Auxillary Tank Strap Removal: how to?

[Bill K]

Today was the day to drop the auxillary tank and empty/clean it. Did the main a month ago. Is it OEM to have a steel main and plastic auxillary? Surprised me. I need a new skid plate(front is pretty rusted) and would like to put on new straps but for the life of me I can not figure out how to remove them. They are loose and just disapear up into the sheet metal. Is it doable with out cutting stuff?

Thanks in advance
Bill

[Bill K]

In case it matters, it is a 68.......

[landshark]

I think there are two bolts holding a metal retainer that the straps sit in. Look closely around where the straps enter there should be two bolts undo them then remove metal retainer then you can get the straps off

[akaFrankCastle]

Plastic auxiliary is absolutely normal. Pretty sure the only steel auxiliaries you will find are aftermarket.

Haven't pulled mine out but just had a look at it. Do you have 4 bolts under that floor channel? Two close to the rocker and another two near the body mount? I'm thinking removing those four bolts might allow that reinforcing piece to slide forward, off of that channel.

[Bill K]

I don't recall seeing any bolts when I was under there but I will look again Saturday when I am off work(work always seems to get in the way these days). Thanks for the tips. Will let you know what I find.
Bill

[landshark]

ya might be four. ccan go look i was stumped too then started looking around and saw there was a metal piece there blocking the straps in.. you just pull that metal piece out and the straps just turn out of there.. easy really once you see.

[Bill K]

So I just grab a screwdriver and pop out that piece of metal towards the front of the straps? No screws or bolts? Will check it out tomorrow(truck satys at my brother's a few miles away...... #&*@ covenants..

[landshark]

no its bolted in place.. probably 1/2 or 9/16 bolts..

[Bill K]

Got it, will look at it tomorrow. Hoping the bolts are not rusted in there to bad. So far I have been lucky.
On a side note, when I removed the tank, I had to cut the rubber filler tube. Can a piece of radiator hose be used in place so I can get it back together this weekend or do I need to buy a replacement from one of the shops?

[Kinder]

Should be two "J" bolts in the back holding the straps, the front should have a plate holding the straps in their slots (the straps have "T" ends), you should be able to leave the front in place and just pull the back and the tank should drop out for cleaning.

[Bill K]

All is good. tank back in and not leaking. I had to fill it really slow though, no vent tube so got a gasoline bath!! Also had to make a new filler hose with 7" of 2" filler hose cut in half with a 1 1/2" PVC 45 degree elbow. Worked slick and didn't have to wait on shipping for a new hose...... Tires and I am ready to take it out for a trial trail run(with by brother in his 72 Blazer), just in case something breaks.........

[D&D72]

Sorry I missed this entire post. you gotit all figured out but if your still looking for skid plate and straps and a spare tank I got em all if you need them.