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

[P. Rimov]

There is really no other way to remove the rivets than to drill them out 
carefully. If you use a drill bit that is bigger than rivet hole the top 
will break off and often stick to the drill bit. Use a variable speed drill 
and keep the speed low. Then pull the vent cover strait up and the bottom 
part of the rivets should still be attached/stuck in the holes in the tank 
then all you have to do with your fingers or something else underneath the 
remaining rivet is push the remaining part of the rivet down with a 16 penny 
nail or nail punch  However, if you keep drilling after the top part has 
separated from the rest of the rivet the lower part of the rivet will then 
be pushed down and into the tank, plop. Also I believe the rivets to be 
aluminum and you shouldn't have a problem with sparks to ignite any fuel 
vapors. If your are worried about igniting any fuel vapors run a fan across 
the area you are working.

Paul
----- Original Message ----- 
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 5:22 PM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Notes, warnings,cautions about fuel tank vent 
replacement?


> 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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