The Great Pumpkin - '71 Duster
OK, made some good progress since my last post which was about a month go. I pretty much have the gas tank, fuel filter/regulator and associated bits and pieces in for good. Took a lot of staring at the bottom of the floor to make a decision on how to make it happen. I had been trying to avoid drilling more holes in the trunk floor but after going through a clunky bracket and looking at different locations the decision was made to break out the drill and get it done.
The reason I was trying to avoid drilling more holes is because I had already made 4 but realized that locating the filter/regulator in that particular spot would have put it about an 1 1/2" from the exhaust. Doh! (see post #415) After that first location was scrapped, I made an aluminum bracket to hang the filter on. (see post # 417) The problem with the bracket was that it still involved drilling more holes to hold it in place. Plus like I said, it was clunky and would have made plumbing it a PITA. Eventually I knew I was going to have to drill more holes no matter what so I figured out the most logical solution to this dilemma and went for it.
First off, I got some new tank straps. Holley sells these black powder coated ones for $16. I thought they were cool and look way better than my OEM ones that I painted silver like 12 years ago.
Here's the filter/regulator. It is factory set to 60psi. The filter inside is removable. There is another 10 micron filter in line before the throttle body connection. Locating the filter just off the pump outlet makes the return really short. In turn, that eliminates the need to run a separate return line from to front to back. In case you weren't sure, the line coming off the fuel pump module on the right is a vent. The two connectors are for the fuel level sender and fuel pump power and ground. They are super-cool Deutsch DT series. I will explain those below.
Here is the main feed line coming off the regulator. The angled fitting helps tuck it in nicely. The flex hose is -6AN (3/8") Aeroquip socketless. I use it for fuel and trans fluid, it's really good stuff. It's plenty far enough away from the exhaust now, like 7".
Here are the holes in the top. The first attempt is on the right. Gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.
The filter/regulator is held off the bottom of the floor and above the ribs in the pan by nylon spacers.
So here are the Deutsch connectors and pins. The pins are solid contacts. They require a specialized crimping tool which is normally around $400. I got a knock off one for less than half but it does the job. Still a lot to spend on one tool but I really like the system and will use it for more things in the future.
No, these are not an illicit substance, just electrical terminals.
This is the special Deutsch crimping tool. Here's a video of how it works.
The finished connectors are nice and tidy and don't take up a lot of real estate. Sealed too!
In other news, I am still working on the wiring. It's getting closer but I still have a bunch to do. Getting all the stuff towards the back of the car installed is a big help since I need to wire these components. Next projects in line are mounting up the remote trans cooler and radiator. The trans cooler will likely involve more hole drilling but I'm getting better at accepting that now. The radiator may need holes too but that remains to be seen. Such is life with aftermarket parts. I think once those things are in the interior needs to be sorted out but that should not be a huge deal once the wiring is done.
More to come.
OK, made some good progress since my last post which was about a month go. I pretty much have the gas tank, fuel filter/regulator and associated bits and pieces in for good. Took a lot of staring at the bottom of the floor to make a decision on how to make it happen. I had been trying to avoid drilling more holes in the trunk floor but after going through a clunky bracket and looking at different locations the decision was made to break out the drill and get it done.
The reason I was trying to avoid drilling more holes is because I had already made 4 but realized that locating the filter/regulator in that particular spot would have put it about an 1 1/2" from the exhaust. Doh! (see post #415) After that first location was scrapped, I made an aluminum bracket to hang the filter on. (see post # 417) The problem with the bracket was that it still involved drilling more holes to hold it in place. Plus like I said, it was clunky and would have made plumbing it a PITA. Eventually I knew I was going to have to drill more holes no matter what so I figured out the most logical solution to this dilemma and went for it.
First off, I got some new tank straps. Holley sells these black powder coated ones for $16. I thought they were cool and look way better than my OEM ones that I painted silver like 12 years ago.
Here's the filter/regulator. It is factory set to 60psi. The filter inside is removable. There is another 10 micron filter in line before the throttle body connection. Locating the filter just off the pump outlet makes the return really short. In turn, that eliminates the need to run a separate return line from to front to back. In case you weren't sure, the line coming off the fuel pump module on the right is a vent. The two connectors are for the fuel level sender and fuel pump power and ground. They are super-cool Deutsch DT series. I will explain those below.
Here is the main feed line coming off the regulator. The angled fitting helps tuck it in nicely. The flex hose is -6AN (3/8") Aeroquip socketless. I use it for fuel and trans fluid, it's really good stuff. It's plenty far enough away from the exhaust now, like 7".
Here are the holes in the top. The first attempt is on the right. Gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.
The filter/regulator is held off the bottom of the floor and above the ribs in the pan by nylon spacers.
So here are the Deutsch connectors and pins. The pins are solid contacts. They require a specialized crimping tool which is normally around $400. I got a knock off one for less than half but it does the job. Still a lot to spend on one tool but I really like the system and will use it for more things in the future.
No, these are not an illicit substance, just electrical terminals.
This is the special Deutsch crimping tool. Here's a video of how it works.
The finished connectors are nice and tidy and don't take up a lot of real estate. Sealed too!
In other news, I am still working on the wiring. It's getting closer but I still have a bunch to do. Getting all the stuff towards the back of the car installed is a big help since I need to wire these components. Next projects in line are mounting up the remote trans cooler and radiator. The trans cooler will likely involve more hole drilling but I'm getting better at accepting that now. The radiator may need holes too but that remains to be seen. Such is life with aftermarket parts. I think once those things are in the interior needs to be sorted out but that should not be a huge deal once the wiring is done.
More to come.
