1989 FLD120 Fuel Tank Straps - Sources?

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by 55_cans, Sep 30, 2014.

  1. 55_cans

    55_cans Light Load Member

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    Sep 14, 2012
    Alberta
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    Hi. The tanks are 150 gal - 568 liters, about 28" dia and 63" long. My straps are 4" wide, 1/8" steel and at end of life. They are badly corroded on the strap between the upper step mounting bracket. In fact, on one the strap is broken and the step mount is holding it together. Freightliner quoted about $575 each - too much in my opinion.

    Was looking for alternate suppliers but haven't found, anyone know.

    If no alternates I was thinking about getting the straps cut out of 6" wide 1/8" thick steel, cut down to about 4" for most of the strap, but with 1" tabs bent out in positions to mount the upper and lower steps. Think the tabs would avoid welding the step bracket directly to the band and having the weld weaken it.

    Anyone else had problems with the tank mount?
     
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  3. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    hastings, Fl
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    I have made straps like you describe before. Worked fine.
     
    55_cans Thanks this.
  4. barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2010
    Southwest Michigan
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    55_cans Thanks this.
  5. 55_cans

    55_cans Light Load Member

    96
    19
    Sep 14, 2012
    Alberta
    0
    Hi barroll. Yeah I looked over those, the problem is the 28" tank dia (not as common as 24) and the built in step brackets. I saw the deals with complete tank and straps but am not sure about buying used straps because of the corrosion problem by the step mounts.
     
  6. barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2010
    Southwest Michigan
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    I'm not 100% sure of what your setup is, but can't you just use longer bolts to fasten the straps? I remember the bolts on my K100 being a good 12" long, and while I don't know the tank diameter, they were pretty fat.

    At least of you get the tanks replaced you can swap on 24"s to avoid this problem in the future, and even if the straps don't have much life left in them, they'll be cheaper and more common. My Columbia is 8 years old and has hardly any surface rust around the step mounts.
     
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