Washers between the gas tank and the frames at the rear mount

[DANPATCH]

On the very early bikes were there washers between the tanks and the rear mount brackets at the rear of the gas tank that would space the gas tanks out

[sw48]

When I have mounted tanks on my knucklehead IMG_3943.jpg , flathead and panhead bikes the washers shown were used on the studs after they passed through the brackets on the frame so no, they did not serve as spacers.

[vph-d]

I have used flat washers to space out the tanks occasionally for years.
vph-d

[otis71]

As with many things using old sometimes distorted parts, use spacers so the tanks aren’t pulled to the mounts further distorting the tanks. I usually snug the rear mounts without spacers then space the front two as needed.