How to get the petrol tank off?

[ratwing]

I had fuel starvation, read through old posts here and decided it was the pump. So I fitted an electric one, problem cured.
30 miles later fuel starvation again just as bad as before...
Turns out the pipe from the tank was blocked, I think it was blocked enough to stop the mechanical pump sucking, the electric one had more suck and worked until the pipe was pretty much blocked solid - I can't blow down the pipe at all so got to get the tank out and give it a clean inside.
How does it come out please, I had a quick look in the dark last night but couldn't see any nuts or bolts?

[dajwid]

The bolts are there, A bit fiddly but they do come out.

This is a problem that comes up often if the car is left sitting unloved for a while. sadly, but once done will be fine for years to come

[124cso]

It depends on age of your car. Early ones, just pull out the back seat and you will see tank and you perhaps only need to pull out sender unit which has pickup in it. Later ones it's all from underneath. You'll need ramps for 4 wheels or a hoist. Tank held on 3 or 4 nuts underneath on fixed studs thru tank mid seem lip and you may need to pull off left rear wheel to get access to unclip filler hose elbow @ tank. Best if it's empty otherwise will piss petrol everywhere and you'll need a jack to take the weight as you work it out. Fuel & return lines go thru body panels so need to disconnect from pump & carb return pipe  to lower it out.

[Rusty's Uncle]

The inlet pipe in the tank has a fine mesh filter on it so if you have a lot of crud in the tank, which is common with a car that has been standing then you will need to flush it out . If the tank is sound you can get an inner tank sealer for less than £20. While the tank is out check the filler hose as many of the cars were fitted with perishable rubber ones that break down and spill out your petrol. Later ones are flexible plastic which is far more durable 

[ratwing]

Splendid! Thank-you guys, I'll break out the spanners out and get to work next week - will let you know what I find.

[124cso]

If the tank is sound you can get an inner tank sealer for less than £20.

I see that a brand new tank is about 30 Euros (plus delivery of course) but better than trying to fix one with slushing compound.