I've been trying to put the tank back into my 54 lincoln but am having trouble connecting the fuel line. I didn't have an issue taking it apart but now it seems like the threads are stripped at the beginning of either the fuel line or tank. It's hard to see either side to know where the problem lies. I can't use a tap or die because the fuel line end is too big for the die to go over and the threads in the tank are not deep enough for the tap to connect right to the threads. I'm thinking about maybe using a dremmel tool to try to correct the threads in the tank but am not sure what tool to use.
My engine and tranny are rebuilt and connected and ready to go in. I just need to finish painting the engine bay and undercoating the tranny tunnel area first. I did scrape everything off the frame and underbody and am spraying undercoating on everything. So surprised to see how perfect everything looks under there. Just old undercoating and very minor surface rust. Just a quick wire brushing takes it off.
Once the engine is ready to install, I'll have to prelube the engine while it's out. Way easier I imagine.
I don't have any electrical in the car anymore so I'll be asking how to get her started and broken in. Then I will be installing a new wire harness. Expect updates.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

It was suggested to me by a friend of mine that it would behoove me to change out the original fuel line for new. That way I could cut the fitting off the old lune and use that to try and fix the threads on the tank. I'm sure it would be difficult to completely clean all the crap in the old one so it would be worth it to put on a new line.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

A "bottom tap" might clean up the first threads of the tank fitting.  A bottom tap has no lead-in taper, full thread starts right at the end of the tap.  They are used to cut the threads all the way to the bottom of a blind hole.  If you can't find a bottom tap, you could grind the tapered part of a regular tap off.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

You may be able to use a thread file on the line side of the fitting. The bottoming tap is also a great idea for the tank side. . 
Hope this helps. 

Located in Harford County Maryland 

Excellent idea, bottom tap. I didn't know those existed. Thx
Isn't the threads a special type of threads? Straight threads vs pipe threads.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If your line is 5/16 diameter (likely), the thread is 1/2-20.  If it is 3/8 diameter line, (unlikely), the thread is 5/8-18.  These are machine threads, not pipe threads.  You might be able to use a fine thread bolt with notches sawed or filed in the threads as a thread chaser if you don't have a tap available..

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

If I was to grind the tapered part of the tap off, is there a way to know if it is done right? Like if you saw a bolt the start threads may not be cleaned out properly to screw a nut on and need filing. What should the starter thread cutters look like on the tap after grinding?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

While using a tap seems like a good idea, if it doesn't start correctly you have very good chance of really screwing it up by cross cutting threads.  Cutting the end of a tap off if not straight can cause a misthread.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I got a bolt with the correct thread count and it screwed right into the tank. I'm going to get a nut today and make sure it screws onto the line fitting. If it does, then why won't the two pieces screw together? I tried for 15 minutes under the car. Do I need to push them together really hard for them to start to thread together?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

After you have verified the thread condition with the nut, refer back to Paul & Ted' s articles 5 days ago; the angle is very important. Wiggle the line incrementally & slowly while turning the fitting with your fingers.

Pat in AZ

So, now I'm wondering if I should replace the whole fuel line since it's been idle since 65. I did shoot a half a can if carb cleaner thru it and it seems to be pretty clean. If anyone has an opinion about this, I'd be happy to hear. I'll probably change out the rubber pieces of the line due to age but the remaining parts of the lune should be solid. Think a half a can oc carb cleaner would clean out the line sufficiently?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If you haven't got the line installed, try this.  Loosen the line from all things holding it to the frame. You will be able to move he line around more  and help get the fittings together.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ