did i read on here somewhere that an older mustang 65-67 gas tank will fit almost perfect in a 1970 maverick, if set in there sideways? i know you can fab it to work correctly, but i am wondering about the sideways thing? i have an idea but not 100% sure about it yet. any input would be great!!!
I wouldn't think mounting it sideways would be a good idea. It's not a perfect fit sideways anyways so modification would be required. It would be just as easy to mount it the correct way.
I mounted one in my 74, I made a drop down flange and welded it in the trunk, I'm sure a 70 would be even easier. The good thing about the mustan tanks is the use the same external mounting demensions from 64.5-70 so that means you get the option of a 16,20 or 22 gallon fuel tanks and sending units are easy to get (even for efi) =)
The first pic here shows the approx. difference in the size of a Mustang tank in a 1970 Maverick (71 up trunk floor is different). The Mustang tank is wider and not as long. The second pic shows the cut I plan to make. Once removed, I'll trim several inches off, move it over and reweld it in. I'm gonna overlap the sheet metal and spot weld it with a mig sort of like how body panels are welded together from the factory. THen seal it and shoot it with splatter paint. Then I'll have to make 2 smaller filler panels on my metal break to fill the gaps. One last panel will have to be made to fill the gap between the tank and floor towards the back seat. I don't have a bead roller so I'm trying to find someone ro roll a few areas in that panel. When it's done I'm gonna make a vinyl cover to go over the tank area so hopefully it will have a stock appearance. The downside to this mod is that widening the trunk floor on the passenger side will eliminate room for a rear mounted muffler so you'll have to use an under floor muffler.
Another thing to keep in mind is the location of the filler pipe. You may not be able to shift the Mustang tank to the right like that and may need to take some out of each side.
Those aren't pics of my car, they're another members car. Mine's nicer! lol But I've already got a new Mustang tank and I never want to face the whoas of hard to find 70 gas tanks again.
It might be wrong, but I compare mending an old leaky fuel tank to sticking your finger in a leaking dyke. I'm not got park a car in my garage that's had a rusted out tank even though it's been boiled out and lined. That's just my opinion. Mine will have a new tank, hoses and lines. Just to be on the safe side.
All I can add, was I bought a car that had the tank replaced with a new one 6 years earlier...and it rotted through, it was full of pin holes. That was a brand new reproduction tank. If you do replace it, buy a kit that lines the tank. If your tank has been repaired, and sealed, it should last a long time. I just find it sad to cut the trunk up to make the tank fit. I'd rather cut the tank to make it fit, of get a fuel cell.
But my new tank was made in Canada! One thing about it. it this one does rot through in 6 years (doubt it though) I can order another that will bolt right in.
If you look at any repop tank, they are almost all made in Canada. It rusted from the inside out.....plus it was in a garage.....LOL?