This week, I became the guy I never wanted to be. I ran my ’66 Chevy out of gas in my own driveway.
OK, so I’ve been busy working on another C10 project lately, and I’ve needed the space inside my garage for photo work to support that project. So in and out the ’66 goes — regardless of weather. Or temperature. Or fuel level.
I knew the car was low on gas, and I had planned on running it past the local station for a fill when I had a moment. But that moment never came — at least not soon enough. The sputter and pop, followed by a super lean indication on the Holley Terminator EFI AFR screen, told the tale as I tried to roll it inside for the night. I shut it off and pushed it inside.
No harm, no foul, right? At least it was home when it happened. But here’s the rub: On a 1965 and 1966 B-Body Chevrolet, there’s no good way to get the gas from a gas can into the tank, because the filler neck is tucked up behind the rear license plate. Today’s modern gas cans — at least your typical non-race style versions — hit the bumper when you try to transfer fuel, stopping you from pouring in more than a gallon or so.
So what to do? I’ve mocked up a solution with a transmission funnel and some heater hose, but it takes two people to run, and that’s of no help when I’m by myself. My wife’s not real keen on holding a leaky funnel, either.
What solutions have you GM rear-filler tank owners come up with to fill your cars? Let me know in the comments below.