OK, got a question. On my '70 beetle a previous owner has replaced the metal fuel line from tank to engine but didn't run it through the tunnel but inside beside the tunnel on the passenger side. It was hidden by the carpet till I stripped it out. It goes through a grommet on either end and looks like proper seamless tube. Is this common and is it safe? I don't know why it was replaced. Do the factory lines rust much? How do you get a new line through the tunnel?
Thanks Clayton

That sounds safe to me.

Seems to be a common practice for lazy owners as my 61 Beetle was exactly like this when I bought it. The original line was still in place and rusted out.

I was told in NSW it would be illegal as if there was any fuel leak from the line the fumes could get to the driver and if the fuel caught fire, it would already be inside the cabin and could spray onto the occupants.

Not sure of Qld rules, but not the safest way to go.

Kev

I thought that might be the case. Any idea on how to change it. Do you have to cut holes in the tunnel or can you do it like the gear shifter shaft?

It is possible to run new hard line up the transmission tunnel. It's a bit fiddly but do-able. I have run 2 sets of aluminium line through my tunnel in preparation for fuel injection at a a later date.
FYI I sourced aluminium line from Summit racing in the US.

Ok, thanks for that. I'll have a look tomorrow at the old line to see how to remove it.

Hi

You could rerun it under the car in the heater channel depression. A lot easier that trying to get it through the tunnel

Steve

like steve says , under the car is fine.
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I think some Subaru's run the fuel line inside the car .

Thanks guys, I'll look into that.
Clayton

Mine runs along the tunnel in the same position. It has now joins or seams inside the cabin. It meets CAMS specs this way. Secured with grommets at each end and rubber lined clamps.

My thoughts where
1. if the line leaks in the tunnel your still going to smell the fumes in the car
2. You can keep a visual inspection of it this way
3. in a accident, if the car is that badly twisted or the impact has come into the car that far (ie instead of the heater channel) your probably dead already

I also left the original line in place as I thought it was going to be too hard to remove.