Fuel Tank Strap Replacement

[LorenS]

Home again today thanks to Commie Cold and feeling fantastic so thought I'd change out my front fuel tank strap that has been bent/ mangled since before I bought the truck. Just like the Kung Flu, it too is from China. The new straps are plain carbon steel so the one I installed got a good coat of paint before install. Factory straps appear to have been galvanized. Here are some photos I took to compare; the new strap is actually for the rear, hence the smaller size and lack of clipped corners at the bolt end. Corners must be clipped to clear driveshaft center support bracket.

 

Not sure what to think of the spot welds versus rivets. Time will tell.

 

And a picture of a grill table I made about 12 years ago for a Weber grill I found on the side of the road! 

 

Edited August 18, 2022 by LorenS

[W-T]

Good on you Loren that you can work through the commie flu...your art work looks good. Lets go Brandon!

Cheers,

W-T

[Mopar1973Man]

Well spot welds should hold but only time will tell. Unless you feel comfortable doing so light welding on the edge of the straps to guarantee it holds.  

[wil440]

12 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Well spot welds should hold but only time will tell. Unless you feel comfortable doing so light welding on the edge of the straps to guarantee it holds.  

I'd have to say those MIC spot welds will certainly fail

 

Either weld the end on properly or drill them out one at a time and use small nuts/ bolts say 6mm  or 5/16th

Edited August 19, 2022 by wil440

[Stanley]

You could even put your own pop rivets in there. Wouldn't hurt, small and easy to do. And bolts work too as previously mentioned.