I started to remove the gas tank from my '64 Wildcat today and everything went well until it was time to remove the filler tube. Nothing I could do would even start to let it come out of the tank so I cut it with a hacksaw about 3 inches from the tank. I'll have a bung welded in it to allow it to have a hose coupling between the tank and the filler tube. I was able to loosen and begin to remove the 2 lower bolts that had the tank in and they will come right out when needed. However, the upper two bolts just above the axle spin when I try to loosen the nuts. The bolts (carriage bolts?) are captured in a slot and there doesn't seem to be any access to the bolt heads that I can tell. Does anyone know if the bolt heads can be accessed when the back of the rear seat is removed? The manual doesn't say anything about this. I'd like to just torch them but there's too big a risk of fire :eek2:
Mark, You should have had the tank completely unbolted then the filler neck would have come out. I had to wiggle it back and forth and turn mine, and it finally came loose. The bolts cannot be accessed from the back seat, unless you want to cut some holes in the floor. They are carriage nuts and are captured in a slot. I was able to remove mine with a nut splitter, then put in new hardware. Good luck
Got the tank out tonight using Chris's tip: remove the 2 lower bolts and wiggle the tank side to side to get the upper 2 bolts to grip. Once I had the nuts about half off I was able to slip a small pair of vice grips between the nut and the tank. The part of the fill tube that's in the tank still won't budge.
Alright!!!! Glad to hear that worked for you. I believe that they made it this was was to allow easier installation. The idea was to have the two carriage bolts already installed on the tank, then lift the tank in place, and slide the carriage bolts into the slots and tighten. Much easier then trying to hold it in place and start four bolts. I have a spare fill tube if you need it. Chris
Just getting around to cleaning the tank before shipping it off for Renu coating. Here's some pics of the rust inside:
Marc, To bad you dont live out this way. I know a guy that has a 64 Cat 2dr ht white with red,bench seat. sat for years in an orchard, that he may part out with a seized motor and I know of a 64 Wildcat convert with new top but needs tlc for sale in Wa state. I have pics of both if any interest Gary
Hi Gary, it sounds like you're surrounded by '64 Wildcats :TU:. Right now I am spending too much money (according to my wife) keeping our one Wildcat on the road. After the fuel tank and the lines are done she will have a totally new fuel system (the car, not the wife :grin. I think this will be the last for major repairs for a while, but one never knows. At least I caught this issue early enough so that it won't impact the driving season. Last year's major cooling system repairs kept us off the road until June.
Mark, That sounds like my wife. I need more $$$ to keep the wife and my Cat happy. Its usually goes to the wife. I was thinking that if your tank is bad, but shipping would be high on a gas tank. And sitting for 15+ years probably dont help.
