Fuel Tank Strap

Remove and replace the fuel tank mounting straps that secure the fuel tank to the underside of the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel tank strap (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Fuel tank strap (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Fuel tank strap bolt hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface outdoors or in well-ventilated shop away from all ignition sources
2. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind front wheels
3. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel cap slowly
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to eliminate all electrical spark potential
5. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after running)
6. Drain fuel tank as completely as possible using approved fuel transfer pump into approved gasoline storage containers - AMC Rebel Machine has approximately 19 gallon capacity
7. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at rear axle or frame rails rated for at least 3 tons
8. Position transmission jack or second floor jack under center of fuel tank to support weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect fuel tank filler neck
   Locate the fuel filler neck hose connecting the fuel filler tube to the tank. Loosen the hose clamp at the tank connection using a screwdriver or 1/4 inch socket. Carefully twist and pull the filler neck hose off the tank inlet pipe. Some fuel will drain from this connection - have a drain pan positioned underneath.
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel tank vent line
   Locate the smaller vent line connected to the top of the fuel tank near the filler neck. This is typically a 5/16 inch rubber hose with a spring clamp. Release the clamp and carefully remove the vent line from the tank fitting. Allow any residual fuel to drain into the pan.
3. 3

   Disconnect fuel delivery line
   Locate the main fuel line (typically 3/8 inch steel line) connected to the fuel tank sending unit or pickup. This connection may be a threaded fitting or compression fitting. Use two wrenches (typically 5/8 inch) - one to hold the tank fitting stationary and one to loosen the line nut. Expect some fuel spillage. Cap or plug the line to prevent dirt entry.
4. 4

   Disconnect fuel tank sending unit wiring
   Locate the electrical connector for the fuel tank sending unit (fuel gauge sender) on top of or near the fuel tank. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab or pulling straight apart. The connector is typically a single-wire or two-wire connector with spade terminals.
5. 5

   Support fuel tank weight
   Adjust the transmission jack or secondary floor jack to firmly contact the bottom of the fuel tank. Apply upward pressure to take the weight of the tank before removing straps. The tank should be stable but not lifted - you are preventing it from falling when straps are removed.
6. 6

   Remove passenger side fuel tank strap
   Locate the passenger side fuel tank strap mounting bolts at the frame rail. These are typically 1/2 inch head bolts. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10 minutes if bolts show corrosion. Remove the front and rear mounting bolts holding the strap to the frame. The strap will swing down away from the tank. Inspect strap for corrosion, cracks, or deformation.
   ⚠Strap bolts may be severely rusted. Use proper-fitting sockets to avoid rounding bolt heads. If bolts break, they must be drilled out and frame holes may require repair.
7. 7

   Remove driver side fuel tank strap
   Locate the driver side fuel tank strap mounting bolts at the frame rail. Apply penetrating oil if needed. Remove the front and rear mounting bolts. As you remove the second strap, maintain upward pressure on the transmission jack - the tank is now free to lower. Slowly and carefully lower the tank a few inches to verify all connections are disconnected.
   ⚠️Tank will become unstable as second strap is removed. Ensure jack is properly positioned and stable. Have a helper guide the tank if possible.
8. 8

   Lower and remove fuel tank (if needed)
   If tank is being removed for additional service, slowly lower the transmission jack while guiding the tank down and toward the rear of the vehicle. The tank typically must angle and shift to clear the frame rails and exhaust components. If only replacing straps, lower tank just enough to remove old straps completely and position new straps.
9. 9

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   With straps removed, inspect the frame rail mounting points for corrosion, damage, or worn bolt holes. Wire brush the mounting surfaces to bare metal. Check the fuel tank for dents, rust perforation, or damage where straps contact the tank. Inspect rubber cushions or insulators between straps and tank - replace if cracked or compressed.
10. 10

    Position new fuel tank straps
    Position the new fuel tank straps over the fuel tank with the mounting tabs aligned to the frame rail holes. Ensure any rubber cushions or protective pads are correctly positioned between the strap and tank surface. The straps should curve to match the tank bottom contour. Raise the tank with the transmission jack if needed to align strap mounting holes with frame.
11. 11

    Install and tighten strap mounting bolts
    Insert mounting bolts through frame rails and strap tabs. Start all four bolts (two per strap) finger-tight first. Ensure tank is centered between frame rails and positioned forward correctly so filler neck, vent, and fuel lines will reach connections. Tighten all four strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern, alternating between straps. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten - straps should hold tank securely without deforming the tank. Typical torque is 15-20 ft-lbs but verify tank is secure and straps are not cutting into tank surface.
12. 12

    Reconnect fuel delivery line
    Remove the cap or plug from the fuel line. Reconnect the fuel delivery line to the tank fitting using two wrenches to avoid twisting the tank fitting. Tighten the connection firmly - typically 12-15 ft-lbs for a 3/8 inch line nut. Verify the line is not kinked or strained.
13. 13

    Reconnect vent line and filler neck
    Reconnect the fuel tank vent line and secure with the hose clamp. Reconnect the fuel filler neck hose to the tank inlet pipe and secure with the hose clamp. Ensure both connections are fully seated and clamps are positioned correctly on the hose, not at the edge.
14. 14

    Reconnect sending unit wiring
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the fuel tank sending unit. Ensure connection is fully seated and secure. Verify wiring is routed away from exhaust components and will not contact the driveshaft.

Reassembly

1. Remove transmission jack from under fuel tank
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Add fresh fuel to tank - minimum 2 gallons to verify system operation
4. Inspect all connections for leaks before starting engine
5. After fueling, turn ignition key to ON position (without starting engine) and listen for fuel pump operation if equipped with electric pump

Verification

• With vehicle still on jack stands, inspect all fuel line connections, filler neck, and vent line for any signs of fuel seepage or dripping
• Start engine and allow to idle for 5 minutes while monitoring for fuel leaks at all connection points
• Rev engine several times to increase fuel pump pressure and flow - recheck all connections
• Lower vehicle from jack stands and test drive briefly, then re-inspect all fuel system connections for leaks
• Verify fuel gauge operates correctly indicating proper sending unit connection
• Inspect under vehicle after 24 hours and again after first 100 miles to verify no leaks have developed and straps remain tight

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