73 SB filler neck install

[Olddog52]

I've looked for this in the search area, and have found nothing for my question. Here it is:

I have the filler hose replacement kit, and that's great. I took the tank partially out to free up the old hose and install the new one. My problem is this. I install the two thin rubber bands on the tank and the fill tube. I slide the new hose onto the filler tube and start to place the tank in position while guiding the hose on the tank neck. It only goes so far and I run into tremendous resistance. Is there a trick or sequence to installing this. I know the filler tube goes into the neck of the tank, but I'm at a loss as to how to make that happen in an efficient manner. ANY help on this would be great. I had to walk away before I got medieval on it. I'm now in my happy place hoping someone can explain this feat of German engineering to me in a manner my simple mind can comprehend.

Thanks a bunch if anyone can give this old man a clue.
_________________
73 Tin Top Westy ( should have never sold her)
79 Westy Pop Top
73 Super Beetle
VW Trike with 70 engine.

[volksnhousin]

Perhaps to make it easier on yourself grease the tank neck or spray WD40 on the neck. Or, install the hose on the tank neck first and then the filler.

Good luck with the next go around… You’ll get it. If it doesn’t work right away yell at it and try again.

[Olddog52]

Yeah, forgot to state that I sprayed it with WD. I did put it on the filler tube first, then tried to mate it to the tank. I will give it a shot going the other way round. It seemed to install all the way on the tank end, and the thin rubber band promptly bunched up , but just wouldn't make the slide all the way up onto the neck. Perhaps I have the hose a bit too long, I cut it in half as instructed, but it was longer by a bit than the original. I figured it would just slide up the tube a bit further. Thanks for the input.
_________________
73 Tin Top Westy ( should have never sold her)
79 Westy Pop Top
73 Super Beetle
VW Trike with 70 engine.

[dpinlee]

[Olddog52]

shortening the hose a bit and the motor oil did the trick. Thanks.
_________________
73 Tin Top Westy ( should have never sold her)
79 Westy Pop Top
73 Super Beetle
VW Trike with 70 engine.

[drs1023]

x2 on olddog52. I did this last year when cleaning out the tank of my '73 SB.

[jacksbus]

I have also had this problem. I Placed the one end of the new hose in boiling water then it slipped right on to the filler tube.