Gas gauge, tank, straps

[zac]

After a month of ownership, I finally got a chance to put some miles on my '70 last week. I originally thought the gauge worked. Now I realize it indicates something, not exactly sure what. While being confused at the gas station as to how much gas was going in the tank, I looked more closely underneath to make sure it wasn't a larger than standard tank. It is not, but looks decent and doesn't leak. But the straps look pretty bad. Years ago I put one of those plastic tanks in my '72 when they first came out. The steel repros weren't available yet. I didn't like how the tank fit, and I really hated the straps. They basically didn't work. Where are we nowadays on all this? I particularly need new straps, but if they aren't better than they were 8-9 years ago I'll figure out something on my own. Thanks.

[vectorit]

The new metal straps I used that came with the new metal tank, were just like my originals and set up the same way.

No complaints here.

[zac]

Excellent. I know most of the repro stuff comes from the same manufacturers, but do you remember where you got your tank and straps?

[vectorit]

I think I got it from a local place, since the shipping would have been too much to order it from a one of the others. I think they all use the same manufacturer anyway.

http://www.truckandcarshop.com/

[JimmyFloyd]

I may have an extra set of straps. The ones from my 70 burb appear to be in good, usable shape, so the new ones I got with my tank won't be used.

Here are some pictures of the new straps next to my 70 burb straps.







These straps had been used to mount the tank for test fit before I bought them, so they are bent into shape already. The insulators are much thinner than the originals, and look like roofing paper.

[zac]

Those are exactly like the straps that gave me so much trouble with my plastic tank. Does anybody repo straps just like the originals? Maybe I'm just doing it wrong.

[vectorit]

Those are the same I am using with no issues.

Show us a pictures of how you have yours set up.

[leakyfawcett]

I got my tank from LMC, and didn't have any real trouble getting it installed. The straps were bent incorrectly, and there were no insulators included, but otherwise it was nice. The straps were easy to bend back in place correctly. I did use long bolts on both sides, since the new straps didn't have the riveted on hooks on one end.

I did a write up on the install in my blog here: http://www.1971chevysuburban.com/197...s-tank-install

I may have other photos if there's anything else you might need (or I can shoot a couple extras if you're looking for something specific.

I hope that helps! (it's my first time posting to the board )

James

[vectorit]

The gas tank straps are bent in a way to make them easier to ship, and the pads you have to buy separately.

I had a discussion about this at one of the big suppliers, and he said that is their most popular question on the phones. It's just the way they come from the supplier...