Fuel Tank Sender Lock Ring Tool

[Lane66Monza]

With the cost of this tool skyrocketing at the vendors, I am doing a check to see if this $18 tool made for the 1963 - 74 Corvette tank sender lock ring will work on the Corvair lock ring. A quick measurement tomorrow of the ring I got with the new sender will tell the story. I am tired of banging on lock ring tabs with screwdrivers and drift pins. They don't put equal pressure on the ring while tightening. in my opinion. They are good for removal of the ring, though.

I will update this late tomorrow.

This ebay seller says lock rings are the same, but we know sometimes they don't confirm applications.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225914883346?i ... AChevrolet

[Dennis66]

Just had to make my own version of this tool Saturday to re-install the lock ring with the tank in my car (EM). Had to be able to push in to compress the O-ring while twisting to get the locks started. My tool worked for starting the ring and a hammer and screwdriver finished the job. Dennis

[joelsplace]

I know the Clark's tool is amazing. Makes it as easy as releasing a dzus fastener.

[jimbrandberg]

Don't we have 3 tabs and the tool above has provision for 4? I could be wrong.
Jim Brandberg
Isanti, MN
CorvairRepair.com

[Lane66Monza]

I looked at the Corvair and the 63 Corvette lock rings and they are the same 3 slot design.

I have to see if I can find a photo of the Vette tool in use.

[Lane66Monza]

I found a photo of the Vette tool being used. Tool uses the 4 vertical tabs on the ring to hold onto it.

fuel_sending_unit_052.jpg (59.12 KiB) Viewed 315 times

Both the Vair and Vette use the 3 slot 4 tab lock ring. I know the tool has an ID of 1-15/16". If the Vair lock ring ID is slightly less than this, then the Vette tool can be used. Something I need to check when I get home.

s-l1200.jpg (28.22 KiB) Viewed 315 times

[jimbrandberg]

So the tool may have slots for 4 tabs but it only engages 3, in other words one slot in the tool isn't engaging anything...
Jim Brandberg

[Dennis66]

Mine definitely has 4. Dennis

[Frank DuVal]

4 tabs to engage the tool or chisels, etc. and three slots to engage the tank's tabs/slots. Clear as mud, right?

[Lane66Monza]

Well: I finally got all the answers I needed on Corvair lock rings.

1963 -74 Corvette and 1961 - 69 Corvair fuel sender lock rings have 4 tabs (and 3 slotz).

OD on Corvair ring tabs range from 1.990 to 2.030. 3 nuts were measure. One I got from Clarks back in 2010 (2.030), Another with a spare sender from 2015 is 1.993. Last from Ted Brown last month is 1.990.

The tool OD is reported by Amazon as 1 15/16, which is 1.938. So it appears this tool might be able to be used, but might need a little sanding to get tabs into the tool slots. But they could have had a bad measurement. I will order a tool up and see what happens.

[RexJohnson]

Years ago I removed the lock ring on a 66 Vette with my Corvair tool.

[Lane66Monza]

I thought I would put the 2 tools in the same post so we could see the differences in them. Since they seem capable of being used on Corvairs and Vettes, seems to be a time to be compared.

Seeing them here together, the only benefit to the Vette tool is you are applying pressure straight down on the tool and nut with one hand while turning handle with the other. The Corvair tool you willneed to keep one hand over the tool head to keep it on the tabs while turning handle with the other. It is all a matter of preference and budget limitations, it seems. Both can do the job properly. No more bent tabs or damaged parts from slipping off while hammering the ring. One or the other is the better mousetrap.

[jimbrandberg]

The beauty of the tool is getting all 3 or 4 tabs started at the same time when installing.
With a screwdriver holding the sender and o-ring and retainer in one hand while holding the screwdriver with the other hand and using a hammer with your third hand is a bit much. SERENITY NOW!
If I had to go back to a screwdriver again I could quite possibly have a brain aneurysm.
I measured the inside diameter of my tool at 1 3/4 yesterday. My cabinet with the lock rings had a table stacked with freshly painted shrouding in front of it so I ventured no further.
If Rex did a Corvette with his Corvair tool that should be enough, he is the tool guy.
Jim Brandberg
Isanti, MN
CorvairRepair.com

[Lane66Monza]

I have placed an order for the Vette tool. Now waiting on its arrival.

Many tools to select from in the $12 - 50 range. I still went with Amazon one for $18.10 & free shipping as I had other items to get above $35 mimimum for free shipping.