Classic/Antique Car Repair: Electric Fuel Pump for 1950 Chrysler, electric fuel pump, vacuum tank

Question
I bought an electric fuel pump for my 1950 Chrysler Traveler which is like a Windsor 6 with a fold down seat and luggage rack.  I have read as much as I could find on the web that seemed appropriate, but still want to check.

Is there any reason that I shouldn't run the electric pump alone and not use the mechanical pump at all?  I would like to leave the old pump in place and not run fuel through it but let the electric pump do the job full time.  The car has electric wipers.

I also have a 28 Durant with the vacuum tank that works well and a '65 Rambler with the double acting pump for the vacuum wipers that work well too.  I am not usually likely to change from stock for no good reason.

Thank you so much for being a part of this service.  I read fuel delivery advice to the person with the Studebaker and figured you were the right person to ask.

Justin

Answer
Yeah, well, you could ask, but I'd have to beg off (too many projects of my own!)

But I would point out to you that you need to install the pump in a cool area, and preferably at a level at which it will self prime by gravity feed from the tank. On my cars, I try to find a secure and well protected area on the rear of the car, on the frame, out of the way of any road hazard, low enough so that the fuel will gravity feed to the pump, and away from any exhaust plumbing.  The added advantage of this is that the noise from the pump will be somewhat less obtrusive inside the car than if it were mounted under the hood.  You can lessen the noise even further if you mount the pump with rubber washers arranged to avoid all metal to metal contact, but of course then you must add a ground wire to it.

The 'cool area' requirement is to avoid the dreaded "vapor lock".  Also, be sure you wire it such that it goes off with the ignition key - so that in an emergency, the gas will cut off as soon as you kill the ignition.

I would enjoy seeing your car, however - I was unaware that Chrysler had their own version of this car - I have a friend with the DeSoto version that is absolutely beautiful.  If you're in the San Diego area during the "Big Three" swap meet (February 25,26), come by booth WD44 and you'll probably see it (and me).

Dick