DSMblue

I am planning on removing/refinishing the tank straps since they are rusty. Two questions - first, do I need to support the tank with a jack and wood while the strap is off, and second, should the finish be satin black?

Dutch944

First answer: No, the strap is purely for supporting your fuelpump and the cover around it. When you unscrew the strap nothing will happen to your tank.
Second answer: the original finish is satin black so yes!

I hope for you that your straps aren't too rusty, new ones are just too expensive, i made my own from a strap of aluminium. Was quite a bit of work but do-able

Legoland951

There is a fuel pump strap, which is very different from the 2 large gas tank straps which support the entire weight of the tank. If you are removing the 2 large straps holding the tank, you will need to support the weight of the tank.

nofalls

There are also 2 (I believe) large bolts that go through the gas tank to hold it to the body of the car. I remember having to remove them to drop the tank last year.

Legoland951

There are no bolts to the tank. These 2 bolts you are referring to goes through the rear end of the 2 straps holding the tank up. I believe they are 17mm head bolts.

Oddjob

Depends on early or late. The late plastic tanks do have two large bolts, and the straps are just for additional support, one per side. The early metal tanks I think just use two straps.

DSMblue

So since mine is a late plastic tank, is the consensus that I can get by without supporting the tank when removing the straps?

Olli Snellman

Yes you can, because it is held by two large bolts with large washers. Straps are only for fuel pump cover, nothing else.
You can easily see from these pictures to where bolts go

DSMblue

That was my plan - remove one, refinish/reinstall, then move to the other side. Thanks everyone for the input. Once weather warms up a bit, I will post with results/pictures.