Fuel tank strap wedges

[Imagineer]

What's the purpose of the plastic wedges that are riveted to the fuel tank straps? I'm in the process of replacing the skid plate, straps and filler neck and just noticed that the replacement tank straps do not have these wedges installed.

The existing straps have the wedges and I suppose I can measure the locations, drill the new straps and rivet the wedges to the new straps, I'm just being lazy and if there's no real purpose, I'm going to save the time and not bother with them.

 

[TJ4Jim]

What's the purpose of the plastic wedges that are riveted to the fuel tank straps? I'm in the process of replacing the skid plate, straps and filler neck and just noticed that the replacement tank straps do not have these wedges installed.

View attachment 658107

The existing straps have the wedges and I suppose I can measure the locations, drill the new straps and rivet the wedges to the new straps, I'm just being lazy and if there's no real purpose, I'm going to save the time and not bother with them.

When the tank is in place they pin the assembly up against the structure to eliminate any movement.

 

[mrblaine]

When the tank is in place they pin the assembly up against the structure to eliminate any movement.

While I don't disagree, what is the purpose of the straps then?

 

[TJ4Jim]

While I don't disagree, what is the purpose of the straps then?

Maybe just a belt and suspenders approach.

 

[mrblaine]

Maybe just a belt and suspenders approach.

I suspect that the wedges have something to do with a rear collision. With the straps properly installed, the tank can't move in the skid. The skid can't change position when it is bolted up, so the wedges should have some other function. Given that they stopped using them at some point, that might tie in with the later much more robust skid? No idea, just speculating.