GT Fuel System : Mounting the new tank

I had planned on a full weekend of working on the car, but I decided to run a full virus can on my home PC on Friday after work. Virus scan found a virus, removed it, and at the same time corrupted the operating system beyond repair. Many, many hours later I'm back in business, having only lost a few email and the time I had hoped to invest in the GT.

Back to the fuel system! First step was to etch prime and then paint the mounting hardware with acrylic paint. Then bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 200F to harden the paint. Mmmmm - Just like mom used to make! I scrimped on the prep work so it did not adhere as well as I had hoped. Never skimp on the prep, kids.
The new tank previously coated with truck bed liner was ready for the install. Although you can't see it in this photo, the black isolation rubber strips were run along the tops of the ridges on the tank. Traditional install is to run the strips front to back but they tend to trap dirt and moisture and start to rust the top of the tank. Some spray-on adhesive kept them in place until the tank was raised with the jack to help hold it while it was bolted on. The original isolation piece around the vent and the filler were reused.
The tarp is in place to catch drips from underneath where Penetrol was applied on some rusted areas that were easier to access while the tank was off. Penetrol is a paint conditioner that helps prevent rust by adhering to it and forming a film when it dries. It is often used by owners on the MBG Experience for rust prevention in the sills. Will it help here? Who knows? Its better than doing nothing and I'm not doing a proper restoration at this point. Here it is, all tucked up and bolted in. Now that's some nice GT badonkadonk!
Fuel lines were detached and blown out with compressed air (the carb is out for a rebuild). Some nasty, rusty gas came through the lines. Rubber lines were replaced in the rear area as a precaution. The metal lines will be left alone for now.The original tank had a fuel pickup line built in. The new tank does not and uses a pickup line integral to the gauge. Minor adjustments were needed to the metal lines. Sure, its not pretty and definitely not original, but it gets the job done!Carb rebuild is the next item for the fuel system - a good rainy day job. Body work on the replacement wing is coming soon too.