Hi everyone, I have a new problem that really concerns me. Lately when I gas up I notice when I lift up the gas tank cap the gas tank isn’t in the center, it is off center to the left. If I pull it to the right it slides back to the center. I remember one day hearing quite a loud snap but couldn’t find anything wrong. How is the gas tank secured so it doesn’t move around. Is it strapped in? I’m thinking maybe a strap broke and that was the loud snap I heard. I’m worried about gas lines moving around which could lead to them breaking... Check out these pics and tell me what you think

Correct in the center

Correct in center

Displaced

Displaced

 

HI Dave,

There are two straps that go across the top of the tank.
They are hooked in the front frame cross member, and then bolted to the back frame rail.
You tighten the bolt to tighten the strap.
You can easily see if both straps are correct by laying on the ground and looking up at the front and back of the tank.
Its possible one strap came unhooked on the front.

Hope that is clear enough

.

 

Pics from under and strap connectors would be helpful

 

You will need to remove the spare tire tub and lid to get access to the mounting straps, etc. Probably even to look at the straps and their mounting points.

 

Here is a pic from a '77. The setup is similar to what the OP has----2 straps running length-wise, hook at the front, bolt at the rear to tighten up the strap.


Orange circle denotes hook-end of strap, yellow circle denotes bolt-end of strap. This view is from underneath, looking towards the rear of the car.

The gas tank has 2 recesses that the straps lay in. Even if the straps were a little loose, they would hold the tank in place.

Spare tire carrier, spare tire, and spare tire carrier cover need to be removed for this access.

It sounds like the one or both of the OP's straps are snapped, based upon the "loud snap"noise he heard.

 

Strap retaining bolts could rust thru leaving the tank loose. Or, if that area has been worked on previously, the tank may have not been placed properly and/or the straps were not properly tightened. Other than removing the spare tire tub, fixing such a problem is not that troublesome.

 

The tank sits on two fibrous strips that do deteriorate. If they have disintegrated the tension on the straps will have come loose?

 

oh, I don't know, had the tank out of my 77 a little over a year ago. those fibrous strips as you call them are more like "Tar paper " not really all that thick. Mine looked like new after over 40 years and I reused them.
the way the straps fit into the recesses in the tank. Both would have to be broken for the tank to slide.
If it were me I'd stop driving that car untill it's properly repaired.

 

As others have said, looks like a strap or two have broken from rust etc. If it's rust, do a through inspection of the tank. Also, if the hoses are original, now would be the time to replace them with ethanol resistant hoses. Don't forget to wear safety glasses when working on the tank. Jerry

 

Good stuff guys...op youll need to get on top of that only got 2 straps that I know of those gotta stay secure
Couldnt locate the stock type "anti squeak pieces that go underneath so cut some thin rubber material out works great.

 

Anti squeak ..i reused my old one

https://www.zip-corvette.com/68-77-g...ueak-pads.html

 

I bought some from either Zip or Corvette Central this summer. In my opinion, the stuff doesn't look much different than tar paper house wrap -- maybe a tad thicker but not by much if it is. I think the factory strips I removed were thicker but it was crumbling, gas soaked, and stunk.

 

the anti squeak is shingle underlayment ,, tar paper I cut my own
little 3m spray adhesive

 

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts... next time I can get my Vette up in the air I’ll have a good look. I already have the spare tire and holder out...

 

FWIW I am probably gonna be reprimanded for this post but I have in my possession a set of unused tank straps and 2 anti squeal rolls..
Just saying and they are for a 78!!!

JJ78

 

That is a generous offer from JavaJolt78 for straps and anti-squeak rolls for a '78. However, the gas tank was redesigned for MY 1978, and the capacity was increased from 17-18 gallons (1968-1977) to 24 gallons (1978-1982). Please note these are Chevrolet's capacity ratings, not mine.

The '78 straps will not work on the OP's gas tank. He has a '71. Better to buy the straps that fit the tank correctly.

Our friends at Willcox have these: https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...trap-set-68-74.

Anti-squeak rolls are sold for 1963-1982. For 1968-1977, you cut them to length. https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...eak-pads-63-82

Good luck!