I also heard you can't do this with a convertible. Is this true? Anyone done it?
Help needed! SOON! GMS fuel pump on the way, and the stock one is on its last leg.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
I wouldn't recommend cutting a hole. The biggest reason is by doing so, you create a path for fuel to travel in the event of a rear-end collision.
Your best and safest bet is to drop the tank and do it the way the Helm manual shows.
It's more work, but a safer way to do it.
Posted by ArcticYT95TA (Member # 1816) on :
I planned on covering the hole afterwards somehow. My major concern is just getting to the fuel pump right now. After that, I will worry about making a cover. Money is really tight right now, and I want to do this the easiest and cheapest way possible. The $125 pump already is setting me back.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
I would drop the tank and do the job the correct way. A fuel tank sender may have long prebent tubes on it that may not clear your access hole or the fitting ends may not be loosened as easily.Like Teri said,in an accident it is best to keep the floor the way it was.
Posted by ArcticYT95TA (Member # 1816) on :
How is this not the correct way? I have heard the metal over the fuel tank is so thin, that it can be cut easily with snips. How much support can this give?
I have also heard horror stories on dropping the tank, etc, replacing the pump, and only having it go bad in a week, thus causing you to have to redrop everything to replace it. That doesn't seem very correct to me.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Just do it the way you want. Obviously, our giving advice and suggestions at your request isn't going to give you the answer you're looking for. Why are we trying to help you out if you don't want to listen to an answer? We're concerned about safety and not doing a hack-job on the car. We would hate to see a repair shortcut end up a disaster.
It's your car, so ultimately it's your decision. Most of the time a cheap fix to save a buck in the beginning ends up an expensive re-fix down the road somewhere. Keep it safe and good luck.
Posted by ArcticYT95TA (Member # 1816) on :
It's not that I don't appreciate the advice, I guess I am looking more for someone that has done this already. I am not crazy about being the guinea pig on something of this size. The convertible top motor, no big deal.
I don't necessarily agree with dropping the axle, and have not totally ruled it out as of yet. I am not totally set on doing this access panel either.
Posted by XBCHBUM (Member # 734) on :
I really would go with the manufacturers method. However, if you want to speak with someone that has done the 'hatch method' go here.
