New gas tank u bolt

[71swb4x4]

There is hope for all of us. I didn't have the skills to make this before today. Yesterday I bought a piece of all thread rod and broke it every time I tried to get a 90 degree bend in it.
Today I bought a piece of 3/8" cold rolled steel (36" rod), bent the 90's, and cut my own threads. I started with a $30 tap and die set from the farm supply store (the nicest one they had), got frustrated with that and went to Car Quest and bought a $150 tap and die set. With the good die I had these threads cut in less time then I spent trying to get the cheap die started. I probably used way more cutting oil than needed but I didn't want to mess this piece up.
All in today, I had about an hour into making this. Had the farm supply store had a quality tap and die set I could have made this faster.

[tjsblazer]

I had to make one for my build also. Basically the same way. Cold rolled rod. Make the bends and then cut the threads.
Looks good!

[jjzepplin]

Where does this go?

[tjsblazer]

It drops down through the oblong holes in the rh lower frame rail. The rear oblong hole is in line with the rearward spring hanger / shackle. It is used to snug up the factory fuel tank straps.

[tjsblazer]

You can see it installed in this picture.

[jjzepplin]

Is there one on both sides?

[71swb4x4]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Is there one on both sides?

No. The straps have a hook on the other side that goes into the frame hole.
I haven't seen any installed on the right side, all of the ones I have seen have been installed on the left side. It's not going to hurt anything, just mentioning what I have seen originally.

[69-72]

If you want to take it a step further, the last ones I made I decided to use stainless steel. You just need to make sure to get the correct grade of stainless, I forget what it is but there is one grade that allows for easier threading.

I would suggest cutting the threads first as the die holder arms may interfere with the other side if it is bent first. Also don't cut the rod to the exact length first, leave a little extra and trim as needed as the final step.

[jjzepplin]

That makes good sense. My straps had holes on both sides. Must have been aftermarket. It was a poly tank. Sure would have been nice have these instead of the bolts I used. Anyone making these for us?

[69-72]

Speaking for myself, If I could ever figure out how to do threading on my lathe it would be a cinch to produce them but the labour in threading is just so intensive the bolts would cost a fortune.

[jjzepplin]

What is the total length that I would need to start with? 3/8x16 threads?

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

No. The straps have a hook on the other side that goes into the frame hole.
I haven't seen any installed on the right side, all of the ones I have seen have been installed on the left side. It's not going to hurt anything, just mentioning what I have seen originally.

You know I debated Rh or Lh side. Either way you're right they fit the same. Mine was Rh side and it appeared original but you never know. My little bit of googling showed them on the right. It may be another one of those inconsistencies from the factory.

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

What is the total length that I would need to start with? 3/8x16 threads?

As far as dimensions. Read this thread.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=u+bolt