I can't believe this is fighting me this hard. So let me ask a rudimentary question...

Which way should the slots (openings) that retain the straps on the gas tank supporting brace face? Towards the front or the rear of the car?

The brace which holds the gas tank bolts onto my chassis with the slot opening for the straps facing towards the cars rear, however, my straps are nearly 2" short when installing them in this orientation. If I rotate the brace where the straps face the front of the car (as I see most everyone's pictures represent) both of the offset brace to frame bolt holes won't line up thus I can only install one bolt to hold the brace on each side of the frame.

This is a 1970 big block and I am reusing the factory tank, straps and brace which I took off this same car...

I need some detailed pictures of the strap routing specifically where they interface with the gas tank brace.

 

Does this help
Gas Tank

 

The link to the thread MelWff posted is gold. That guy Alan 71 is a sort of a “guru” here when considering solid info on these old Vette’s. I think that if you have a 2” shortage then you have somehow added something into the mix that is taking all of the potential slack out of the situation. You said that everything (tank, straps, brace) are original. So I would question, what other than those things has changed? Did you add some materials in there to protect the tank/straps/ frame/ brace from rubbing one another? If going aftermarket on anything, I’d call out that part first, as many have posted that replacement parts these days are sometimes way off the mark in pretty much every aspect. But, you have not gone that route. What did you change from original? Some buffer/insulating/ anti-rub materials? If that is a big no, then maybe it’s as simple as pushing the tank fore or aft so that things align. A 2” differential is hard to overcome though. Something in there is not what it once was. If not, why not? Just asking in a way that I would question myself in a such a situation. Best wishes and hope you get it sorted!
BTW.. Not sure if you will find any usefulness from these vids, but this guy’s vids are something that I have found to be a great source of info. He is rather meticulous and a great teacher as he goes, with both his explanations and camera work. You may want to subscribe as this guy works through many common issues and concerns that you may face as you go. Hope this helps!

 

 

I read that post several times prior to install but what isn’t clear in Alan’s first picture is the direction the slot opening on the brace which the straps attach to is facing.

 

Thanks for the detailed response. Nothing has changed other than paint and powder coat, which won’t make the difference.

I watched that exact video earlier a dozen times, he’s a great resource. You can see in his vid the opening in the brace I’m referring to faces the front of his car. My setup calls for the slot opening to face the rear.

However, when I flip the brace around and face the opening for the straps towards the front I can install everything no problem. But I can’t fully bolt the brace to the frame (without drilling new holes).

if I did drill new holes, then I’m concerned the tank orientation wouldn’t line up properly with the fuel door.

 

To overcome the 2" shortage, get some threaded running stock and a few nuts. Put the running stock through the bottom hole and thread into the top hole in the strap. Double nut the bottom of the rod and tighten down on the bottom nut until the straps are close enough to put the stock bolt in. The problem you are having is that the straps must be fitted to the new tank. As mentioned above, make sure your tank is centered and the top vent lines are installed first. I just did this on my 68 and last year on my 66. Good luck. Jerry

 

When I replaced my fuel tank I used New Straps and that was easier for me. I also used longer hardware to "draw/pull" it together and then I removed the longer hardware and put back the shorter bolts.

It is a real pain in the back to replace the fuel tank, I have five crushed discs in my back and I was able to do it by myself.

 

Did you fully loosen the bolts that are used for adjustment in the back non-removable crossmember?

 

Yeah, this is a frame off resto so it’s been fully disassembled.

 

how about this picture

 

Yeah that helps. Definitely shows the slot openings for the straps on the brace facing the front of the car. Hrmmm…..