Copper Fuel Line Replacement

Just found this site and it is very cool!

I am working on restoring a 67 Mustang with a 302 Interceptor Engine. The gas tank seems to be in good shape so I am going to reuse. The copper line running up to the fuel pump seems to be solid I am just concerned due to age, etc.

Has anyone replaced this line before? If so, since I am going to need to add a fuel filter since the fuel pump is going to be changed out can I simply go to rubber or ? ? ? If yes on rubber do I need to worry about routing it? Currently the copper line runs next to the exhaust on the port side of the boat. Thanks for the help.

Brian

Yes to the fuel filter question. An inline fuel filter is a MUST! Otherwise trash from the old tank will find its way into the carb. I am speaking from experience.

My '68 Mustang came from the previous owner with a Neoprene (or some kind of rubber) fuel line in the bilge held with hose clamps. The hose is held to the inside of the stringer with nylon ties. The hose has "Fuel Hose" printed along the side. Although I have had no problem with it, it is in the que for replacement when I resume interior restoration this winter. Braided fuel hose with flanged fittings should be an easy install. Is anyone else using Neoprene or some kind of rubber fuel hose?

(Ya'll pardon me while I climb under my desk to brace myself for the onslaught I am about to receive from 79Nautique for my non-coastguard hose.)

Thanks for the info . . .

Tim D you are probably right the line is probably fine. I was just thinking with age and since I have the floor and most of the insides out of the boat it might be a good time to replace. I would prefer not to. . . but anyways.

How about the gas tank. The tank itself is in good shape. Interior there is some rust (had around 6 gallons of old gas in it). What is my best bet. . . some water and CLR left in the tank for a little bit. Flush with some other liquid or ? ? ? Leave alone. . . find a new tank?

Again, thank you for all of the help. I really appreciate it.

Since there seems to be a lot of knowledge here. . .the 67 Mustang has a blue/black carpet (almost looks like indoor/outdoor) and had blue seats. I am looking to stay as close to original as possbile. Based on pictures I have seen the carpet appears to be the original color. Any idea what color the seats should be ? (white??)

Thank you again,

Brian

This thread may help you:
How to remove gas tank

When did the change to aluminum tanks come in? My 65 has what seems the orginal tank, aluminum, then steel line from tank to spin-on fuel filter (I installed filter) and rubber fuel hose from filter to fuel pump. I used brass push-on hose flare fittings. Then steel line from pump to carb.

David F wrote: pull it out and take it to a radiator shop and have them boil it out. If the tank is marginal, boiling will expose the weak spots and the shop can solder the pin holes. There are also products to line the tanks with some sort of polymer (after it is cleaned).

David is right, pull it and take it to a radiator shop. Don't try and do this yourself. I worked in a radiator shop for five years to put myself through school. We had all the right equipment, and did at least 100 of these during my tenure. Still, we had at least one ignite. Can be very dangerous.

BKH

I went through the same process a few years ago ... cleaning my tank and replacing a copper fuel line on my '49 utility.

I bought fuel line in the bulk hose section at Lowes. It is marked "fuel Line" all over it and can be bought for a few $$.

My gas tank (steel) was coated, in and out, with rust. I took to a local 'derusting' shop where they dipped it in a derusting solution. The thing came out looking brand new and only cost $50.

At this point I tried to get fancy and bought a tank sealant product from the local Harley Davidson shop. Biggest mistake I ever made. I followed the directtion to the letter, but the coating began to peel away from the inside of my tank. I spent a weekend swooshing 5 lbs of 1" galvanized roofing nails to scrap away the rest of the sealant.

I did install an inline fuel filter, picked up at a NAPA for a few dollars just in case there was any more bits of sealant floating around.