[DeTomaso] Notes, warnings, cautions about fuel tank vent replacement?

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

Hi guys,

I have in my hot little hands a brand new, made-by-Ford replacement for the 
stock fuel tank vent, one that incorporates a proper rollover valve.

The vent is secured to the top of the tank (well, almost the top) with three 
rivets.   My tank is 100% full of fuel right now.   I know that generally one 
drills out rivets, but I'd like some advice before I tackle the project.   I 
can envision a stray spark igniting the fuel and sending my Pantera into low 
earth orbit.

(Actually, fuel doesn't burn, but fuel fumes burn mightly, so perhaps it's 
better that the tank is full).

I would presume that if I drilled out the rivets, remnants would fall into 
the tank and could potentially wreak havoc with the fuel pump in the future.

So, are there any clever alternative suggestions as to how I might extract 
this sucker safely?   Should I remove the fuel filler neck and then slide a 
goldfish net in there to catch any errant bits of rivet?   Should I use a chisel 
instead of a drill to remove the rivets?

Now that I think about it, the though occurs that the side window probably 
needs to be removed to get to the vent.   Any suggestions as to how to do that 
properly?

THANKS!

Mike


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