72 fuel tank installation question

[Kenneth L.]

I just installed a replacement fuel tank in my '72 LT-1 and noticed that the rear curved bottom end of the tank rests on the fixed shelf. The front bottom end of the tank overhangs the removeable brace by a few inches. And the fuel fill opening isn't at the center of the fuel door opening in the back deck. Instead it's more towards the bottom of the fuel door opening.

I took pictures of the old tank before removal and now notice that the rear of the fuel tank sat up on top of the fixed shelf, and the front end of the old tank didn't protrude over the removeable brace. I reused the old tank straps because they were in great condition and were still formed to the shape of the tank. I'm thinking that if I loosen everything up, and prop the rear of the new tank back over that fixed brace in the back, it will tilt the fuel fill opening and line up with the fuel fill door opening in the back deck. Has anyone else ever had the joy of replacing the tank? It sure is alot easier dropping them out!

[Joseph K.]

Re: 72 fuel tank installation question

I have reinstalled the the tank on a 69 and it went back in with out any problems. Did you compare the new tank with the old tank prior to putting it back in? There is some adjustments that can be made by unloosening the straps.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 fuel tank installation question

Hi Ken,
Here are a couple of pictures of the tank mounted on the frame of my 71.
Your tank shows proper finish and weld area (mine's painted) and doesn't have the fuel return line. But you should get the idea of how it sits.
Did you mount the little cross member the front of tank sits on up-side down? That might cause the situation you've described.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Kenneth L.]

Re: 72 fuel tank installation question

You had me thinking about that brace Alan. But the pics taken before I dropped the old tank match the ones with the new one installed. I also never removed the factory tank straps that are attached to that support and the rear shield. All I did was wrap it back around the new tank once I got it up in there. Your pics make it obvious that the rear of the fuel tank must rest up on that rear shelf, and not just be wedged against it at an angle like it is now. Thats why the fuel fill cap is probably low too. What a wacky design. But then again, it was easy at the factory when they just dropped the body on it! Thanks.

UPDATE: By just removing the 2 strap bolts I was able to slide the fuel tank to the rear, and sit it on top of that rear shelf. The hard part was pulling the tank straps down hard enough to line up the weld nuts on the end with the holes to put the bolts back through. After this, the fuel tank opening was right where it belonged.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 fuel tank installation question

Hi Ken,
I'm glad you got it.
I had the same problem getting the bolts started. IF they were longer it sure would be easier BUT there'd be a very long tail on the bolt once the strap is tightened properly. I ended up grabbing the strap and pulling on it while my wife started the bolt. I couldn't have had THAT happen if the body was on the chassis!
Regards,
Alan