Topic: Replacing Rubber Fuel Hoses
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Hi all, I'm working on replacing all the rubber components of the fuel line on my 1979 and have a few questions:
1. Do I need to drain the tank before doing this, and if so what is the best way to do that?
2. Where does one get the proper hoses? I did a quick internet search but just about everything I found was the pre-bent steel lines, no "rubber hose replacement kits". Am I just not looking hard enough?
3. What's the best way to clear debris from the steel lines? I have a compressor and thought about just blowing air through them once I get the rubber components off, not sure if that's the best way.
4. I've dropped the spare tier clamshell off of the back, and have removed the upper portion, but the two bolts holding on the forward part of the lower clamshell piece appear to be welded onto the frame... is that normal? I was hoping to unscrew and remove the entire clamshell.
Thanks!
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
I've never done my vette before. I have done other cars in the past and I always have gotten fuel line from summit or jegs. As far as cleaning old lines you could blow air through. I'm sure that would get most out but I would also try forcing gas through to flush it out. I tried blowing it out once and there was so much crap I ended up replacing the line.
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You can buy any length of fuel line you need from most any parts house, in any size you need. Just be SURE it is fuel line.
The front two bolts for the spare tire carrier can be tough, but the trick is to loosen the two jam nuts first, then loosen/remove the long bolts. The bolts thread into the crossmember, and then the nuts are tightened up to keep the bolts from loosening. The bolts are made longer than needed so you can lower the carrier down to carry a full-sized tire/rim. This is why the lock/jam nuts are needed.....to lock the bolts down so they don't come loose with the bolts backed out for the larger tire/rim.
The front two bolts for the spare tire carrier can be tough, but the trick is to loosen the two jam nuts first, then loosen/remove the long bolts. The bolts thread into the crossmember, and then the nuts are tightened up to keep the bolts from loosening. The bolts are made longer than needed so you can lower the carrier down to carry a full-sized tire/rim. This is why the lock/jam nuts are needed.....to lock the bolts down so they don't come loose with the bolts backed out for the larger tire/rim.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I was actually hoping that was the case. I found some pre-cut "kits" on Jegs, but prefer the idea of walking into the local parts store and getting the line.
@Joel, thanks! I'll throw on some WD-40 and let it sit for a day and see if it helps loosen things up.
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
F4Gary said: Couldn't you just buy the right diameter fuel hose from NAPA or O'Reilly's?
Oh sure, you could, but you wouldn't get those cool summit stickers!!
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192
Draining the tank sounds like a pretty good idea. When I replaced the two hoses on the fuel pump, I got gas all down my arm. To drain the tank, you can take the hose off the bottom of the tank and let it drain into a tub. Or, you can buy a simple hand operated fuel pump and remove most of the fuel from above.
There are a lot of small rubber fuel lines to replace. On my '73, they were all 5/16" or 3/8" diameter. Mine had at least 4 hoses on the tank, 2 on the fuel pump, and 1 or 2 on the carbon canister. Avoid sharp radius bends that can kink the fuel line.
When you blow out the fuel lines, put a large towel over the other end because it can really make a mess.
John
1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car
2009 Z06 Mostly Stock
Got the lines off; I just they were dry-rotted all to heck, this was definitely a good idea. I was expecting to fill a small gas can with the contents of the tank, but only got a few drips from the cut line... I think I know why the car hasn't been starting :)
--Chris
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)