Page 95 of K.A.R. Restomod Catalog by K.A.R. Auto Group

93 Order Toll Free 800-341-5949 FAX 614-294-5692 Knowledge Center Fuel Tank Fires From time to time K.A.R. will make our friends aware of safety issues that everyone should be aware of while working on your Mustang. One of the most frequently purchased items for classic Mustangs is a new fuel tank. Many Mustangs have sat idle for years resulting in stale or gvarnishedh gas in the tank. Once this varnished gas is drained from the tank and put aside in a safe container, preferably outside in a safe place, the tank must be removed from the car. There are other reasons to remove a fuel tank. A few examples follow: Tank leaks Tank becomes a safety hazard during nearby repairs that receive welding or cutting Tank removed to allow sandblasting in the entire trunk area Tank requires repainting, re nishing, or steam cleaning Tank removed to facilitate repairs to the rear crossmember or tail light panel etc., etc., etc. MANY MUSTANG HOBBYISTS AND PROFESSIONALS, AS WELL, THINK THAT AN EMPTY FUEL TANK IS A SAFE FUEL TANK . . . WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! We recently learned of an actual case where repairs were being made to a car, which required removal of the fuel tank. When the gemptyh fuel tank was removed and placed on the ground, the tank exploded. The ensuing re did signi cant damage to the building and its contents. Key points about this incident: Fuel tank removal to facilitate vehicle repairs or fuel tank replacement is very common in the Mustang restoration or repair process. The fuel tank was emptied prior to removing it from the car. However, it is believed there was some gasoline resi due and gasoline vapors remaining in the tank. Temperature and humidity were very high on the day of the re, affecting the speed of evaporation/dissipation of the gasoline vapors from the tank. The work area was ventilated by a large pedestal fan. The tank created a spark when it was placed on the gcon crete oor,h which ignited the gasoline residue and vapor in the tank. Nearby combustible materials (tires, oil, oily rags, clean ing solvents, paint) contributed to the rapid spread of the re. Some preventative measures to consider: Non-sparking tools should be used to remove a Fuel vapors should be dissipated by using local ventilation. Once removed from the car, the fuel tank should on a non-conducting/ non-sparking surface such as a pallet or rubber mat. The fuel tank removal area should remain completely of all combustible materials. So you see, accidents can happen. Following proper procedures eliminate the opportunity for a fuel tank related accident. It without saying that smoking during fuel tank removal process be avoided. Think about the potential effect a lighted cigarette, pipe or any smoking device can have on gasoline vapors! There are hidden dangers when working around automobiles equipment of any kind. Hopefully, we have helped you to of these hidden dangers . . . fuel tank explosion! To ensure the safety of our employees and customers, and the Mustangs entrusted to us, K.A.R. Auto Group, Inc. operates smoke-free environment! Option Percentages Ever wonder why the well optioned Mustang you have been ing for has been so elusive? The chart below will reveal as of total production just how many Mustangs were built with options. OPTION 1965 1966 Disc Brakes 5% 2% Automatic Transmission 54% 63% Power Steering 9% 8% AM Radio 54% 63% GT Option 3% 4% Air Conditioning 10% 10% Vinyl Roof 5% 12% Power Top 9% 8% Deluxe gPonyh Interior 5% 13% Bench Seat 2.5% 4% If you would like to calculate exact numbers, total production model year was as follows: f64 1/2 e65 1966 680,989 607,568

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