Did the factory put rubber strips between the straps and the tank? I see these sold but not in my repro repair manual.

I did order a pad from Patton Glade... thanks to all for the info.

Mike

When I removed my original tank, there were no rubbers between the strap and tank. I didn't put any back either. Just another area to retain moisture.

Is it possible they stopped using the pad between tank and body after 1970? I think I read that somewhere while click-shopping for a tank.

There wasn’t any padding on the top of the tank on my 71 GTO. I’m sure it was the original tank.

There wasn’t any padding on the top of the tank on my 71 GTO. I’m sure it was the original tank.

I used the repop heavy rubber pad on my 68 (between tank and body) ... it made getting the straps hooked up a real pain ... that extra little thickness seemed to be all I needed to get the front strap bolts started. Like many I resorted to a floor jack and wood.

Thanks again to Dennis for posting his photos!

I am starting to install my tank and found the pad I ordered from Patton Glade is significantly larger than the original Dennis shared. I attached a photo of his pad that I downloaded from an Oldsmobile forum site.

I plan to cut my new pad closer to Dennis's photos.

Mike

Shiny,

Glad the pictures helped...and at least your new pad isn't too small.

Dennis

I had to compromise... the new tank has a bulge that I decided to cover with the pad so I cut it about full-width.

Mike

I suspect the new tank had been dropped but the filler neck definitely needed persuasion to align it with the old tank.

Old tank:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1667789281

New as-received:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1667789312

After bending:
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1667789363

Looks great.
I have a feeling they expect you to bend those to the right position. I bet they found that if they are pre-bent to the right place that the neck takes too much abuse during shipping.

Could be! So everyone gets to do this! The carton arrived FAST and in great shape (Spectra tank ordered through Autozone) but the neck was sticking out - definitely awkward. It was easy to bend but stressed the solder joint as the tank bent, not the tube. Fingers crossed.

I have a buddy that does roofing and he had some of that ice shield barrier they put down at the edge of roofs. He gave me the end of a roll that was enough for a couple of cars. Cut it to size and put it in without peeling off the film on the sticky side. Been in there for at least 15 years now with no issues.