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Classic/Antique Car Repair/61 Thunderbird Fuel Sender Replacement

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Expert: - 5/31/2008


Question
Brad, I want to replace the fuel sender unit in my 61 Thunderbird and can't tell by the service manual if I need to drop the tank or not.  On the early (55-57) T-Birds there was a plate in the truck that could be removed to accommodate removing and installing the sender. I pulled up the mat in the trunk of my '61 but didn't rip up the sound deadener insulation to probe for a removable plate.  Can you help?

Thanks, Norm

Answer
Now don't shoot me if I am wrong but if I remember right when Budd started building the T bird body for Ford in 61 they did not put the plate in the floor. However if it is there you should be able to feel it through the sound deadening material. Good luck.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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