Fuel Tank Removal

[bobjacqs]

Hi,
I've tried to find the answer to this in the forum but can't find exactly want I need. I'm trying to remove the fuel tank but suspect there's a knack to it. From reading this previous thread I understand where all the fixings are and think I've loosened them all. There were two at the rear of the tank and one ahead of the tank - all accessible from underneath. I didn't have the bolt going from the boot (it was missing) and neither did I have any cross member supporting the tank. Anyway, it seems to be loose now. I cannot remove the spare wheel carrier because the nuts are completely seized and if I put any force on them I suspect the brackets will break. Obviously I cannot use heat or an angle grinder. (I could not drain the tank because the drain plug is seized). I've removed the filler neck and breather. Do I just jiggle it about or am I missing something. Photo attached. Thanks for your help.
Bob.
(www.beambreaking.wordpress.com)

 

[ggcton]

Unbolt the cross member behind the tank and it will be easy

 

[malcolm]

The spare wheel carrier does need to be removed - there isn't the room to wiggle the tank out otherwise.

I've managed to snap the heads off in the past - there is more access to do something about them with the tank out.

 

[Piet]

This is one area where the haynes book of lies is correct.

 

[bobjacqs]

Great advice everyone. Because the long bolt from inside the car was missing I assumed wrongly that the cross member was also missing. I had not realised that the cross member that carries the spare wheel cradle was the one that people were referring to. I also mistakenly thought that the cross member and the cradle were two things that had to be removed whereas in fact if you can get the cross member off you do not need to try to undo the nuts holding the cradle on as this comes off with the cross member. Anyway, job done. Thanks.

 

[Grenuj]

Does it necessary disassemble transverse beam? it's complicated to take off...

 

[angel]

You have to remove the outer bolts and only need to loosen 2-3 turns the hard to get at rear bolts, the holes on the crossmember are slotted. Don't forget the rear seat belt buckles, if you have such fitted, they bolt on the crossmember!
It has to come out, except for if you consider easier to remove the torsion bars ;-)

 

[Grenuj]

if you have such fitted

I do not have them..
this isn't fun like as hobby car, this is hard work!

 

[mr-reno-139]

easy to bend filler neck causing leak on join to body if no removed or refitted carefull as solder cracks

 

[Grenuj]

ok.. @mr-reno-139 thanks for advice..