I want to upgrade my fuel system to run 1/2" line from the stock fuel tank. I don't want to sump the tank. Anyone ever modify the stock pickup to a 1/2" line? How did you do it?

I did that last month. I welded a 1/2" steel line into the float/pickup unit (removed for the tank). I simply drilled a hole and tacked the pickup as close to the original as possible. Put a flare fitting on the exit and put it back in the tank.

It has worked real well. One word of caution.. watch your clearance on the top. Try to keep the line no higher than the original or you will have to shim the tank down to keep from hitting the trunk floor.

Troy.

Jeff,

This may sound a little cheesy but this is how I did mine. I got some 1" aluminum tubing and an -8AN tubing/flange adapter. I removed the factory 3/8" line from the sending unit. I also had to remove the fuel level arm from the original tubing. This can be done by drilling out the spot welds on the tubing. I used the original tube as a model to bend the 1/2" tubing. I then opened the hole on the sending unit with a drill. Next, I used JB weld to epoxy the new tubing to the sending unit. Once this was set up good I expoxied the float arm to the new tubing. The reason I used JB Weld is because I didn't have any means to weld the aluminum tubing to the OEM sending unit. I also tried brazing it together with no success (didn't have a torch that was hot enough). At any rate, the JB Weld IS fuel safe and has been on there for 4+ months now without issue. Pay careful attention to the angle of the tubing bend and orientation of the float arm if you're planning to accurately measure the fuel in the tank smile.gif

Here (http://bellsouthpwp.net/k/_/k_jett/Images/Temp/)are a couple of pics of mine once modified

FYI, I saw no change whatsoever going from 3/8" pick up to 1/2" pick up. I'm running a Mallory Comp 140 pump with -8AN line all the way to the dead head Mallory two port regulator. -8AN from the regulator to a fuel log connected to my HP-950. It's a pretty inexpensive modification and I guess I have piece of mind if nothing else smile.gif

Thanks guys. I guess I have a weekend project to tackle after the orange pro street goes in the body shop for some polishing smile.gif

TY
J

I drilled a 1/2" hole next to the stock 3/8" pickup tube. Bent a peice of 1/2" steel tube to the same shape as the original. I chopped off the end that goes in the tank at a 45° angle so it is parallel to the bottom of the tank. Then used a 500 watt soldering gun to solder the new tube in right next to the original. I capped off the original 3/8" tube and hooked my new 1/2" aluminum line to the new pickup tube with a 4" peice of hose.

Just a FYI, the plastic connector for the guage wire will unscrew out of the pick-up. Just turn off the plastic piece that the wire boot clips over to get it apart. Saves burning it trying to weld it.

Peter