1981 Corvette fuel tank feed and return line retainer

This part # 6 may be rather difficult getting back on. I should have but didn't mark the feed and return line before removing the rubber hoses to get the correct lengths on both. I know what its purpose is but I'm curious if it could be left off ? I still have the rubber protector on those lines under the 1/4 panel.

As long as the hoses are not too short, not under excessive tension, and have good clamps that are tight, the retainer can be left off.

Thanks, I was intending on leaving the rubber lines that go onto the hard lines a little bit longer than the ones I removed but would you use the original press style factory clamps that came off or new screw type hose claps on the hard line side that come from the fuel pump ?

I was able to put it back on it wasn't as hard to do as putting the vent line back on, not a lot of room to work between the tank and the body when you get the tank up to working areas. I'm glad I have the tank up, now all I have left is the rear brace for the tank, tighten everything down and put the spare tire holder back on. Temperature has been in the triple digits, I'm 71 years old and laying on the floor under a car just don't get it any longer. only working on it in the mornings. Thanks again.