I'm replacing the fuel line in my '53 3100 and have a couple of questions about it. Unfortunately, I don't have the original fuel line to go by. It was replace by a previous owner. The line that was in the truck at the time that I purchased it starts with a gentle 90 degree bend at the rear of the cab. From there it runs straight along the top edge of the frame (right side of the truck) until just before the engine vent tube. At that point it make another gentle 90 degree turn away from the frame and towards the engine. Then it bends again and goes between the vent tube and the engine block before ending. It was connected to the fuel pump by about 6 inches of rubber hose. Overall, except for the three bends, the line is fairly straight.
I purchased a replacement fuel line that is supposed to match the original equipment. It starts out like the tube I found on my truck, but it has a bunch of twists and turns in it and doesn't lay nicely against the frame. About 50% of it is hanging unsupported in space. It is the correct length however, and screws directly to the fuel pump.
My first question is which fuel line is right? The straighter fuel line seems to be more like the pictures that I'm seeing in my factory assembly manual. It also seems to be safer because it's supported against the frame for most of it's run.
The second question is, shouldn't the fuel line be connected to the fuel pump by a piece of rubber hose? If I attach the replacement line directly to the fuel pump won't it flex and eventually crack everytime the engine pitches?
I want to be able to go back to the place where I bought my fuel line and tell them that the one they sold me isn't right. Since I don't have the original line and the pictures in the manual don't show the complete fuel line it's a little difficult. Any help with the proper routing and mounting of the fuel line would be appreciated.
