ITS68

So it we need to do any welding on the Cutlass, body panels or whatever, should the gas tank be removed first or is that unnecessary?

Lady72nRob71

This would depend how close you are welding to it.
An accidental touch to the tank with a live rod would make for a bad day.

If you are staying away from it quite a bit, I think that at least the vent hoses should at least be inspected and replaced if cracked.

erke88

Your fine. How do you think exhaust shops make a living? Ive seen those guys flame right up next to that gas tank without a care in the world. Just be careful as always, but gas tank shouldn't have to be removed.

coltsneckbob

The guys in exhaust shops are not there because they're tired of being rocket scientists. I would at least make sure the tank is near empty if you're gonna weld really close. Though keep in mind it is the gas fumes and not really the gas per se that explodes.

olds425

Near empty might be alot worse than full. I would keep a welding blanket against it where you are welding.

coltsneckbob

Yea, near empty with just enough fumes could be more dangerous in some sense. It is probably more prone to explosion, but at least the fire would extinguish quickely

redoldsman

When in doubt, remove the tank. It is you life and your car. If you are a very experienced welder, you are probably okay most of the time.

kaz442

I always cap the vents(remember to take off when finished) and put a plastic bag under the gas cap. Never had any problems.
Jkaz

GoodOldsGuyDougie

I would pay someone and watch from a safe distance.

Nailhead 88

it's done everyday

some days no problem

some days you burn 3/4 of your shop down just ask Mark

Bluevista

I've seen two places burn down becuse of fuel tanks. My buddy just made it out of one, he spilled gas on the shop floor trying to change a tank in a '66 T-Bird, dropped the trouble light and boom, this was in '75.
Recently at a place just up the street the mechanic decided to drill a hole with a cordless drill in a '96 Roadmater Estate Wagon's fuel tank to drain it. The gas fuel went right down the bit to the drill motor and everything went up in flames, place burned to the ground fast.
My dad was a welder before the fumes messed up his lungs, did the huge gasoline storage tanks.
He told me they used to weld leaks up with the fuel in them, much safer.

ITS68

I've watched a guy weld up a tear in a forklift tank while the fuel was running out of it, but that was diesel, a whole different story.