69 fuel tank straps

[Brad H.]

I am replacing the fuel tank on my 69. I ordered new tank straps and they come in primer. Anyone familiar with the correct color for the straps and possibly where to get the paint.
Thanks,
Brad Hood

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

On 70-72 cars, they are natural steel.

May be the same for 68-69....

[Kenneth H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Bill, are you certain about the natural steel finish on '70 tank straps. I just removed the tank from my '70 LT1 and the straps appear to be painted semi-gloss black. The tank was definitely the original (scraps of the original tank sheet still attached) and the original anti-squeak pads were still in place. There was so much rust on the straps that I was sure that they were also original to the vette. I'm curious because I'm also getting ready to purchase replacement straps.

Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

On 70-72 cars, they are natural steel.

May be the same for 68-69....

Sorry. You lose.

"Dip painted in semi-gloss black" would be the correct answer.
Try again next time.

Patrick

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

The 70-72 4th Edition - JM says natural.

Page 111, under "gas tank and Sending Unit"
"attaching straps are natural steel finish"

Sorry. You lose.

"Dip painted in semi-gloss black" would be the correct answer.
Try again next time.

Patrick

[John H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

The 70-72 4th Edition - JM says natural.

Page 111, under "gas tank and Sending Unit"
"attaching straps are natural steel finish"

Bill -

I'd take issue with that; I spent 21 years in Chevrolet assembly plants, and never saw a gas tank strap that wasn't dip-primed black.

[Brad H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Guys,
If the 1969 tank straps are "dip primed semi-gloss black" any suggestions on a product to closely replicate that color and finish. Any recommendations!
Thanks,
Brad Hood

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

The 70-72 4th Edition - JM says natural.

Page 111, under "gas tank and Sending Unit"
"attaching straps are natural steel finish"

As John notes, the JM is incorrect. I'd say "wrong" but we're not supposed to use that word.

Seriously though, I've worked on enough of them to know. Absolutely, positively dip-primed in black.

I'll make a notation for when the update committee gets going on the 5th Ed.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Guys,
If the 1969 tank straps are "dip primed semi-gloss black" any suggestions on a product to closely replicate that color and finish. Any recommendations!
Thanks,
Brad Hood

Find a semi-gloss aerosol that is more "semi" than "gloss."
You can just paint them black and call it good, or you can spray them a little thicker on the ends so you get a few runs. Unfortunately they're virtually invisible once installed so even getting them black is "close enough."

If you want, you can thin down some semi-gloss Rustoleum from a quart and make your own dip prime tank. One of the plastic ones used in the bottom of a flower box would work.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

I am replacing the fuel tank on my 69. I ordered new tank straps and they come in primer. Anyone familiar with the correct color for the straps and possibly where to get the paint.
Thanks,
Brad Hood

Brad-----


The originals on my 1969 were painted semi-gloss black and just about the degree of glossiness produced by GM #1040105. Based on the runs, I'd say they were definitely dip-painted.

As Patrick notes, though, once installed in the car they're not easy to inspect carefully, if at all.

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Well -----

What is the sense of having a JM to use if the content is incorrect


I removed the dipped black from my straps and made them natural becuase it said to ...............

very frustrating ...............

rant over


sorry for pointing people in the wrong direction.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Bill,
Did you get those scores posted in your signature with natural gas tank straps?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Well -----

What is the sense of having a JM to use if the content is incorrect


I removed the dipped black from my straps and made them natural becuase it said to ...............

very frustrating ...............

rant over


sorry for pointing people in the wrong direction.

No problem.

When in doubt, follow my rule #2:
"Your car is more original than you think it is."
Ergo, what you see on your car may be correct no matter what the JG or the judge says.

Patrick

[Bill C.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

Bill,
Did you get those scores posted in your signature with natural gas tank straps?

Terry,

Yes I did.


I may just drop the tank and paint them black - I hate having things wrong.
I have to make the metal loop (under the body, one that goes over the drive shaft) natural instead of painted black, so I will just add the tank straps to the list ----

[Steven G.]

Re: 69 fuel tank straps

I agree with Pat's rule #2, the car details tells the story, I noticed when removing fuel tank (for build sheet) the straps were black without insulators, Yep, metal to metal, Also, the spare tire carrier was completely, heavy coated with factory undercoating, a couple of real nice upward runs and perhaps, a few v hand trial marks like used on tile adhesive. The bolts were covered with undercoating as well, inside tub is natural. The frame + tub undercoating seems to have been baked, as it bonds very well. 70' #9 Steve