I have wondered if I'm the only one that has consistent challenges with connecting the gas tank straps on a 2nd gen f-body? Any tips from those more experienced and hopefully more successful?
Much easier if you have a lift lol. On the ground I install the looped ends of the straps and use a floor jack and boards to hold the tank up in position, tight to the trunk floor. From there the straps should be long enough to get the bolt/nut/stud started on the other end.
Much easier if you have a lift lol. On the ground I install the looped ends of the straps and use a floor jack and boards to hold the tank up in position, tight to the trunk floor. From there the straps should be long enough to get the bolt/nut/stud started on the other end.
Sometimes if the straps are too short I use a second jack and a piece of steel bar to force/stretch the straps up to meet the bolts.
Don
The Following User Says Thank You to dhutton For This Useful Post:
Don, That's the scenario. The straps are too short to be able to get a bolt started easily (or even with difficulty). I'll work with your recommendation of a second jack and a steel bar to force the straps close enough to get the bolt started.
Or get some longer (1"+) carriage bolts .......get the tank pulled up in position then switch them out one at a time or just cut off the extra length....
I'm assuming you feel confident you have the correct straps for the tank...right?
Sometimes until the new strap has that bend right at the edge of the tank.... where it makes contact with the edge of the tank.... the strap stays in too much of an "arc" rather than a tighter radius, so it's short. Once the tank is up tight in place, I'll sometimes need to hand bend a tighter radius as it contacts the tank, rather than let the tank make it on its own. Does that make sense?
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
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