Topic: Removing '72 Grande Fuel Tank

[Zyrus]

I have a '72 Grande and want to replace the fuel tank, but have a problem in removing it. The tank has been drained and the hold down straps have been loosened. However, the gas filler-neck is held in place by a flange on the outside of the trunk rear-body-panel. As a result, the fuel tank will not drop down.

It looks like I should be able to remove the filler neck from the fuel tank, thus freeing the tank to drop down. I'm unsure how to separate the filler-neck from the tank. Does anyone know how to do this or have any suggestions?

[racedraper]

there are bolts behind the gas cap that you have to take off. The you have to take all the filler tubes also and slide the tank striaght down. there will be a round rubber thingy that hold the tube in place. just slide the tank strieght down. you might need to lube the rubber with WD-40 or something to help out. Dont feel bad It took a while to get mine also.

[Zyrus]

I followed your suggestion.  WD 40 on the rubber gasket and then pulled the tank straight down.  With relatively little resistance, it came free.  Thanks!  Zyrus

[mustangluver]

correct me if im wrong but if i were to remove the top of the tank to replace the sending unit float, i could support the bottom and do it that way right?

[Tim175]

You shouldn't have to drop the tank to replace the sending unit. Unless the 60's are on top of the tank?

[Soaring]

Not sure about the 72, but my sending unit is on the bottom of the tank.  But, if replacing the tank is what you are after, just take the filler tube off.  Not rocket science.     Man, this is an old thread. 

[Tim175]

Yeah the sending unit should not be on the top, and yeah this thread is super old haha.

[66GTKFB]

I think you will find the fuel sender (aka float) located on the lower front of a 72 tank. That the normal spot for Mustangs (probably all the rest of the Ford small cars too) from 64 to 72. Smog laws did a lot of nasty things to gas tanks, like vapor canisters and vapor lines on the top of the tank. I think the sender was on the left side for 73 smog.
Jim

[rmodel65]

make sure to install a new rubber seal for the filler neck so you dont have a gas smell when you reinstall....

[Soaring]

make sure to install a new rubber seal for the filler neck so you dont have a gas smell when you reinstall....

Not sure about the 70's models, but the rubber filler tube connection should be replaced if it has one.  Don't just buy any tube.  Get one that is happy with gas on it.  Several Mustang places sell them.