1960 Invicta fuel system

[Guest dayvd1960]

This car sat for multiple years. It does run but we're pulling gas out of a 1 gallon can that is wired to the fender(Convient for short distance only). We took the gas tank off and have plans to have it cleaned and repaired. It still had some 'gunkish' looking gas type fluid in it, the filter fell apart and the copper strip to the gauge is broken. It also looks like there's been a bondo patch made at one time on the tank.

My question is ... is there a way to clean the gas lines without having to take them out? I blew some air thru the line with the air compressor but that doesn't really mean the line is clean nor leak-proof.

And if not is there an easy way to pull the line out of the frame and replace it??

And just for the fun of it... did all these cars come with a sediment bulb between the fuel pump and carb mounted on the front of the engine or does mine have a "special" hillbilly feature???

[Smartin]

The "sediment" bulb is correct for your car. They all had it. It houses the fuel filter.

Take note!

[JohnD1956]

If you pull those lines out to clean them, you will wind up replacing them. Blowing air through is probably all you need for cleaning purposes. It is probably also all you need for bursting weak areas.

Sorry to be so negative, but I would suggest one of three things.

Either bite the bullet and get replacement prefabricated lines installed,-Or-

Get comparable sized steel brake lines with appropriate flared connectors, in lengths you determine that will allow you to bend up a new line and install it. The key here is to make some preliminary measurements to see where you have the ability to install and tighten the lines to the connectors, and the result is not too visible. -Or- hook up what you have and pray for no leaks. This has happened in the past but is probably temporary at best.

JD

[Pete Phillips]

I agree with John D. 95% of the time, a blast of compressed air is all you need for cleaning the fuel lines, particularly if the fuel in the tank is still liquid. The steel lines are probably still okay, unless road salt has rusted and flaked them badly from the outside. Be sure to replace all of the rubber fuel hoses at each end of the steel line. Fuel sending unit rebuilders have told me to leave the filter "sock" off of the pick-up tube in the gas tank--you are better off without it, so don't worry about the old one if it has disintegrated. Consider yourself lucky if you have a glass fuel sediment bowl. You can see if the carburetor is getting fuel just by looking at the bowl. You can see if your gas has rust flakes in it or not. You can see when you need to clean the bowl and change the filter. Modern fuel systems and steel in-line filters don't have ANY of these conveniences.

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

1924 model 44 roadster

1949 model 59 wagon

1954 model 76-R hardtop

1961 model 4019 Special

1970 Electra conv.

(every one of which had to have its fuel system cleaned out after long lack of use!)

[Guest dayvd1960]

Thanks Guys!

We got the tank repaired and cleaned up. Looks great! We bought six feet of rubber fuel line, split it into two sections and hooked them onto each end of the metal line. Filled the line with carb cleaner and let it set for a day. We blew out the cleaner and there was very little discoloration to the cleaner so I think we're gonna be fine with the stock line.

We also got the gauge soldered back and thanks to Pete I'm not gonna worry to much about the filter sock. I may get some window screening material and wrap it a few times but that's proably it.

I need to check internet sources and find a supply of fuel filters. Once that's done we "should" be able to fire this bruiser up anytime we want.