I have to do some work to the rear leaf springs soon and I thought I would drop out my gas tank while I was there. Anyone have any tips or tricks for this project?

I would drain as much gas as you can out of the tank before you try and lower the tank. On mine I disconnected the rubber fuel line at the fuel pump, put the rubber hose into a gas can and jacked up the rear and let gravity drain my tank. I have a 68 so I am not real familiar with the 69's. I know on mine I had to disconnect the fuel lines above the tank and the wiring for the sending unit. Also you need to loosen the tank from the filler neck if that is applicable to the 69 like it is the 68. Spray plenty of penetrating oil on the bolts that hold on the straps a couple of days before you plan on starting.

I like to jack the rear end up and support it with a couple of jack stands under the axle, then support the fuel tank with a floor jack and a length of 2x4, then gradually lower the tank after undoing the two straps, filler neck, ground screw, sender harness, and fuel line.

Brand new tanks aren't very expensive and are a much better way to go than trying to refurbish an old one. Don't buy the GM tank.

Thanks guys!

Don't buy the GM tank.

Curious why...Is the repop one better? or are you suggesting something like a Rick's or something?

Rick's carries both GM and the repo. The GM is a lot more money, but has a much more "correct" appearance, at least in comparison to the OER tanks Ive seen. The OER tank has a "painted" appearance.

Problem with the GM tanks is that GM ships them loose, so they're usually scratched up, and the finish has a tendency to deteriorate over time.

dave