Trying to remove the fuel tank from a 1912 T. The tank seams have corroded making the tank unusable. I've seen several articles in the various forums that address the topic. The best of all would be if the brackets could be removed/slipped off the tank. I believe the brackets are riveted on this tank, but I will double check next time I get over to the car. The next easiest would be to remove some of the wooden ledge that the seat boards rest on. The owner wouldn't like that as he built this from the ground up eons ago. It appears the only way to do this is to lift the body. It may included removing the steering column also. I'm a complete novice and the owner can not do any lifting. I'm envisioning having to lift the body some 10-12", the diameter of the tank. Is this effort doable with just two people - one that can't lift. Someone mentioned dropping it out the underside after removing the drive shaft, etc. But, then thought the tank might not clear the frame. Or, is there another option?
If you can't remove it from the top there would be no way to angle it to remove through the frame rails. The brackets should be the same distance apart on the one side as the diameter of the tank. If they are wider on the one side maybe you could turn it to get the smallest profile. Sounds like the best way is to remove the ledge or re-work it so the tank can come out. Maybe a photo would help us make suggestions.
I was able to get the tank out of my '10 and it has the brackets riveted to the tank. I was able to maneuver it out between the frame rails. My tank has a 3 point mount and there was just enough room to lift it up and twist it so that one end could drop down. I was not so lucky with my '10 Chalmers-Detroit and had to remove the body to get the tank out. It was not an easy job.
We got the tank out. It came out the top. Turning it ever so slightly, allowed the one end to come up through, then turning it again and the opposite end slipped up and out. What a relief!
Thanks for the posts, you all saved us a ton of work!
Jim C