It's always beneficial when you can make improvements that aren't obvious at a glance. A 22-gallon stainless steel fuel tank, manufactured by Scott Drake Enterprises and available from Virginia Classic Mustang, gives your Mustang both cruising distance and corrosion resistance, which means no more fuel tank rust out if your Mustang sits a long time between outings. This is an easy retrofit that no one knows is there except you and your Mustang. We're also going to make this invisible modification safer with Tank Armor from Antioch Mustang Stable.
The Drake stainless steel fuel tank is also available in a 16-gallon size for '65-'68 Mustangs as well as 20-gallon for '69. To get 22-gallon capacity, all you need to do is a minor modification to the fuel filler tube and fuel tank neck for a perfect fit. Tank Armor is an easy modification, as invisible as the fuel tank upgrade, that makes a Mustang safer because it keeps fuel outside the trunk and interior in the unlikely event of a rear-end collision.
The Drake stainless steel fuel tank is a class act so good you don't have to do anything cosmetically. It is highly polished stainless steel right out of the box. The fuel sending unit is also corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Scott Drake's fuel tank offers...
Scott Drake's fuel tank offers outstanding corrosion resistance and great looks because it's made from polished stainless steel. We're installing the 22-gallon version for extra fuel capacity, along with a new stainless fuel gauge sending unit.
Here are two examples of fuel...
Here are two examples of fuel sending units for Mustangs. On the left is a sending unit for '65-'68 Mustangs with the factory 16-gallon tank. On the right is a sending unit for a '70 Mustang with a 22-gallon tank. Note the longer float arm for the 22-gallon tank. Truth is you can use the 16-gallon sender on a 22-gallon. It just stays on "Full" longer.
Tank Armor provides protection...
Tank Armor provides protection for your Mustang's fuel tank should you toss a bowling ball in your trunk or a grocery bag full of canned cling peaches. Remember, in '65-'70 Mustangs, the fuel tank is also the trunk floor. Tank Armor also reduces the risk of interior fire should an unthinkable rear end collision occur. The idea is to isolate the fuel tank underneath the car with heavy steel armor plate using bolts instead of factory-style sheetmetal screws. This is
Tank Armor for a 16-gallon tank
, which we installed a number of years ago in Mustang Monthly.
Because we did such a good...
Because we did such a good job of installing our 16-gallon tank and Tank Armor, removal will be real work. The fuel tank has been drained. It will take two people (one above and one below) to remove the bolts and locknuts.
The fuel hose is disconnected...
The fuel hose is disconnected at the sending unit along with the sender connection. We're going to use high-pressure, additive-resistant fuel hose for fuel injection, which will last longer and be safer. One snag on this project-a 5/16-inch body fuel line and a 3/8-inch sender because all fuel lines were 3/8-inch in 1970. We will have to replace body fuel lines and fuel pump.
The fuel filler tube and hose...
The fuel filler tube and hose are removed next using a 5/16-inch socket or common screwdriver.
The pop-open gas cap is removed...
The pop-open gas cap is removed with a Phillips head screwdriver. An anti-theft security nut is removed inside using a 3/8-inch socket. If you're running a reproduction gas cap, you will need a 10mm socket for the security bolt.
Our 16-gallon Tank Armor is...
Our 16-gallon Tank Armor is removed and will be used as a drilling template for the 22-gallon Tank Armor. Despite our best efforts there, we still had hole alignment problems.
With Tank Armor removed, you...
With Tank Armor removed, you can see why this safety feature is necessary in classic Mustangs. Tank Armor protects the fuel tank, which is also the trunk floor. It also affords you some level of protection should a rear end collision occur, keeping fuel outside of the passenger cabin. Because each and every collision is different, there are no guarantees, but it improves your odds.
The galvanized steel 16-gallon...
The galvanized steel 16-gallon tank is lifted out.
Our Drake stainless steel...
Our Drake stainless steel 22-gallon tank is fitted with its sender. It's a good idea to lightly lube the O-ring with white grease for both lubrication and staying power. Then, seat the sender and install the retaining ring. Make sure all three tabs are locked underneath the tank tabs.
The 22-gallon tank is positioned...
The 22-gallon tank is positioned and checked for mounting hole alignment. It's a nice piece in polished stainless.