Gas tank..... cradle????

[Kinger615]

Any suggestions on how to remove the gas tank cradle that sits behind the seat? I see numerous spot welds just wondering if there is a easy way to remove. Thanks
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['63GENIII]

I think there are two 1/2" bolts and two 5/16 bolts for each cradle. IIRC, one of the 1/2" bolts goes through the cab bushings as well. I don't remember seeing spot welds on mine.

I almost pulled mine out a few weeks ago but decided to used them to hold my speaker and behind the seat storage unit that I'm going to install.

[Vinceg]

Kinger615 there isn't really an easy way to remove the spot welds short of using a spot weld remover bit for a drill. I found the spot weld remover bit I had bought went dull before I ever got to the gas tank mounts. I was using a regular drill bit so I ended up with dimples that I had to fill weld and grind back down. The spot weld remover bit leaves a bit of the spot weld behind that can be ground off after. At least the one I had did. It worked well till it got dull.

Vince

[The Rocknrod]

I used a Makita and a cutting disc. You have to be careful though and use max control or you will cut through the trucks sheet metal. On the backside of the cab I used a piece of steel to slide down into the bracket to assist in not cutting the trucks sheet metal. Grinding to suit.
Once you start you'll get it, just don't try and go too fast.

[KenAdams]

+1 for a cheep spot weld cutter from Harbor Freight and patience. Think it probably only took and hour to get both of mine out. I started at one and gradually used a putty knife between the two to exagerate the difference. Then when I was finished just cleaned everything up with a flap wheel.

[Blue666(2)]

Originally Posted by KenAdams

+1 for a cheep spot weld cutter from Harbor Freight and patience. Think it probably only took and hour to get both of mine out. I started at one and gradually used a putty knife between the two to exagerate the difference. Then when I was finished just cleaned everything up with a flap wheel.

+2 The cradle is a bit thicker than the floor or back wall so it's easy to push a drill bit right through (insert voice of experience here). The spot weld cutters work a bit better. You can also work the blade of a screw driver between the two pieces and this helps it pop apart.

[Kinger615]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
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[racecougar]

I took a slightly different path, leaving behind the back portion of the mount. I cut off the front, pie cut the sides, laid the material down, welded it, then smoothed the welds out.

[Kenfuzed]

Nice job, just wish the pictures weren't on photobucket with all the annoying pop up ads.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Kenfuzed

Nice job, just wish the pictures weren't on photobucket with all the annoying pop up ads.

I know, I have to find a new place also.

[racecougar]

Ditto. The problem is, when I transfer all of my photos over to another hosting site, I won't be able to edit the links in my posts here. I don't understand why we can't go back and edit our posts here.

[Kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by racecougar

Ditto. The problem is, when I transfer all of my photos over to another hosting site, I won't be able to edit the links in my posts here. I don't understand why we can't go back and edit our posts here.

Hi Rod, there should be an Edit button at the bottom of each of your posts. At least I see one below mine. Yeah I know it's a hassle to edit every single one and it's not your fault or anyone who has used them. I blame Photobucket for being so intrusive and pimping their ads on every user's page. I get that they have to make money, but the popups that take over the page turn more people away. Then again, this forum could set up a gallery to host pics... but I digress JMHO

[racecougar]

Ken, the edit button disappears after a very brief period of time (maybe an hour). For instance, I can't edit the post I made above yesterday. I'll be able to edit this post for a short period of time, then it too will be locked henceforth. No other forum I've been a part of has had this practice of locking in posts for eternity.