A few questions after more teardown Options

[stateofidleness]

Gents,
Starting to get to the rust repair stages and getting more "intimate" with the engine compartment and removal of fuel line stuff. I took a lot of pictures and have some questions you experienced guys may be able to help me with.

1) I noticed this "bracket" thing that the clutch cable runs through at the firewall. it does NOT appear to be stock as it looks like a washer welded to a piece of metal bent to the correct contour. It's then screwed in to through the floor. What the hell is this? Should I remove it or leave it alone?



2) Pulled the tank and was REALLY happy with how clean it was underneath. Noticed these markings on the tank and was just curious is a) these are factory markings and b) if not factory, does it mean my tank is not original to the car? My car is a '73 and the marking says '72.



3) Anyone know a part number for the black part in this picture, or know where to order a replacement? I've never seen one before.. ever! It was on top of the gas tank and the metal straps went through it. I imagine someone broke it while strapping the tank in at some point.



4) Last question (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)
Does this fuel pump bracket look "right"? It's tucked up under the hell hole side engine shelf right next to the factory fuel filter mount. Something just doesn't look right to me with it like it was added by a PO or something. How hard is it to relocate the pump to the front? Any benefit in doing this or leave it where it is?

[Jeff Hail]

Gents,
Starting to get to the rust repair stages and getting more "intimate" with the engine compartment and removal of fuel line stuff. I took a lot of pictures and have some questions you experienced guys may be able to help me with.

1) I noticed this "bracket" thing that the clutch cable runs through at the firewall. it does NOT appear to be stock as it looks like a washer welded to a piece of metal bent to the correct contour. It's then screwed in to through the floor. What the hell is this? Should I remove it or leave it alone?



2) Pulled the tank and was REALLY happy with how clean it was underneath. Noticed these markings on the tank and was just curious is a) these are factory markings and b) if not factory, does it mean my tank is not original to the car? My car is a '73 and the marking says '72.



3) Anyone know a part number for the black part in this picture, or know where to order a replacement? I've never seen one before.. ever! It was on top of the gas tank and the metal straps went through it. I imagine someone broke it while strapping the tank in at some point.



4) Last question (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)
Does this fuel pump bracket look "right"? It's tucked up under the hell hole side engine shelf right next to the factory fuel filter mount. Something just doesn't look right to me with it like it was added by a PO or something. How hard is it to relocate the pump to the front? Any benefit in doing this or leave it where it is?

What is that... half a gate hinge used to brace the clutch tube?

Lets see... so far we have seen bed frame rail, plumbers tape, shelving angle iron, scrap metal, washers, stacks of washers, I saw a quarter with a hole drilled in it and brazed on, JB weld that broke, a piece of a hole saw blade tacked in over the clutch tube etc, etc.

Don't feel down. We have seen creative inovation attempts at its best and worst. Its a pretty regular thing around here. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)