Fuel Filler hose clamps replacement - 81 Spider

[Roycape]

Hi all - I am in the process of replacing the fuel filler rubber hose on an 1981 Spider. Does anyone know what type of clamp goes on the top part of the hose where it attaches to the filler pipe. The PO use the wrong type of filler hose, probably a straight hose that is now basically kinked at the bend. It was a bear to remove the hose at the top and the clamp was a regular worm clamp that was not tightened. I couldn't get my hand in there to loosen it so that's probably the reason why they never tightened it. It almost seems that you need a clamp with a vertical screw that you can access from the trunk area.

Anyway if anyone can tell me the type of clamp to use and how to tighten it with the limited space, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I'm not sure this will help you for your '81 spider, but here's what I do on my older ('69 and '71) spiders: I remove the lower rear metal quarter panel. It's secured by one nut in the wheel well and a couple screws around the perimeter. Once that is removed, it's much easier to access the fuel filler tube.

I'm also assuming that you've removed the large U-shaped shield that protects the bottom of the gas hose, and is attached by two screws at either end. Although removing the lower quarter panel as mentioned above makes things easier, I've been able to loosen and tighten that top hose clamp with the quarter panel still in place; you just have to angle the screw of the clamp so that it points to a direction that you can reach. Again, I can't speak for an '81 spider, but on the older ones, this screw clamp is just a normal screw hose clamp, nothing special about it.

Hope this helps.

-Bryan

[Roycape]

Thanks for the advice Bryan. That makes complete sense now. I didn't realize that the rear lower quarter panel was removable. I remember seeing screws there but really didn't know what they were for.

For me it was a bear to remove the filler tube with that panel in place. Removing the lower quarter panel should make replacing the fuel filler tube easy.

Thanks again.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Always glad to help, and let us know how it works out.

-Bryan

[Roycape]

Thanks Bryan. As a follow up, it worked out perfectly and swapping out the hose was a breeze. Thanks goodness since I was only able to get the driver's rear lower quarter panel out but couldn't on the passenger side. One of the screws behind the bumper wouldn't budge on the passenger side. If I ever have to get that side out, I'll have to remove the bumper.

Thanks again.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Great, and you know, I was wondering (after I posted my advice) whether you would have to remove the bumper in order to get the rear lower quarter panel off. You don't have to on my earlier Fiats, but I wasn't sure about later years. I'm glad it worked.

-Bryan