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Hi Guys,

Just wondering if this (see pic below) is correct? I don't see any mention of using any anti-squeaking material between the gas tank straps and the tank in ORD 9, but I've seen it now on M38s and on a few M37s. If you do this.......how is the tank grounded??



DSC02501 by w30bob

thanks,
bob

Bob,

I've never seen it in the TMs either. My tank didn't have any anti-squeak nor did my friend's 1951 truck have it. If that tank pictured has any ground it is likely to be either through the metal fuel line going forward and the frame's clips or there is an extra wire/bonding strap on the top side, under the access plate. If the former, it wouldn't be a very good one or for very long; if the latter, it would work just as well as those without the anti-squeak, I think.

I had thought of something like that, though it would have been a bit more subtle, after I painted my tank. It looked pretty and I knew what those straps were going to do to that paint. I put it back in as Dodge intended it, without padding/anti-squeak. I consider adding a wire to it anyway to "enhance" the ground every time I look over and question the fuel gauge. It would probably be off one of the sender screws.

As tight as those straps are, I wouldn't think there would be any squeaking at all-my tank doesn't, anyway.
Gary

I agree with Gary, and will add that I don't hear much over the engine roar and t-case whine. Mine may squeak, but there are lots of other things that make more noise. Quiet they are not.

Hi Warren,

Thanks for the reply. I'm not so much concerned about the tank actually squeaking.....I'm just trying to figure out what is correct for when I restore my M. I see the M38 vendors sell an anti-squeak kit for the Jeeps, so I was just wondering if the Dodge's also had such a thing installed at the time of manufacture. The M I bought last Spring didn't have the original gas tank or straps installed, so I had no idea what should have been there. Then I saw the M in the pic I posted at one of the meets this summer and started to wonder.

regards,
bob

I've seen my share of M-37s at shows for the last few years. While I don't like to dis anyone's efforts, lets just say that everyone seems to have their own opinions of what a restoration is. Ran across one this summer that was "restored". Had a 12V system with no wiring harness, colored wires run randomly as needed. I think you get the picture. Some honestly don't know and I applaud YOUR efforts to do things correctly by asking so many questions. Lots of folks have restored cars and we know that is a different world.
I've not seen a M37 with tank strap insulators, so I would conclude that without is more likely to be correct. Again, it does pay to ask as just because most of us have been doing it a certain way doesn't make us correct!

I don't remember it mine did or did not, but I think I used a bicycle inner tube between my straps and the tank to help reduce tank wear if there was any movement.

Is that brake line on backwards?

The brake lines do look like they are on the wrong side? BTW, The anti-squeak strap/pad looks like it is worn out?
The bicycle tube idea sounds great Bill!

I tried using pipe foam insulation on mine once-couldn't get the bolts started (they are a pain to begin with), so I removed the foam, fabbed up a piece of square tubing to use as leverage then pumped them into place with a floor jack, making the gas tank strap bolts installation a piece of cake.
Gary

I used 1.75" wide OD webbing on mine and black zip ties to hold the ends together on the top of the tank so that you can't see the splice.

Bert