Rocket-the early ones had a steel fitting at the "firewall" the later ones were plastic. I chose to run straight quality rubber
line directly to the tank eliminating the plastic tubes. Less 
connections to leak. Was is the right thing to do,I am not sure perhaps the plastic line is more heat and abrasion proof. I may eventually use a braided stainless hose with
aero quip fittings on the end next time. It will require the tank
to have ports welded on and a fuel pump that has threaded 
ports on each end instead of barbs. I have a relative that 
designs/builds fuel systems for a famous NASCAR team. 
It will require a trip to a multi million dollar facility down south
to have the work done. Last time I visited they confiscated all
electronics so no pictures could be taken once inside. I am
trying to talk him into a fire suppression system...

Bill

On Jun 26, 2012, at 9:57 PM, Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> "Mine is done with a grommet and a direct fuel hose, no connections
> > at all at that position."  mcneely
> 
> "Get underneath and look a little farther forward...that's the third
> connection Stuart is talking about, direct hose to hose." Beirel
> 
> Wait, what? I found no plastic fitting in the forward firewall on my
> '84, finding instead a metal fitting there. One hose from the front
> connects to the forward side, another to the engine side. Been under the
> van several times (despite not enjoying it at all) and have seen no
> other breaks in the fuel line. Pls to show the "[...] little farther
> forward [...[] third connection" in Ye Bentleye?
> 
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.