Fuel Tank Swap - 1970 Chevy Chevelle - Spectra Premium

Begin by removing the fuel lines that attach to the fuel tank pick-up assembly. In some instances, such as with our '70 Chevelle, you'll also need to remove the return fuel line and vent lines (part of the fuel system's charcoal canister assembly). It's a good idea to either drain the fuel tank or have the fuel level way low to do the swap.

Begin by removing the fuel lines that attach to the fuel tank pick-up assembly. In some in

When transforming an old musclecar into a stellar street machine, most guys install hordes of new items including a hot engine, a tough trans, a beefy rearend, and stronger suspension, along with new paint and interior appointments. However, all too often some critical parts go overlooked.

Case in point: CC's Cheap Street Chevelle. We've replaced nearly everything that needed to be replaced except for the first item that we should have replaced--the gas tank. From the day we bought the '70 Chevelle, we had to continually replace fuel filters because the stock gas tank was sending rusty scunge through the fuel lines. As a result, we nearly plugged our Q-jet carb and it needed a complete rebuild.

Replacing a fuel tank is super easy and doesn't cost a ton of cash. Plus, its shiny new appearance looks much nicer than the crusty, dented, dirty stock tank that's been hanging around since 1970. Check out the basics for performing a tank swap.

While a buddy or a jack holds the fuel tank in position, use a ratchet with a 9/16-inch socket to remove the two fuel tank-retaining strap bolts located at the front of the tank up near the underside of the trunk floorpan.
While a buddy or a jack holds the fuel tank in position, use a ratchet with a 9/16-inch so
With the fuel tank straps removed, carefully lower the fuel tank a few inches, then reach atop the tank and disconnect the fuel level sending unit's input wire by pulling the connector straight up (for GM applications).
With the fuel tank straps removed, carefully lower the fuel tank a few inches, then reach
Carefully lower the stock fuel tank, making sure it doesn't get caught on the tank straps or that the fuel neck doesn't get snagged on the rear bumper or bodywork (arrow).
Carefully lower the stock fuel tank, making sure it doesn't get caught on the tank straps

If you're going to reuse your stock fuel pickup and sending unit, remove it from the stock tank. We opted for a new unit from Innovative Engineering that incorporates a larger diameter pick-up tube (1/2-inch versus the stock 5/16-inch), which benefits fuel flow for big-cube engines or engines that use a blower or whiff nitrous.
If you're going to reuse your stock fuel pickup and sending unit, remove it from the stock
The Spectra Premium fuel tank comes with a new fuel pickup retaining ring that simply slips on and is then tapped (using a screwdriver and a hammer) into the tank's retaining nubs.
The Spectra Premium fuel tank comes with a new fuel pickup retaining ring that simply slip
Our Chevelle's tank has a fuel neck that nestles behind the license plate, so we positioned the fuel neck first and then raised the new Spectra Premium tank up into position. Before the tank is fully in position, remember to reattach the single wire for the fuel level sending unit.
Our Chevelle's tank has a fuel neck that nestles behind the license plate, so we positione

Properly position the two fuel tank straps around the new tank, then thread-in and tighten the two strap-retaining bolts. If your stock straps are hashed-out or rusted, Spectra Premium offers new straps as well.
Properly position the two fuel tank straps around the new tank, then thread-in and tighten
Reattach the rubber fuel lines and return lines/vent lines (if applicable). Since the tank was new, we opted to upgrade to new rubber fuel lines as well as install a fresh fuel filter.
Reattach the rubber fuel lines and return lines/vent lines (if applicable). Since the tank
Spectra Premium specializes in making new fuel tanks that match the exact specifications of your musclecar's stock tank--including incorporating the proper seams, logos, and part numbers. The tanks are available with a stock-looking or high-luster finish. For our Chevelle, we ordered a PN GM34A that was ready to install and included a new retaining ring for the fuel pick-up assembly.
Spectra Premium specializes in making new fuel tanks that match the exact specifications o