Instructions for removing fuel tank from a 79 carbed Spider

[EBmez]

Does anyone have any instructions (with diagrams) for removing the fuel tank from a 1979 Spider (with carburetor)? I need to remove it to try and locate and seal/fix a leak. I have seen a lot of topics on here about how to fix these, but nothing with instructions or diagrams.

Thanks in advance

[vandor]

There are no diagrams because it's a pretty easy job.
You have to remove the lower quarter panel. It's held on by 4 phillips screws (2 on the bottom, 2 by the bumper shock) and a 8mm nut (accessible from the wheel well).
Then remove the fuel filler hose protecting panel and the fuel filler hose. I hope the tank is empty, because the filler hose connects at the bottom, so if it's not nearly empty then most of the gas will come out.

In the car disconnect the sender wires, the fuel & vapor hoses and undo the four 13mm nuts. Now either by hand or with the help of a jack lift up the tank and then rotate slightly CCW to clear the fuel filler connection. Then it will just lift out.
When you rotate it ANY remaining gas will come out, be sure to have a large enough container under it to catch all the fuel.

BTW, if the tank is so bad that it has a hole you should really consider replacing it instead of trying to repair one spot and wait for the next weak spot to appear...

[RRoller123]

And of course disconnect the battery (and actually probably remove it) before you start.