The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Gas Tank Strap Rubber

My under-the-flatbed gas tank on my '48 1 Ton is out for repairs, including patching the small leaks from rust holes where the rubber pads under the metal straps were.
There were thin pieces of rubber, maybe old inner tubes, between the metal straps and the tank but they didn't stay in place and didn't prevent corrosion or abrasion.
There are options regarding rubber strips, thicknesses from 1/16 to 1/8, self adhesive vrs. glue on or not glue on and assorted widths.
One of my straps is 1-1/4" and the other is 1-1/2".
What is the best choice for rubber product and installation?

Is it better to trim the width to match the straps or just leave it sloppy?

Does there need to be a pad between the bottom of the tank and the metal frame mounts?

If mounted with rubber at all contact points will the tank need external grounding, for the fuel gauge sending unit and if so how do I do it?

Thanks for the opinions! Jim

Jim, the best replacement for the rubber under the straps that I have found is glass setting tape. It's the rubber tape that you soak with oil to secure the door window glass into the metal frame.

It is available in different widths and thicknesses. If you search "glass setting tape" on eBay, you will get several hits.

Local glass shops that specialize in car window replacements usually carry it in large rolls and will sometimes sell you the amount that you need.

I get it wide enough to overhang each side of the metal strap by about 1/4" because that's how it looks on the stock installations. I think the overhang helps to protect the tank from the sharp edges of the metal straps.

This is the stuff that I use for in-cab tanks. It works so well and looks so much like the original material that I sometimes wonder if this is what the factory used.

Good luck,

Matt

Seems Matt has the best idea....but on my panel I used #30 roofing felt cut a little wide and it works good on the panel but I'm sure your situation calls for something more "commercial grade". ....it's just another idea for those reading..