fuel pump access panel

[JIMS59VETTE]

Am I the only one who has considered making an access panel over my fuel tank for easy access to my fuel pump and fuel guage sending unit. Dropping the tank doesn't scare me as much as those fuel connections to the tank.P.S. I have a 96' Sierra and since siphoning fuel from my tank in preparation of lowering the tank to repair a brake line (which I didn't have to do) my fuel guage no longer works. Any input would be well recieved.

[Bob B]

After the third pump in two years on my 97, I cut an access panel.
First time the shop dropped the tank, second time I lifted the bed, Third time I dropped the tank and made the cut.
Then I went to a Pick and Pull wrecker and got a piece of a wrecked bed to make a panel over the hole.
I even painted it to match. Even though the tool box covers it.
Some cars such as Range Rover have a template to show where to cut.
I just did mine when the tank was out, gotta be careful to not cut any lines or wires.
I won't use carter again.
Just AC Delco which I think is now Delphi.
Bob B

[Z15]

A long time friend has a auto repair shop and he sys he found out the hard way to never use anything but AC Delco fuel pumps on GM vehicles. He had to comp many jobs when he bought the pumps from the local parts store, says 1 of every 2 failed within a year, some within weeks. Insists he has not replaced one bad AC Delco pump in the last 5 yrs since he started using them exclusively. He even stocks them now.

He had some much bad luck he looked into becoming an AC Delco retailer and now he is one.

[JIMS59VETTE]

Thanks, Approx. how large of an access did you give yourself ?

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by JIMS59VETTE

Thanks, Approx. how large of an access did you give yourself ?

Hi,
I don't want to remove the tool box right now. But if I locate the piece I removed today, I'll let you know the size.
It was around 8 by 12 though.
gotta be careful of the hoses and stuff under there. I did a lot of measuring and marking before I cut.
I should have taken pictures.
Bob B

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by Bob B

Hi,
I don't want to remove the tool box right now. But if I locate the piece I removed today, I'll let you know the size.
It was around 8 by 12 though.
gotta be careful of the hoses and stuff under there. I did a lot of measuring and marking before I cut.
I should have taken pictures.
Bob B

OK I found it and it was 8x12" Enough room for hands and wrenches.
could possibly be a little bit larger though it will work fine.
Bob B

[JIMS59VETTE]

Thanks Bob, Maybe I'll Go 10 X 12 , It'll Still Be Beneath My Bed Protector...jim.

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by JIMS59VETTE

Thanks Bob, Maybe I'll Go 10 X 12 , It'll Still Be Beneath My Bed Protector...jim.

Hi,
I cut mine while the tank was dropped. This allowed me to drill from the bottom for the corners without hitting the frame or anything else.
Bob B

[lorenjr]

how far back from the front of the box did you have to cut your hole and how far from the side of the box

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by lorenjr

how far back from the front of the box did you have to cut your hole and how far from the side of the box

Hi,
I should have made notes or pictures , but didn't think to. At the time nobody agreed with me doing this cut on the forum.
I would have to remove the toolbox to measure it now.
Sorry,
Bob B

[JIMS59VETTE]

Completed my access panel, made with a roto-zip tool (glorified oversized dremel) and replaced my fuel pump and crusty oem fuel tank sending unit. The truck started right up and purred like a kitten . Thanks to all who contributed to my thread.