[72SSWagon]

OK. I'm into the fuel system work and want to take out my tank. The previous owner had a thin piece of metal strap across the bottom of the tank. I cut it and fully expected the tank to drop down a bit. It didn't. I've got the fuel and vent lines disconnected. Do I need to disconnect the wiring before dropping the tank? Appreciate any help and guidance, diagrams, writing directions with pictures, youtube videos, napkin with a diagram, etc
I don't want to start prying on this thing and do more damage than good.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[72SSWagon]

Ok. So after further sleuthing and removal of layers of undercoat in the wheel well I have found the panel that is held in with four bolts which gives access to the fuel tank and the strap holding it in the quarter panel. Turns out the small strap going under the tank was actually there to stabilize the bottom of the rear drivers quarter panel. Got some inner well fabrication to take on now.

BG

 

[chevygod]

HIya Bob,

There is the panel, a forward strap pushing the tank back into the rear of the car, and the lower strap, pushing the tank upwards (this strap may cause the closing of the opening mentioned below).

Get the car really high, so the tank has room to drop straight down, put a jack under it, and completely remove all of the straps (don't just swing/move out of the way), etc. Lower the jack, it SHOULD drop out...

If it doesn't, you may need to push some of the strap attachment points out of the way and gently pull the lower rear corner of the wheel well out to spread the opening so the tank will fall out. On a Vista Cruiser I scored a tank from, we did that all along the lower edge of the rear quarter AND forced (hammered!) it down from above as the opening at the bottom was just too narrow.

Hope this helps,
Tom

 

[72SSWagon]

Tom
Thanks. The tank came out very easy once I got the forward strap off. The lower strap was gone - hence the make shift strap I guess. I got a pair of new ones from Pete and didn't know what the second one was for. Now I do!

Appreciate the help.

BG

 

[FO_FDYFO]

dont forget to mention that the straps you got from me are STAINLESS steel!

 

[72SSWagon]

Indeed - STAINLESS STEEL! Now I just need to rebuild the inner wall and create a place to connect that bottom strap! I've got a mount for the lower strap on the inside (side closest to the frame) but the outside (inner quarter panel wall) mount is gone. Was there a nut and bolt set up like the strap above?

 

[ZekesGarage]

Hey guys, just started work on my '69 Greenbriar, and have a hole rusted in my tank. Am I being foolish for asking where I can get a new one? Or do I have to just hope to find a good original one?

Thanks!

 

[FO_FDYFO]

ZekesGarage, you need to fix it or find a good used one.
72SSWagon, it is like a strap of sheet metal and this bolt that looks like a number "7" is hooked thru the strap and the bolt part of the hook is held to the tank strap with a nut.
it is a pretty specialized bolt. maybesomeone has one? i know i do but finding it is another story.

pete

 

[72SSWagon]

Thanks Pete. If you - or anyone - have one you can part with or have a picture of one that would be really helpful.

BG

 

[AMH555]

That gas tank hook bolt looks almost just like a trunk mounted GM spare tire hold-down hook bolt.
The original bolt was longer than needed so you could get the nut started and use it to pull the tank up, there was a notched section on it so you could break off the extra after the bolt was tightened.

 

[72SSWagon]

Thanks. That helps. That's sorta what I pictured. Maybe I can find something to modify at the salvage yard.

BG