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Petrol Tie Strap

865 views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  rambo 
#1 ·
Hi from Terry
Would anyone be able to tell me the distance centre to centre of holes under Petrol Tank for the Tie Strap on a Triumph 1973 please? I think my tank is a 71 that has had 2 plates welded on it as an after thought. I wanted to refit the strap and will have to tap a thread in plate or braze in a threaded rod.
I didn't want to order the strap if my plates are in the wrong position, i've had the tank stripped down old liner removed and this will be the last time i want to touch the tank.
Cheers
 
#2 ·
Hi Terry, My USA version '73 Tiger 750 with small tank is 5 19/32" center to center.

The strap is slotted both ends so it doesn't have to be precise. The slot is about 1/2" long. My bolts are fairly centered in slots.

If you have the large Euro tank I don't know.

On a side note from the factory my tank weld seam sticks out such strap wouldn't sit quite flat on bushings. I put a flat washer between tank & strap at each end to relieve binding.

My tank has bushings that go into tank & bolts. Studs & nuts would be fine also & you may not have to perforate the tin to braze them on which would reduce chances of leakage.
Don
 
#3 ·
Just drill a length of flat bar to suit your holes.I have many 71 USA tanks without the bar underneath and they have not split open in my ownership.Of course,if you have a bar across,it will prevent a future splitting problem.On the tanks i have that are drilled for the bar,i have just used flat bar.The seam underneath does interfere with the bar so space it off with a couple of washers each side.
 
#4 ·
Early tanks 71/72 OIF did not use a tie strap. I have a 72 UK tank that does so I assume it is possible the late 72 US style tanks had them also. You can easily make one from a strap of steel. As other have mentioned at least on of the holes are mildly slotted. I have noted also that the straps on my bikes are not flat and have a arch to them. As your tank has add on mounts just take a measurement of what you have drill it slotting on end. There were two straps used by Triumph US tank strap # 83-4395 UK tank strap #83-4118
Also note the tank is supposed to 'float' on the center mounting rubber. In other words do not crank down on the center bolt.
To do so will result in large amounts of vibration to the tank and metal fatigue with leaks.


K
 
#5 ·
I have a '73 peanut tank and a breadbox with the nutserts for the strap.

Both have been on my '71 at one stage or another.

I have made a strap for the peanut out of some 10 x 10 aluminium angle and also mounted the horn to the strap.

It does not fit the breadbox however, and I am yet to make one for it.

Let me know if you need me to measure the breadbox.
 
#6 ·
Hi KADUTZ, My 73 Tiger has a steel tube on the center tank bolt that limits how far you can tighten nut. Was there from factory.

I've always ran nut down until upper washer contacted tube. The tank is still very rubber mounted though as you can wiggle it with your hands easily.

Is it correct to tighten nut to tube? Did the earlier tanks have this tube?

Interesting thing I've noticed if tank is down about 1/4 from full at a certain RPM just above idle the tank shakes wildly. Really full or less fuel doesn't do that. Has always puzzled me. Is it just from gas slosh??
Don
 
#7 ·
There is a distance tube fitted over the bolt when they were built in 1971.The rubbers in the centre hole do get worn over the years and new ones are easy to make using car tyre rubber.Overtighten these tanks and you will pull the metal down and distort the tank.
My USA tank fitted right now has no under tank brace.Not had any of my tanks split yet,although,i have seen some that have.
 
#8 ·
Thanks Don OIF and Kadutz
I think I will make up my own 3mm strap and drill holes to suite. As I've had my tank stripped of the old liner and am respraying it I think i will fix the strap to the tank even though its a 71 model, better to be safe than sorry as there has been a few spots welded in the past top front of tank. I bought the mounting bolt, tube, rubber and fittings for the tank a while back. The tank fits just like a new one now, nice and firm no vibration, glad I bought the kit
Regards
Terry
 
#10 ·
Good plan Terry and dont try and bend the bar over the seams,just a few stainless washers will space it off.I have quite a few USA and UK tanks,some with holes and some without.I do use the bar when fitting one with holes and keep it on the shelf so i dont use it for welding things.
 
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