1960s Revisiting’60 gas tank straps

[David Greenburg]

I was under the back end of my '60 today to address a fuel leak and noticed that one of my gas tank straps appeareds partially unhooked at the front (trunk wall) attaching point. I revisited 60Eldo's recent thread on this topic, and didn't see a clear answer to the question of how the straps are supposed to attach up there. I believe, based on my "good side" that the answer is that the straps go through both slots; the bottom of the tab or "hook" comes out of the upper slot and then back in to the lower slot, so the bottom edge of the strap is behind the bottom part of the lower slot; basically woven in/out of the slots. 

So that brings me to the bad side. On that side, the strap is not fully seated; almost looks like someone started to unhook it and stopped. I have attached a picture, although it's not great. I have never touched the tank, and don't believe any of the work I've had others do would have involved removing the tank, so it's probably been that way for many years. But after noticing this and hearing about Jon's adventure with his tank, I want to sort it. Is loosening the strap as straightforward as it looks? I was thinking that if I can support that side of the tank, perhaps with a piece of wood held up by jack stands, I should be able loosening the strap and get it hooked in correctly.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

No picture.

Bruce.

[Clewisiii]

I know it is very difficult to get in there for a picture. And I am not sure the body is different from 61 to 60.

But here is the 61 rear mount.





Front mount for fun.

[David Greenburg]

I'm not sure what happened to the picture; I thought it uploaded, but I'll try again here. The '61 arrangement looks similar. I'm going back under this afternoon and will see if I can get a decent pic of the good side, with both slots engaged.

[David Greenburg]

I got back under the car and was able to get the wayward tank strap seated in the forward fitting. I was also able to get a picture of the other side, showing how I think it's supposed to look. In the second pic you can see the end of the strap in the lower slot.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I believe that the point showing coming through the hole is correct.

Bruce.