I have both an Airtex and mechanical pump along with an inline filter that has a clear sight glass. She quit on me coming home the other day and had to have my son in law pull me home with his Jeep. It acted like it was out of gas even though I know the tank is full. I just took a look and the nothing in the sight glass and I can hear the Airtex trying to pump but nothing. Looks like I need to drop the tank and of course it's full. I assume siphoning isn't difficult but what do I do with 20 gallons of fuel that is probably old and shouldn't be used?
Lines might be clogged. You can either try to remove and clean them but it might be best to get new lines since its the fuel system.
If the fuel is 'old' it's best not to run it thru your engine. It can result in seized valves.
Be sure to verify the suction side of the fuel supply is sound, the slightest compromise will inhibit flow.
The 1949 does have a factory drain bolt on its fuel tank.
Perhaps you could try to take your gas cap off disconnect the line at the engine and blow very low pressure air into the line and see if you hear bubbling in the tank. The reason I say low pressure there might be a sock filter in the tank and you wouldn't what to blow it apart. Or you could disconnect the line at the tank and blow air from the engine line.
Keep Cruzin,
Bob Kielar
Did you happen to take the gas cap off when she quit on you? I would try starting it now, after its been sitting, to see if you have any fuel. It's possible your vent could have been plugged.