Cliff, The coat hanger items you are describing are spring retainers, there purpose is to hold the baffle firmly to the bottom of the tank. If they are not installed the baffle will lift off the bottom of the tank, this will cause hesitation during acceleration especially when the tank is less than 1/4 full. Constant movement of the baffle could cause the stud at the bottom of the tank to break, this would require replacing the entire fuel tank. No special instructions on replacing the fuel filter. "We're here to help you" DMC Joe / De Lorean Services / <dmcjoe@xxxx> Web Site: <www.deloreanservices.com> . ----- Original Message ----- From: Cliff Andrews <fen2k@xxxx> To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 12:20 AM Subject: [DML] satisfaction and fuel tank question > Man... since i got my delorean in march i have > steadily been learning on how to fix the car, today i > replace my fuel pump and all accessories to it and > decided to check into my fuel tank.. well looking into >