 Two varieties of reproduction...  Two varieties of reproduction fuel tanks are available from The Paddock for ´65-´68 Mustangs. A 14-gallon tank without the drain plug (PN C5ZZ 9022DR, $112.95) and the same tank with a drain plug (PN C5ZZ-9022DRP, $127.95) are available. These prices don&8217t include O-rings, gaskets or replacement fuel lines. |
 The original tank found in...  The original tank found in Greg’s car had a drain plug. We allowed the tank to empty prior to removing the tank. If your tank doesn&8217t have a drain plug, use a siphon. Under no circumstances should you create a drain by drilling or punching a hole in the tank because of the high risk of fire. |
 Additional space will be necessary...  Additional space will be necessary to disengage the tank. As such, the filler neck must be removed. The Paddock offers replacement filler necks (PN 9034, $25.50), the fuel tank filler to valence panel gaskets (PN CM104, $2.15 each, two necessary) and the fuel tank to filler pipe coupling hose (PN C8ZA 9047A, $5.95) should you need to replace the originals. You will need to get new gaskets. |
 With the parts mentioned above...  With the parts mentioned above disconnected and out of the way, the tank is ready to lift out. Remove the 13 mounting screws from the tank and lift it up, back against the seat (or fold down the rear seat if car is so equipped) and then out of the trunk. If the tank seems hard to remove, use a prybar to break the seal between the trunk floor and the fuel tank. |
 With the tank out of the car,...  With the tank out of the car, drain it of any residual fuel, turn it over and remove the sending unit. Use a punch to drift the rotator counterclockwise until it lifts out. |
 With the rotating retaining...  With the rotating retaining collar out of the way, ease the sending unit out of the tank without bending or damaging the float. |
 Now you can install the existing...  Now you can install the existing sending unit in the new tank, given that it works properly. You will need to purchase a new 21/8-inch gasket 10-ring (available from The Paddock as PN C0AF 9276A, $1.75). Do not reuse the old one. Should you need to replace the sending unit, The Paddock includes the gasket with the part. A replacement fuel tank sending unit can be purchased for ´641/2-´73 Mustangs with prices ranging from $49.95 to $64.60. |
 After years of exposure to...  After years of exposure to fuel, it is time to replace the fuel tank to filler pipe hose. The 5-inch replacement from The Paddock needs to be cut down to fit easily. |
 Reinstall the 13 mounting...  Reinstall the 13 mounting screw to hold the tank in place. These screws can be purchased from The Paddock as PN PE151 for $4. |
 Previously we had installed...  Previously we had installed a carpet kit in Greg’s Mustang that came with an underlayment section for the trunk. We installed this above the tank, and now the trunk is ready for the floor mat kit and spare tire cover. |
Thirty years is a long time, and your Mustang gas tank--most likely original--is probably suffering the fate of time. Inside, a lot of junk has entered the tank via gas pumps and obnoxious neighborhood kids. On the outside, road debris has left unsightly dents, and the tank has been forever scarred. That was definitely the case with Greg Smith’s ´67 Mustang.
It appears to us that this low-expense restoration process is a small price to pay to replace your original gas tank with a reproduction unit. We worked with The Paddock and ordered us one of its reproduction fuel tanks to illustrate the installation process for you!