so i'm installing a new tank in the cab and i bought pre-bent/cut lines and hoses, etc. Do these pictures look to be correct? i wasn't sure if the hose was to short as my first thought was that the fuel line should ride closer to the frame rail. even as the line gets closer to the fuel pump it just seem as though the line is to angled. what say ya'll? i do know that there are clips that hold the line to the frame and a grommet too where it passes the cross-member.
It looks to me that the main line is too short. I have 3 different 59s to look at. Two of them are pretty much as original the other has been pretty well butchered by previous owners. Unfortunately, the butchered one is the most accessible but I'll try and take a look at the better two examples tomorrow.
John
~ J Lucas 2006 GMC Envoy 4.2 I6 2023 Ram 2500/Cumins 6.7 I6 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wife’s) 2002 Silverado 2500 Gas 6.0 1941 Chevy 1/2-Ton 1942 Chevy 1.5-Ton SWB In the Gallery My Flicker Photos!
Assuming you purchased the correct parts, were sent what you ordered, ordered from a top rated vendor....... then the tubing and hose are correct. First: would you not just tweak the down tube from tank to bias diretly toward the frame at approx. 90 deg? Install rubber hose also as close to 90 deg towards frame. Kiss frame, clamp and start forward. Then, since these tube kits are sometimes "folded" or "bent" to fit the packaging, you need to tweak/bend/stretch out the tubing to reach the pump. Again, assuming an original positioned motor and pump. Take out any bends you see that are not needed. This will give more length. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. It will all fit. If you are careful, you can tweak AFTER all is tightened to give relaxed, non tensioned tubes. Double check what you ordered. Give us the part numbers and the vendor. If all else fails, it is pretty simple to add a piece of tubing sold by many Flaps. Already flared and ready to go. Sold in 8" and up sections, and maybe one union.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
thanks guys. yes, so i bought these items years ago from what was chevy duty at the time. three kids later i've finally gotten back on the project and it seems as though everything i buy as a reproduction item never arrives as advertised so once again i'll have to do some finagling. i hear what you're saying master gabster so i'm guessing with a bend here and there i can create the extra length needed. thanks for the knowledge.. porky...
Porky, you are correct that the original line hugged the frame and was attached to it with clips. It ran parallel to the brake line attached to the same frame rail.
Just in case you get frustrated with the line that you have, let me offer a suggestion tied to what Bartamos posted. Instead of using steel brake line, try nicopp. It is much easier to work with. I recently replaced the original steel fuel line on my '57 using nicopp. It was remarkably easy. Start at the fuel pump and work your way back. Mark, bend, test fit, repeat as you work your way to the back... and be patient. It took me less than an hour.
The longest straight length that I could find in the correct diameter was 74". I bought it at O'Reilly. The brand was Edelmann Copperhead. It worked fine, but get a piece a little longer (84") if you can find it. It will come flared with fittings at both ends. The fittings match the ones on the original fuel line, so one end connects easily to the fuel pump. Cut the fitting and flare off the other end. Once you have it installed and clipped in, attach it to the gas tank down tube with rubber fuel line and good clamps.
The nicopp makes the installation easy. If you get a piece long enough to start with, you can make the line out of single length of tubing without the need for a union.
