Bad idea... if you cut a hole, you will have a hard time getting the pump out because it has to be pulled out at an angle and you would have to make a pretty big hole to have enough room to work. And besides, you could cut into the tank by accident! Remember, you're dealing with GAS and one spark would be bad. Just do it the right way and drop the tank, it's not that hard to do.

 

Not sure on the access you have to tools.But dropping the tank(depending on how much gas is in it)takes maybe 30~45mins to drop/install/reinstall tank..But i have access to all the tools i need and a lift(tech by trade).

If doing it at home with jackstands and a jack plus basic tools maybe 1~1 1/2 hours..

 

Hello

I just drop the tank its only 2 nuts and its easy. Remember to drain your tank and away you go. I have done this on my 86 t-bird 3 times in the last 10 years. Go and buy a ring for your fuel tank pump before you take it apart.

igiveup

 

drop the tank. 1 hour max.

 

Alright. Thanks guys. Figured I'd ask before I did anything.

I don't have a lift or special tools so I'll just take my time to make sure I don't screw something up lol.

 

save yourself a headache and buy the filler tube-to-tank rubber seal BEFORE you drop the tank, i didn't, and the old one got buggered up removing the tank, so i had to order one and the car was out of commision for two days while i waited on it...also, my 87 notch didn't have a drain plug, so i dropped it out with 6 gallons of gas in it, in retrospect it would have been MUCH easier if i'd run her almost empty ( i put a new filter on anyway)...

 

fyi that grommit is $27. if you are careful with your tank it wont tear

 

Even if you don't tear it, replace it if it's more than a few years old, they do leak.

 

I cut a hole. It's one of those things that doesn't need to be changed that often so it's not for everyone I guess. My reasoning was that if it were to ever fail I could change it in a parking lot or side of the road with no trouble. It would probably take 20 minutes now to swap them out.

 

it isnt that bad of an idea if you were to put a removable plate there or something that looked nice. but i would never considering cutting for the pump (actually, in my car, the pickup), but thats just me

 

i think the hardest part will be if the two bolts holding up the tank straps are rusted. they got me on my last car. dont forget that grommet. nothing is better than a leaky gas tank, expecially with these prices.

 

Get a buddy to help you lower and raise the tank... makes it real easy.

 

I put some grease on the filler tube right at the seal, then shove it in and out a little before I remove it, then I grease it before I put it back in. Never had one leak.

 

I have an access hole. I bought, but have yet to install, an access plate to cover the hole.

It did save me on a couple of occasions. I have a fuel cell on my car, not a stock gas tank, so I kind of like having better access to the pump. Pulling the cel is a bit more of a headache.

Your results may vary.

 

FYI, I am dropping mine to replace the grommet tonight after dropping it to change the FP. Mine was original and leaked like a sieve after I dropped the tank a couple of times. Local Ford store charged me $22 for the grommet. I think 50resto has 'em for $15. Anyway, with two people, it is less than a 1 hr job on jackstands/creeper. We do have air tools though which speeds it up a bit. Those tank strap bolts seem looooooong.

 

Seriously, I would advise against it cause it's a unibody car. You could do a great job of cutting a hole and making a cover, but I would advise against it.

Somewhere on the web is instructions for doing it to a Mark VII, a fox3 vehicle very close to the fox Mustang. He details how to do it without cutting fuel lines and wiring. It's definately doable and it is nice to change a fuel pump from the trunk or back seat like some cars.

 

how would you not cut the tank too???
and, if your that good a first timer, how would you know WHERE in the rear floor to cut????????

maybe if the tank was out, and then cut it..... but once you have dropped the tank the first time, shoot, you see it is easier than the right side spark plugs to R&R!!!!!

 

Drain Plug? Where is that located. I got a 92 LX Notch. Plan on doing that maybe this weekend.

thanks.