Gas Tank Won't Fit

[LeRoiGross]

I took the gas tank off my 1929 Phaeton to clean and paint it and now it won't go back on without scratching the corners where is goes under the windshield bar across the top of the cowl posts. I can force it in but it seems to be too wide. If I get it in there is no room for the welting. I am nervous about bending the corners of the tank in as I don't want to mess up the welded edge.
Any suggestions?

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Yes, remove the cowl to pillar post fasteners and the front body bolts under the firewall.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

LeRoi,
When you need HELP, just ASK! BOY, Brent's really on "THE BALL"!!!
Bill W.

 

[LeRoiGross]

Brent,
Well I loosened everything up and forced the tank in but the cowl posts are under a strain and trying to spread out. I'm going to bolt it up and make do, but I still wonder why the gas tank is too wide. Shouldn't I be able to install the welting after assembly into a narrow gap? It is not good to have an assembly under stress and trying to come apart on it's own.
LeRoi

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Brent,
Well I loosened everything up and forced the tank in but the cowl posts are under a strain and trying to spread out. I'm going to bolt it up and make do, but I still wonder why the gas tank is too wide. Shouldn't I be able to install the welting after assembly into a narrow gap? It is not good to have an assembly under stress and trying to come apart on it's own.
LeRoi

The issue could be one of many, and I could spend the rest of the evening offering suggestions. The cowl actually slips into the sills, however unless the body was on a jig, -or measured, you won't know whether the cowl is tweaked or where the issue is. It could have a past history such as sill replacement or accident damage that is limiting it.