2G: AWD Fuel tank straps? Is pulling the rear subframe necessary?

[Cox Abele]

I'm swapping my GST to AWD. I am at the point where I can bolt in the fuel tank and rear subframe. I have the fuel tank straps from my donner, but nearly all of the bolts to hold the tank shield on are frozen or broken, so I may need to get different straps. They are in great shape had it not been for the shield bolts.

Can I install the tank and subframe, then come back in a few days and swap in a new set of tank straps without having to drop the rear subframe? The car won't be driven, but I'd really like to make some visible progress in the rear without having to remove everything again to install the new straps.

 

[jeremy19984g63]

Yes you can put the subframe in now and the fuel tank support in later. however the tank support will not bolt up in place of the gst tank. you will have to weld on studs, or cut and drop bolts down through just like you do for the subframe bolts

 

[Cox Abele]

Cool. I already have my tank bolts in place and old brackets cut out. I am ready to drop my subframe bolts through this evening. I know I'll be on a roll and want to get the big parts in, but if new straps warranted pulling the subframe out again, I'd wait until the new straps arrived.

Thanks!

Now I'm curious why this advice was offered up. Luckily I didn't have to replace the tank straps. Given the location of the strap mounting bolts above the rear subframe, it wouldn't be possible to remove them without dropping the subframe. Why was this advice given?