1983 944 fuel tank question(s)

[eccs19]

When I got the 944, I was told that the tank had been drained of the fuel. I believe it to be true. With the tank being empty, is it worth the trouble of digging into the trunk to get the level sensor out to do an inspection of the inside of the tank or can nothing really been seen through the hole? Are the tanks plastic or steel in these cars? (I presume steel). Any recommendations on anything to do prior to putting fuel in it? I’d probably just put in a gallon or so before I go crazy. Thanks in advance.

[BennSport]

1983s have steel tanks, and getting to the level sender isn’t that big of a deal. The opening is pretty large, but I don’t remember if there’s any baffling that stops you from looking all the way to the bottom. Once you validate that the fuel is drained, I recommend replacing the fuel strainer at the bottom of the tank. Mine was completely disintegrated when I got to it. Since I essentially had no strainer, debris and old gas got into my fuel pump, completely destroying it. Take caution removing the strainer, as I’ve heard stories of people destroying the threads on the tank