Does anyone know what is the best way to drain the fuel tank in a 1981 spider?

Thanks,

Dexter

To drain the tank I loosened the elbow from the top and bottom, and had it where I could rotate it down into a bucket. Have Lots of buckets.

I find the big filler hose can be a bear if it has been on there a while and is hard as concrete. 2nd alternative is to remove the hose going into the fuel pump or filter. As mentioned, lots of containers.

I removed the fuel hose going from the tank to the pump and nothing happened. What can be stopping the gas from flowing out? I looked into the tank to see if there was something stopping the gas from flowing out and couldn't see anything.

Any advice?

if your fuel level is low and the hose runs over the top of the axle, you could have a siphon lock. you need to pull the hose down, so the highest point is below the bottom of the tank.

I use an electric fuel pump and stick one hose in tank send unit hole and other hose into gas can. If you know any mechanics in a shop, they would have one. Maybe they'll lend it to you.

I use a hot air gun to heat the filler hose to soften it. Also spray WD-40 or penetrating oil into space between hose and tank connection. That helps also.
You could remove fuel gauge sender and siphon the fuel from there.