Need help, fuel system and rust...

[nico]

I have ran into a couple hurdles in restoring my dad's 84 swb... Mainly rust in the cowl below the wiper arms, but I am going today to get another 84 LWB to have the necessary parts to do the repairs.

Many of my problems are coming from converting it to TBI (have a spare 88 Suburban for drivetrain parts)... I have a few questions:

1. Where can I find new or good hard fuel lines for an 87 SWB? Would this be the easiest way to go, or can the 84's lines be modified to work?

2. Can I put a new 87 pump and sending unit in the 84's single tank? I have heard mixed opinions on this concerning baffles and the fuel gauge working properly.

3. What is the best sealer to prevent rust from regenerating? I have been checking into Eastwood products, but don't know if there is anything better available.

[Dooley Dude]

Originally Posted by nico

3. What is the best sealer to prevent rust from regenerating? I have been checking into Eastwood products, but don't know if there is anything better available.

I have used POR-15 on my '66 Nova project and was pleased with the results. The stuff is not cheap. I think Eastwood has a similar product.

[85Bowtie]

For a sealant, just make sure you get rid of ALL of the rust and make sure your surface is clean. Prep-Sol works good to clean the surface, however, if you're going to paint over it someplace you will visibly see, you want to wipe it on ONE DIRECTION otherwise you will notice color differences. Don't ask why. Is this a surface you're going to paint and be able to see? Or just a hidden surface you want to keep rust free?

You can just use a good auto primer and spray on this stuff called Rustoleum "Hammered" finish. It's extremely tough and I haven't had any problems with it on any of my cars. Alot of that other stuff is over priced and really doesn't work any better than just doing the job right to begin with. They just advertise better.

As far as the fuel lines, check these guys out www.inlinetube.com.

I used them for the brake lines on my Charger, they fit PERFECT. On the fuel lines in that car, I used Earl's anodized fuel line and made it myself, no leaks, seals really nice and looks cool.

[nico]

Thanks...

The rust I am trying to cure/prevent is inside the cowl, below the wiper arms... I have replaced some of the panels, but others need less work. I have been researching the POR-15 and it seems like what I am looking for. As long as the surface is rusty and free of paint, it appears like it can permanently seal off the rust and prevent it from spreading.

[85Bowtie]

???

If you can get to the rust, get rid of it.

Don't just put some POR-15 on it and expect it to work.

It will come back, I don't care what that company says about their product. Unless it's a little surface rust, which you should sand down anyway, get rid of it. The rust, if it's rust and not surface rust, weakens the integrity of the metal, which POR-15 cannot fix. That may not be a big concern in the cowl area though.

IMO, you'll be spending more on a quart of that stuff instead if you just took your time and fix it right. Rust will spread no matter what. Just give it time.

I think POR-15 is some good stuff, but for the money, there are plenty of other options that are less of a hit to your wallet.

Now if it was a Ford......