quote:Could that be why once in a while if I stop quickly I'm getting a quick smell of gas? [quote]
Yes, it's possible that this is where the gas smell if coming from, but there are also other possibilities.
[QUOTE]If I remove it, what should I use for a vent for the fuel cell?
If you removed the carbon canister, you will need to run a vent line to an area that is away from any heat source and away from the cabin. A filter needs to be install at the far end of this line, as air is exchanged between the atmosphere and the fuel tank. When the car is parked, air moves out of the tank as the fuel warms and is drawn back into the tank as the fuel cools. When the car is driven, fuel is being removed from the tank (by the engine) and needs to be replaced with outside air. If the vent line becomes plugged (or is capped), a vacuum will occur when the engine is running and fuel will cease to flow to the carb. This could also collapse the fuel tank. This assumes that you are using a non vented fuel cap.
The carbon canister contains activated charcoal (probably dead after all these years) that is supposed to store the gas vapors until the engine is started. These stored vapors are then drawn into the air cleaner during engine run. I would hook this hose to the air cleaner (IMHO). There should be a fitting on the right side of your stock air cleaner to connect the hose from the carbon canister.
John