I need to replace the battery tray on my '87 GT. I have removed what was left of the old tray. The area under the tray is as expected somewhat rotted and rusted with a couple of small holes all of which I will be able to deal with. My question is this: At the quarter panel side of the tray area there is a triangular opening in the sheetmetal through which I can see two steel lines that are similar in looks to brake lines. One of them has a rust hole in it so it can't be a brake line because the brakes are working just fine. What are these lines? Thanks for any info.

It is an expansion tank from the fuel tank. It is then routed back the fuel evap canister.

quote Originally posted by creaky78: At the quarter panel side of the tray area there is a triangular opening in the sheetmetal through which I can see two steel lines that are similar in looks to brake lines. One of them has a rust hole in it so it can't be a brake line because the brakes are working just fine. What are these lines?

You need to read This thread... and then repair that hole.

Thanks very much for the great info! I have been driving the car since getting it running a couple of months ago, have not smelled any gas vapor at all (olfactory problem? LOL) Anyway, since I am replacing the noisy water pump and all the coolant hoses this is a great time to repair the vapor lines and inspect the condition of the tank. Thanks again!

Note: Aux tank has a small hole inside 1 tube can get blocked.
If lines are iffy check that tank lets air thru it.

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(Jurassic Park)

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I think it is fixed. I cut the rusted lines from the expansion tank at a point between the frame and engine where the lines were in good condition, no rust. I replaced the rubber connection lines on the tank with new ones, running them to the steel lines where I had cut them off. Before attaching the new lines, I put a little air pressure on one while holding my finger over the end of the other one and could hear no air escaping from the tank. Also checked the lines at the charcoal canister, couldn't find any leaks. Hopefully all OK, I'll find out when the car is back in running condition.