When I parked my car there weren't any intentions of dropping the gas tank. I have some welding to do now, and would like to remove the tank and fuel lines.
Does anyone know of a safe way that I could use my electric fuel pump to drain my gas tank? It seems easy, disconnect the fuel line, throw it in a gas can and fire away. I'm a little nervous about static electricity, it's pretty dry out here in shady California. Should I tie a chain or cable around the gas can and ground to the car?

Also, when I'm done draining the tank, what is the best way to purge the fumes?

It might seem that I'm being overly cautous, but a fella back home burnt down his business when they pulled a tank from a derby car. It didn't help matters when it was 1/2 full and they DRUG it across the floor since it was to heavy.

Hi Aaron, although there are many ways to do this, I would suggest you use a hand pump and drain it that way. Then after you have most of it out, fill the tank with water, then drain it again. One last time partially filled with water, then remove the tank with that water inside. Diluting the fuel with water ensures there are very minimal fumes. Also, if you are skiddish on removing the tank with water/fuel mix, roll the car out of the garage into an opening and then remove the tank. I filled my tank all the way up, when I removed it from my car. Removal of the tank was cumbersome and it did spill some water, but I felt most comfortable with that instead of gas being splashed everywhere.

Scot

(Woohoo, this is my 300 post) big deal right?

Yes, it doesn't hurt to run a ground strap or chain from the gas can to the fuel tank/car and use the elec pump to pump it out.

You might want to even lay down a canvas tarp or old tent beneath the tank when you drop it from the car. This way any wrenches falling and/or tank won't spark.

After removing the tank, you could exhaust the lawn mower engine into the tank to remove the fumes. Leave the tank in the sun to evaporate the remaining gasoline from within.

Thanks for your replies! It never hurts to be too careful.

Thanks again,
Aaron

Aaron,

I just dropped the tank of my 68 camaro this past Saturday and it was no problem. The only thing I didn't know (my first time doing this) was removing the license plate to disconnect the filler neck from the tank. If you didn't already know this it will save you a little time trying to figure out why the tank doesn't just drop down.

-Dave

Aaron,
What I did to drain my tank (several times), was to plug the fuel line near the tank with a bolt and then put a length of hose in the filler (aka garden hose) then take a rag and shop air (about 40 psi) and used my blow gun to slightly pressurize the tank and push the fuel out the hose (creating a siphon) until it siphoned the tank dry and I mean bone dry.
I even had to stop and switch cans and it restarted just fine. Emptied about 9 gals in less than 10 minute with no chance of ignition via a hot pump or electricity.