Does anyone have a picture or drawing of how the bolt for the bottom gas tank strap mounts to the inner quarter panel on the Cutlass/Vista Cruisers? While removing my tank the bolt pulled out along with part of the tab that held it in, so I'll need to fabricate a new tab.

 

I'm not sure which end of the strap your needing help with. I've got a 1971 Cutlass wagon and it has a slot where the strap goes in on what I'm calling the inner side, near the frame. Then the back of the quarter panel I see a bolt going through that end of the strap. Is that the same as your year? John

I just re-read your post and I think our years are the same. I'll see if I can get a photo that will help.

 

OK, I crawled under there with a good flashlight and now see what holds the gas tank in. I didn't realize that the quarter panel was double thickness, not just the quarter skin. To get a good photo the gas tank needs to be removed. I believe there's a couple members here dismantling Vista Cruisers. You might send them a message asking if one of them has the tank off. In fact, you might ask if they would sell you the piece that your missing vs fabricating one. John

 

I resemble that remark! I have a Vista I'm pulling parts from. I'll try to check for that part in the next few days.

 

Thanks for speaking up Scott! Yes yours and Matt's posts were the ones I was thinking of

 

There's a few I could probably use at this rate, like a tank and sending unit for starters, though I've heard the vista cruiser and cutlass cruiser may have slightly different parts.

Thanks for the help, but I think I've figured it out. I played jigsaw puzzle with the rusted pieces that fell out and have a good idea. There was a square area punched outward with a J-shaped hook that held the triangle end of the strap bolt on the outboard side.

Since it's pretty well rusted through in that spot, it looks like I'll need to fabricate and weld up my own plate and hook assembly. Not a fun spot to weld in, nor easy, but at least it's fairly cheap.

 

If I'm reading MapQuest right you may only be about an hour from Scott. (Oldspackrat)