GM A body fuel line replacement?

[gtomike1967]

Hi,
I recently bought a 1967 GTO convertible. In my haste to start working on it I ordered a new fuel tank and a new fuel line from the tank to the fuel pump.
I have now realized that its probably impossible to replace the fuel line while the body is on the frame? Inline Tube says its possible but very difficult.

So im wondering what options I have for a new fuel line? I see kits with steel lines and some bending and flaring tools but I have a feeling steel lines might be a little hard for an amateur like me? I have seen some kits with aluminum lines that are supposed to be easier but will require a different type of fitting.
What have you all done in the past? Removing the body or even lifting it is not an option.
Thank you

[67Ss4spd]

The hard part is the rear, there is a clamp up on top of the spring pocket
I’ve heard of guys jacking up the body at the rear to get over the spring pocket. It may be possible to get the rear over and bow the middle of the line and then poke the front thru while taking the bow out. Install the rubber fuel pump line and clamp first, leave that rubber line long and trim later.

[67since67]

Originally Posted by gtomike1967

Hi,

Removing the body or even lifting it is not an option.
Thank you

Without lifting the body it's not going to happen. Consider cutting the old line as far back as you can get access, leave the rear piece in place and splice the new line to it.

When I faced this it lead to a full chassis restoration. (Not a bad option)

[Too Many Projects]

This is how I lifted the body on my Chevelle to install a 1 piece trunk floor, that I had been told wasn't possible with the body on the frame... I used 2 floor jacks with 12" long 2x2 boards under the rocker panels and removed all the body bolts but the front 2, yours will have 4 and I would only leave the 2 inside in but loosen them a couple turns. I had the body about 8" above the rear crossmember. In the second pic, you can see the fuel line on the right side, yours will be on the left, but same configuration.

Your new fuel line with come bent in half for shipping so you may be able to open it only enough to snake the rear, over the frame, section in place and then work the front in as you straighten the rest, like 67SS4speed suggested. The rear section does take a hard turn back toward the center of the car and you may need to straighten that some to get it over the frame and then re-shape it to point toward the sender.

If the body mounts are deteriorated, this is a good time to replace them too.
We have a lot of folks in the Chi-town area who may be willing to help with this, if you are in that area. Unfortunately, I am 8 hours away, or I would bring my jacks and help.

[3X24SPD]

When I did the body off on my 66 GTO, the original fuel line running the length of the frame looked mint- so I decided to keep it.
After all was said & done, and the car was back together- getting ready to start the engine- no fuel.

I first tried blowing through the line with air. Then tried running a wire through. Then spinning the wire on a drill.
No dice- blocked. Damn. No way.

I'm not pulling the car back apart.

Bought the one-piece pre-bent line and replaced it.

If you have the car up high on a lift, it's not a bad job at all. Quick & easy.
As mentioned, the line comes bent in half to start- you just unbend and start sneaking it in front & rear.

You do have to bend the line slightly, and then bend it back after sneaking it in front and rear- but it wasn't too tough. And you can't tell it was ever bent if you're careful.

[3X24SPD]

You also have to get the trans crossmember out of the way to do it this way...

[gtomike1967]

Thanks for the info/responses! I'm a little surprised there is not an easier way to replace the fuel line. I assume a lot of cars that have been sitting for a long time need them replaced.
I have a feeling that trying to remove any body bolts will lead to more significant problems so im not really even considering that.

My old fuel tank and fuel line have been removed. I have the car jacked up a couple of feet on jack stands and I already received the new 1 piece fuel line. I guess I might as well give it a try. Not much to lose except skin on my knuckles and maybe increased blood pressure. If it just wont fit, ill have to consider buying some steel line and bending and flaring it myself.

After the fuel lines are replaced the brake lines are next. Hopefully they will be a little easier? :-)

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by gtomike1967

Thanks for the info/responses! I'm a little surprised there is not an easier way to replace the fuel line. I assume a lot of cars that have been sitting for a long time need them replaced.
I have a feeling that trying to remove any body bolts will lead to more significant problems so im not really even considering that.

My old fuel tank and fuel line have been removed. I have the car jacked up a couple of feet on jack stands and I already received the new 1 piece fuel line. I guess I might as well give it a try. Not much to lose except skin on my knuckles and maybe increased blood pressure. If it just wont fit, ill have to consider buying some steel line and bending and flaring it myself.

After the fuel lines are replaced the brake lines are next. Hopefully they will be a little easier? :-)

If you can't work it in, in one piece, I would cut it near the back radius that goes over the frame and install as 2 and join the ends with a hose. This is only suction, no pressure, so not a concern for leaks. Starting over with a piece of tubing and bending, bubbling/flaring the ends is going to add to the cost, time and frustration. Unless you can pre-arrange with Inline to return the 1 piece, at your shipping expense, it will be an expensive wall hanging. Work with what you have.

[gtomike1967]

Too Many Projects, thank you for the excellent suggestion! I will absolutely try this and I think its the best solution. I appreciate it.

[tunes]

I would carefully try to loosen the body bolts just to see if they will come out. Mine all came out with no problems. Raising the body several inches would allow the new fuel line to slip in place and would be better than splicing something together.