Isolating the fuel source to quarter panel

[nightkid]

Hi all
I'm replacing the passenger side quarter panel with an original Toyota one. Plenty of welding and ignition source planned so I need to isolate the fuel from it before I start.
There's two options: remove the fuel tank completed or the connecting tube between the tank and fuel cap. Only the engine and gearbox is in the car at the moment so there is a degree of access to the tube. Anyone attempted anything similar who can advise?

Thanks in advance,

[LimeyMk1]

There is a drain plug in the bottom of the fuel tank to save you from removing the tank completely. Just remember that even when the fuel guage warning light has come on there's still at least 10 litres left in the tank.

[elbon50]

Personally I would play safe & remove the tank

Gary (Mk1dal) would be a good source of advice

Try PMin him

Peter

[LimeyMk1]

It's a pig of a job to drop the tank though Peter, when I did it I didn't have the engine in the car and it was still a struggle getting eveything lined up and reconnected.

Surely if you drain and then leave to vent for a week or so it should be safe especially if you stick the fuel cap back on while welding. IIRC the Toyota wings don't come with the fuel filler recess included but I may be wrong.

[nightkid]

Cheers for the response,
Didn't think it would be that hard to remove the fuel tank but stand corrected by some of the people who has done it on this forum.

It's the vapours that I need to worry about which I imagine could be lingering for awhile even if fuel cap and drain plug is removed.

Was wondering if I can disconnect the rubber tube that connects the fuel filler pipe to the fuel tank without completely separating the fuel tank from car. Technically I don't need the tank removed. I just need it isolated.

Was also considering filling it up with some sort of fuel tank cleaner. That should evacuate all vapours inside. Any thoughts?

Limeymk1 - Just looked on the panel. There is a recess for the fuel filler cap.

[LimeyMk1]

Ah okie, I've only seen pictures of them.

I don't see why you can't remove the filler hose and plug the open end with summat (tape over it possibly). Got to be easier than removing the whole tank.

Will have a look at the BGB and see if it's got any guidance. Have you got a copy of the service manual?

[nightkid]

Yeah, I have the service manual printed out in the garage. I will go and have a look in a bit. Cheers.

[elbon50]

Definately beware of the vapors

Tankful of vapor is more explosive than tankful of fuel

If you can remove the filler pipe & seal the neck of the tank you may be OK

If it was me I'd probably remove the tank

[cabbydave1]

Is there any welds near the filler neck?

[kherseth]

A common method is filling the relevant volume with water during welding, drain the water and fill with alcohol to absorb the water. Then drain and fill with gasoline... The alcohol should absorb the remaining water and thus be of no problems.

You could of course also fill the tank/filler tube with inert gas from your welder, but it is hard to know if all vapours and liquid is gone...