Parts Removal - Gas Tank, Drums, Calipers

I clocked out of work at 6:00 pm and went home to change in my "car clothes". I drove out to Dad's garage and looked over the car. My goal was to only fix what was absolutely necessary. To get it running like it should and enjoy it for the summer. I already knew I needed a new radiator, plugs, wires, cap/rotor and from the looks of it, a distributor. I also need a new exhaust system. Now it's time to look at the gas tank.



I removed the rock panel from the front of the tank and took out the two strap bolts. My Dad helped me lower the tank as I removed the fuel lines. It started to drop but wouldn't go further than 3 inches. What gives? Then Dad realized we forgot to remove the filler tube. Duh.



With the tank on the floor I got a good look at it. Someone had gone to town with 'gas tank repair epoxy' and spread it over all the seams and filler holes. This thing must have some serious leaks. I started pealing away at some of it to see if I could repair it again but every piece I chipped off a hole emereged below. The fuel filter had a good amount of rust settled on the bottom so I think I need to just scrap this thing and find a new tank.



With the tank out I could easily get to the rear end and the anti-sway bar. I removed the bar and I used a high-speed wire wheel to remove all the rust from the rear end. Some new black gloss paint and red caliper paint on the anti-sway bar and it looks as good as new.



While I had the paint and wire wheel out, I took off the drums and calipers and gave them the same treatment. I then used some rubberized undercoating to spray the spare tire well and wheel wells.



I could also see the springs were badly rusted and flaking. I can't wait to get a set of Racing Beat springs. The red will match the sway bar and the calipers/drums. I think some suttle red from the suspenion along with the black exterior would look good. I think an overall Black/Silver/Red theme will be clean and classic.



That should be good for today. Tomorrow, we take out the engine!