This is another one of those topics we receive a fair amount of emails about. Any time fuel is involved, there is an understandable reason to be nervous. However, rest assured you can, in fact, replace the fuel tank in your vintage pride and joy. It all starts with a 13mm wrench and a bit of confidence.
YOU CAN DO IT! Deep breaths, and take each part step-by-step. I also recommend picking up a set of plastic stack-on organizer bins. These help keep track of the small bits.
WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable, so take extra precautions when you work on any part of the fuel system. Don’t smoke or allow open flames or bare light bulbs near the work area, and don’t work in a garage where a natural gas-type appliance (such as a water heater or clothes dryer) with a pilot light is present. If you spill any fuel on your skin, rinse it off immediately with soap and water. When you perform any kind of work on the fuel tank, wear safety glasses and have a Class B type fire extinguisher handy at all times.
To install the new tank, just do this process in reverse.
Don’t forget to pick up some fuel hose clamps and cloth braided fuel hose. Also, make sure once the old fuel tank is out that you remove the sending unit. You’ll also want to install a tank outlet kit in your new fuel tank. This is very simple.
Speaking of parts, let’s talk about exactly what you’ll need to get the job done right:
You can place a custom order with us to obtain you everything you need for this project.
I hope this helps you get over the fear of removing the fuel tank. It’s really an easy item to replace. Just take it slow and remember not to smoke, BBQ, or strike any matches during the process.
Have you replaced the fuel tank in your vintage VW? How did it go? Let us know in the comments!
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Photography: Timm Eubanks
What is your phone number for technical support?
What 67 parts do you sell?
I have a 67 beetle I brought in August 1967
Hey, Jose!
Email me directly and I’ll best try to help you.
eric@lanerussell.com
Thanks!
I have a 59 bug with a manual choke that is stuck. Is it possible that the choke cable is getting pinched under the gas tank? is there a path under the tank that allows the choke cable to get by the tank without getting pinched? any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Jose
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Eric Shoemaker
February 06, 2021
@Mike Caldwell.
Email me directly and I’ll best try to help you.
eric@lanerussell.com
Thanks!