Backyard Build

STRAPPED ON

Outlaw Customs shows how to build your own custom fuel-tank straps while saving upwards of $400 per pair

By Bruce W. Smith

Fuel tanks stand out on any truck. So when it comes to customizing, truckers spend a good bit of time and money on making them compliment their rig be it through polishing, painting, powder-coating, or some combination thereof.

One part of the fuel tank owners of custom rigs can have some fun with—while saving a bunch of money—is customizing the straps themselves.

An added benefit of making your own fuel tank straps, as Outlaw Customs’ Nic Gillan showed us recently, is the job is neither difficult nor expensive. The latter is great news for those who need to replace the straps for one reason or another.

OEM Peterbilt straps cost more than $500 per pair with aftermarket versions setting you back at least four bills. These “backyard-build” straps will cost you less than $400 for a set of four and you can add your own custom finishing touches to really make them stand out. – CR

All you need is a good workbench, basic layout skills and basic hand tools, access to a TIG or MIG welder, and some aluminum sheet stock (or stainless if you’re into the higher-end look.) The job should take about six hours to do two sets of straps; less if you have made them before.– CR

Custom Rigs Quick Tip Videos

Nic Gillan explains the reason for drilling a small hole anywhere a cut intersects an area of the fuel tank strap where a bend is going to occur:

Nick Gillan shows a trick to make the oval slot in the straps for the T-bolt:

Step-by-step photo gallery

[View with PicLens]

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