How do I remove these bolts? Trying to remove the fuel tank

[YoungWayne]

There's 2 bolts on each side, but I can't seem to figure out how to remove them. They have a metal thing around the head that prevents me from being able to attach anything to remove them. And I don't see how I can remove the metal thing. Please help!!!

[Marcarl]

Those are metal tabs that prevent the bolt from turning so that it won't loosen and come out. Take a screw driver and hammer to flatten them out away from the head.

[Pasta Burner]

Just took a look at mine thinking maybe there was a nut on the back.  It does not.  Looks like somebody before me did some custom metal work as @Marcarl stated.

[Marcarl]

Took a deeper look at your picture. If you look again you will see one tab that is in the open position and the other is closed against the bolt head.The closed one needs to be brought back so that you can install a wrench on the head. If you consider both tabs you'll also notice that either one or the other can flat fit against the bolt head, this is so you can use either one depending on the position of the head. These tabs are a part of the washer under the bolt head and will have an anti-turning pin in the hole.

[saddlebum]

Marcarl is correct. these are lock tabs which prevent the bolt from backing off after they are tightened. Bend the tab away from the bolt head and flatten it out so you can get a wrench or socket on the bolt head. After you tighten the bolt up again bend which ever tab will go up against the flat of the bolt (It does not need to be the same tab either one is fine). If neither line up with a flat tight the bolt until at least one does. DO NOT back off the bolt to get a tab lined up, always tighten the bolt to the next possible flat.

Edited February 22, 2022 by saddlebum

[Pasta Burner]

Seems like lock wire would have been a better design.

[Marcarl]

11 hours ago, Pasta Burner said:

Seems like lock wire would have been a better design.

Each has it's uses.

[saddlebum]

16 hours ago, Pasta Burner said:

Seems like lock wire would have been a better design.

It depends on the location of the bolt and how it is situated, sometimes there just is no way for a wire to work. In the trucking industry lock tabs are used a lot because of this. One thing to be aware of although lock tabs can be reused there is a limit as to how often the tab can be bent before it fatigues and breaks or becomes too weak to be reliable. In that case you either try to make use of the other tab or replace it completely

Edited February 22, 2022 by saddlebum

[djh3]

Depending on how many times you might need to take this bolt in and out, the lock tab would be fine. If for some reason it is something that needs to come out enough you kill the tab, I would think some lock tite would suffice.

[YoungWayne]

After a busy week I just read all of the replies, thank you!

[N3FOL]

Spray some penetrating liquid on that bolt before you tackle the job.  It may help a bit.