Tips for Cleaning and Repairing an Older Mustang Gas Tank

Recently, I purchased a 1965 Ford Mustang with a 4-speed manual transmission. Initially, my buddy was going to help me with the restorations, but unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances have led me to work on the car on my own. Thanks to the internet and specifically YouTube, I've found a plethora of valuable resources to aid me in the process.

Online Resources

YouTube is your best friend when it comes to car restoration, especially with older models like the 1965 Ford Mustang. There are literally thousands of videos covering repair, removal, and installation procedures for your specific model of Mustang. If you own a laptop, you can set up an efficient work station, viewing a video of someone else performing the exact steps you need to take, while simultaneously touching the relevant parts of the car to ensure alignment and correct technique.

Buying a Chilton manual is also highly recommended. These manuals are detailed and provide step-by-step instructions that are invaluable, especially when dealing with older cars. Additionally, there are subscription repair accounts available, which offer in-depth videos and diagrams for virtually any repair or maintenance task on a car. Some of these services charge a one-time fee or a monthly fee.

Personal Experience and Tips

From my personal experience, removing the gas tank is usually a matter of dealing with two large straps that hold the tank in place. The bolts can be challenging to access, but once they're loose, the neck of the gas tank needs to be disconnected from the structure of the car, typically with a rubber boot. Once the tank is secure, you can extract it with some effort, as the rubber boot has been in place for decades. It may put up a good fight before allowing the tank to be removed.

If you're removing the gas tank simply because it has old gas and accumulated debris, you'll definitely want to clean it out thoroughly. However, if you're planning to refurbish the car, I would advise replacing the float mechanism, which indicates the fuel level. By now, the car likely won't accurately read the gas level by itself. Replacing the inner components such as the screens, float valves, and other parts is also highly recommended. Many companies specialize in selling parts for old Mustangs, often referred to as aftermarket parts.

Additional Considerations

Before opening the gas tank, it's essential to drain it if you're going to refurbish the car. Depending on how long the car has stood, you might want to consider replacing the gas tank altogether. If the car has fuel lines with a carburetor, it's a good idea to empty the float chamber and fit new inline filters to prevent any dirt ingress. Over time, this can damage the fuel pump. Though these tasks may seem exhaustive, they're worth doing in the long run to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently.

As someone who has worked on their fair share of gas tanks, these steps are proven to be effective. With the right tools, resources, and a bit of patience, you can successfully restore your 1965 Ford Mustang. Good luck with your restoration project!

Key Terms: Mustang gas tank, cleaning gas tank, car repair tips