps and when you can't move the tank by pushing on it with your foot, the straps are tight enough. Recheck strap tightness after the tank is full as it will have more kinetic energy on stops and turns with 180 lbs. of fuel or more in it. If your unsure of it moving use side rails. Doing it this way ensures no rusting of the underside of the trunk floor from a wet tank pad, allows cool air to circulate above the tank and the tilt forward keeps the fuel up front where the pump is. My tank is a side fill and the entire filler sections fit to the tank without modifications. You've probably bought the best in-tank pump available so take your time and do the installation right.
 
Thanks, I didnt think about cutting the spacers in a wedge shape, I think i will do that and drop only the front of the tank by 1/2 inch.
 
I'm interested in the kind of pump you put in. I too, have a '71 as well. Are you going to fuel injection? Just curious.
 
I just used 1" square tubing and made some brackets so it could be bolted to the floor. I simply used new longer J bolts to reattach the factory straps. Lowered the entire tank about 1" . I haven't been to the gas station yet but I don't foresee a problem with the angle of my rear fill neck.

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Untitled by rescuediver1982, on Flickr
 
Great ideas guys. I have a 72 Charger and dont want to modify the trunk floor either. I use it as a trunk. I like the idea of the square tubing mounted to the trunk floor. Keeps the tank from moving sideways.
 
I'm interested in the kind of pump you put in. I too, have a '71 as well. Are you going to fuel injection? Just curious.
Yes going to a Fitech tbi system
 
Test fitted the tank today. The top of the pump does touch the trunk floor. Only need a extra 1/4 inch of space. I'm going to cut two small 1/2" wedge spacers from the composite deck material. I'll let you know how it works. This pic is with no spacer, but the pump top touches the trun k floor

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Test fitted the tank today. The top of the pump does touch the trunk floor. Only need a extra 1/4 inch of space. I'm going to cut two small 1/2" wedge spacers from the composite deck material. I'll let you know how it works. This pic is with no spacer, but the pump top touches the trun k floor

View attachment 573677

Could you just message a circle 1/2" up on the trunk floor where it contacts the fuel pump? Hammer work, probably wont notice it on the inside of the trunk.
 
Thinking about doing that, if the spacer idea doest work out.
 
What troubles me with the spacer is, your going to lower the front of the tank. Will the straps still fit? Or maybe have to fab new straps, or make extensions to hang on the factory strap mount location and hang the strap on the extension.
 
I just used 1" square tubing and made some brackets so it could be bolted to the floor. I simply used new longer J bolts to reattach the factory straps. Lowered the entire tank about 1" . I haven't been to the gas station yet but I don't foresee a problem with the angle of my rear fill neck.

View attachment 572518Untitled by rescuediver1982, on Flickr
Where did you get the longer bolts for the rear?
 
longer home depot or lowe’s eye bolts work

just cut eye to approx shape as original. you could tack weld a small washer on cut end to add the flat like the original has (my 66 had a flat portion on the open eye end)
 
Good Idea, didn't think of that. I'll pick some up today just incase i need them.
 
Good Idea, didn't think of that. I'll pick some up today just incase i need them.

I used longer carriage bolts from Lowes and drilled 3/4" holes in the trunk floor and 3/8" holes in the bottom of the cross-member. Put slight bends in the bolts to mimic the original J-bolts. Plugged the trunk holes with rubber plugs. Worked for me with my new Rick's S/S tank.

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Here is another option. This company has stainless steel washers, bushings, etc, etc. and they'll even make what you need:thumbsup:

https://www.extsw.com/
 
I used longer carriage bolts from Lowes and drilled 3/4" holes in the trunk floor and 3/8" holes in the bottom of the cross-member. Put slight bends in the bolts to mimic the original J-bolts. Plugged the trunk holes with rubber plugs. Worked for me with my new Rick's S/S tank.

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How do you like the ricks tank, I emailed them when I was looking for a efi tank for my 67 coronet, but never got a response. Ended up going with Hot rod city garage. They make custom tanks. I was very pleased with it. I would have ordered one for my road runner, but already had a new tank and sending unit, before deciding to convert to efi. The Hot Rod City garage tank was almost to pretty to put under the car where no one will see it.View attachment 574383

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