Clamp Around Rear Beam Cross Tube?

[205Rallee 59]

Can anyone tell me what purpose the clamp around the middle of the cross tube and the bracket that bolts up to the shell in the exhaust tunnel serves? Is it something to do with the original seat belt mounts?

[205Rallee 59]

Any ideas?

[Ryan 99]

The Haynes manual says its for the seat belts, but I can't really see how as it's not bolted to any of the belt mounts. 309s and base model 205s don't have one at all.

[Daviewonder 533 3 Cars]

It's a tank strap for the fuel tank. Not really needed.

[Tom Fenton 1,540]

I've heard a few theories over the years, I don't think anyone really knows. On my green car I put it back for the sake of originality, but on all the others if the beam has come off the car, the strap has come off and stayed off.

[205Rallee 59]

I couldn't work out what it does with the fuel tank as it's not connected in any way. I could only see it sort of "helping" the floor where the seat belts mount by possibly sending some of the load to the rear beam in the event of an accident. My original seat belts went 20 years ago so the clamp etc will stay off when the beam goes back in.

 

Thanks for the replies

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

It's a odd one to say the least, If it does hold the tank in this car never had one and the tank was there abit slightly squashed

 

[Henry Yorke 269 3 Cars]

My Alfa 155 had some similar straps which went under the tank, but not to the rear beam. I assume this was there for in case of an accident (but was also used to mount a rear undertray on certain models)