My 68 beaumont is stored for the winter in my garage. Every time I open the door, the smell of gas is overwhelming. I am almost afraid of an explosion soon. I have no leaks in the fuel system but have noticed that the vapor recovery canister and lines are absent. The 2 lines off the fuel tank that would feed the canister are plugged ith some kind of breathable foam. Can these lines be removed/plugged completely? Any other suggestions? It has a Holley 850 carb and an electric fuel pump.
......to me it sounds like you have a leak someplace. Is the tank completely dry no stains anywhere ? connections on the fuel pump or pump itself not sealed ? Is the tank full ? , maybe not sealing around the gas guage sender ?
If the smell is that strong ITS LEAKING make sure you use a strap or rope to gently pull it out Don't use a chain
ONE PLACE I HAVE FOUND MANY LEAKS ON OLDER CARS IS WHERE THE FILL TUBE MEETS THE TANK. IF YOU TOPPED THE TANK OFF BEFORE STORAGE IT COULD BE SEEPING OUT IN THAT LOCATION.
No leaks or seapage anywhere. New tank/filler, new stainless lines. There are two hoses coming out of the tank that have been cut off about 8 inches long. These would have originally been attached to the vapor canister. They are now stuffed with a chunk of foam. I suspect this is where the issue is and am wondering if these can be permanently removed/plugged, or do they need to be able to pull air through to prevent vaccuum lock?
you should have a gas smell but not a strong one, even new tanks seep check your pinch weld, the tank should have a vent tube hooked up in the back. the gas cap is not vented unless its a wagon. ive been hooking up the charcoal canisteres on the older cars when i update them just because i hate any gas smell.
When you say "Every time I open the door", which door are you referring to? The garage door and the odor is strong in the garage, or the car door and the odor is strong in the interior of the car?
I had a carb that slowly drained the bowl into the engine after it was parked and that was pretty stinky. Have you checked if it's something like that?
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Sorry I was referring to the door of my garage, not the car.As for the carb bowl, I did not check that but I have checked for odor around the carb area and it doesn't seem to be coming from there. I am almost sure now it is the two vapor cannister lines. Can anyone tell me if I can simply plug them off, or do the need to be able to draw air into the tank to prevent a vaccuum lock?
I would be careful plugging the vent lines unlless you do have a vented cap but in most cases that is not the case nor was it stock. If you plug them with a non vented cap you will create a vapour lock. Here is what I put on and yes it has foam inside of it, I have never smelt any fumes from this.
Plugged the lines, added a vented cap and the issue is gone....I also replaced the Holley with an Edelbrock carb, but i don't think that was the issue.
I am almost afraid of an explosion soon 
You did say it was so strong, that you are afraid of a explosion 
