1976 Eldo Fuel Tank Removal

[stowe75]

After many years of no use , I need to drop the tank on my 16 Eldo for cleaning. Is there a drain plug in the tank?  Also looking for a removal procedure.  Thanks

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I think drain plugs in fuel tanks went out after the war.

These days with clean fuel, there is no need for the cost of installing them.

As for removing the tank, I have found the easiest way to drain the tank is to attach an electric fuel pump to the line to the Carby and draw the fuel into a container/s.   This way, you will get as much fuel out that the tank pickup can get, thus ensuring the tank is as light as it can be.

Then to remove the tank, you will need to undo the straps till almost totally out, then remove the hoses (Breather and feed hoses) and the fuel gauge sender wire, and a Ground if one is there, and remove the straps and slide the tank out and clear of the bumper bar.

Bruce.

PS.   You put the car up on Jack Stands?   You will need to for clearance.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

My '73 has a drain.
Greg Surfas

[Roger Zimmermann]

I think drain plugs in fuel tanks went out after the war.

Bruce, my '56 & 57 cars still have the drain plug. As I'm not at home, I cannot look into my parts books to see when it was discontinued.

[Glen]

Group 12.3400
Last used on 1958 

[bcroe]

Adding to the above, I take care not to be spilling gas from lines. 
A rubber hose connects each chassis line to the tank, I put a clamp
on it.  Then I hold a plug ready (short hose with one end plugged)
to slip over the line as the hose comes off.  Everything remains
free of dripping/sloshing gas. 

With car on hoist, I bring up a trans hoist with sheet plywood on
top, underneath the tank.  Bruce Roe

[76eldo]

They still had drain plugs in 1960.

You want to pump out as much fuel as possible as previously posted.
There are three rubber lines coming out of the back of the tank at the top.
You might as well replace these since they tend to break down and crack if they are original.  You will need some 3/8, 5/16 and 1/4 inch line. They mad them
In three different sizes so they don’t get mixed up I assume.
One is supply, one is return, one is vapor to the charcoal canister.
If not working on a lift, use a floor jack and a block of wood to lower the tank after removing the straps. The factory service manual covers this topic very well.

[TJ Hopland]

If you get the car high enough I found these carts work great for tanks if you have one or know where to borrow one.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200696307_200696307