Author Topic: Gas tank strap question  (Read 4622 times)

68camaroz28

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Gas tank strap question
« on: April 01, 2011, 01:31:18 AM »
We are restoring our 68 and recently I was reviewing the condition of the orig. gas tank straps. Except for one being a little bent from  when it was taken off it seemed like they would be quite usable but thought about just purchasing some new ones but one thing jumped out, that being the offset of the bulge. Maybe it had to do with how they were put in a press (process variation) but both have a very similar offset. Looking at one set of reproduction this bulge seemed to be in the middle. Is this normal or did they in fact have that much process variation that straps varied from having the bulge anywhere from the centerr to being way off center?
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

GaryL

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2011, 03:45:01 PM »
Never noticed that before. Always restore original parts. JMHO.
Gary

Lemans Blue X33. DZ, M20, manual steering. Only BU code rear end is original.

jeff68

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2011, 11:43:15 PM »
I just checked out 2 sets of repro straps.  An old set from the early 90's has offset bulges, although not quite as offset as your originals (fairly close, though).  A set I recently purchased has very slightly offset bulges, but the bulges are not formed as well as the older repros.  I still have my original straps stashed away somewhere at my parent's house in Maine.  My plan is to take a trip up there this summer to get my originals and restore them.  Nothing beats an original part.  Plus, I remember my originals fitting way better than I could ever ger a set of repros to fit.
68 L30/M20 Convertible, Ash Gold
N10, F41, N34, Z21, ZJ9, Z87, D55, G80, P01, U17

68camaroz28

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2011, 12:27:10 AM »
Agree Gary and Jeff concerning restoring what you have. I just was surprised at the difference and thought maybe there was a lot of variation that either could be correct. Today I took care of the little bend/twist the one had from taking it off. No pits so they will be restored. Would be interesting to hear from others that have originals to know what variation they had, if they did.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

jeff68

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2011, 03:31:21 AM »
Chick-  It's going to be a while bofore I have my originals back in my hands, but if I remember I'll post back here about what I find.
68 L30/M20 Convertible, Ash Gold
N10, F41, N34, Z21, ZJ9, Z87, D55, G80, P01, U17

68camaroz28

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2011, 11:09:18 PM »
Looked at a 68 survivor and the straps have the same large off center offset. Very pronounced!
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

1968RSZ28

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2011, 11:48:21 PM »
Yup, my 02C '68 Z28 is the same.  Bulge is to the right on both straps.  I measured about 4mm of material on the right before the bulge and about 7mm on the left.  The original straps fit my gas tank like a glove, I can't imagine the reproduction straps fitting this nice.

Did I mention my gas tank is date stamped 68 27...    :)

Paul

jeff68

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Re: Gas tank strap question
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2011, 07:40:07 PM »
I picked up my original tank straps today.  I cleaned about 1/8" of dealer undercoating off them and they are not offset.  There is a "B" stamped on each one.  Here are some pictures:




68 L30/M20 Convertible, Ash Gold
N10, F41, N34, Z21, ZJ9, Z87, D55, G80, P01, U17

 

anything