Protecting Your Fuel Filler Cap From Monkeying

[patrickt]

A couple of years ago, Jamo posted a great pic on how he wired his cap to discourage "monkeyers," but still be able to quickly gas up (because the ends just pull out). I've had it on my to-do list ever since, even though it's a quick job. Yes Chas, now when I'm wolfing down that thermidor, I'll rest easy knowing my fuel-filler cap is protected. And you gotta admit, it looks cool, too.

[kevins2]

I like that. I recently posted a thread over on Cobra Registry asking the guys that have been around for a while if they parked their cars at restaurants, home depot, whatever to get some feedback on how often their cars are messed with. One response said in 5 years of frequently parking the car the only thing that happened was someone popped the filler cap open - apparently no damage but someone messed with it.

[ERA Chas]

You'll get tired of that at fill-up time. Jamo's was one continuous loop around the hinge and snugly twisted at the clasp. Barely enough slack to lift it off the hinge side. I only did that on-track.
Scratches your aluminum if it's working correctly. A tab of electrical tape prevents that.

[frdfver]

Do ERA's have a locking cap inside of the flip cap?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

You'll get tired of that at fill-up time. Jamo's was one continuous loop around the hinge and snugly twisted at the clasp. Barely enough slack to lift it off the hinge side. I only did that on-track.
Scratches your aluminum if it's working correctly. A tab of electrical tape prevents that.

Chas, you do realize that the sole purpose is to give the appearance that it is securely wired down, but to be instantly removable for fill-ups, and then quickly re-fastened.

Originally Posted by frdfver

Do ERA's have a locking cap inside of the flip cap?

There's another, traditional gas cap, under the flip-top. I don't know if there's enough room to replace it with a locking one or not, though.

[frdfver]

Will try to machine and fit a locking cap. In the late 60's I had some one dump a lime slush in the tank on my 57 MGA. Flip up cap is really accessible and a real curiosity for some. Hard to watch it all the time....I also like the idea of securing it a simple way to deter the curiosity seekers.

Paul T.

[Got the Bug]

My SPF came with a locking gas cap. I also usually lock the hood latches if I'm going to be away from the car at a car show a park it somewhere where I can't keep an eye on it.

[lippy]

Originally Posted by frdfver

Do ERA's have a locking cap inside of the flip cap?

Stant 10582, as recommended in the ERA manual. You can get it on Amazon.

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Scratches your aluminum if it's working correctly

That's part of the charm, no?
I did mine ala Jamo and I dig it.

[fordracing65]

I dare someone to MONKEY with my gas cap, they will get my foot up their ass...

[Jamo]

Not trying to hijack, Patrick...got some PMs requesting pics...old/out of focus.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by patrickt

There's another, traditional gas cap, under the flip-top. I don't know if there's enough room to replace it with a locking one or not, though.

That is unless you substitute a street roadster fill cap - then nothing but a big hole. I was thinking to myself that I really don't need to bother with this until I was reminded of that.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by DanEC

That is unless you substitute a street roadster fill cap - then nothing but a big hole. I was thinking to myself that I really don't need to bother with this until I was reminded of that.

Dang, that finish looks like RodKnock's mirror-polished Kirkham.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Chas, you do realize that the sole purpose is to give the appearance that it is securely wired down, but to be instantly removable for fill-ups, and then quickly re-fastened.

No Sheldon-the sole purpose of this is to prevent a gasoline bath in an on-track (or street) rollover.
That is - for real users, not posers.
A 5 year-old could still tamper with what you've got and pee in your tank.
Thanks Jamo, glad you reposted.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

No Sheldon-the sole purpose of this is to prevent a gasoline bath in an on-track (or street) rollover.

Incorrectumundo, exhaust breath. The sealing cap beneath the flip top handles that quite nicely. If I roll over hard enough to rip the flip top off, and the cap beneath it, then no piece of safety wire is going to save my sorry ass. You just hate it when I win. BTW, that twisted wire is quite firm, and you would never be able to tell that it's ornamental. And it "hinges" open without touching the fender, so there's no danger of me nicking that beautiful paint job, either.

[ERA Chas]

Must be some pretty dumb 5 year olds in your neighborhood. And we didn't have no stinking sealing caps back when they were built by men..
But the real reason you like this, milquetoast, is it's easy on your manicure....

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by lippy

Stant 10582, as recommended in the ERA manual. You can get it on Amazon.

I use the Stant 10582 locking gas cap.

It seems to fit well, just aim the 'fixed ears' at the slots in the filler neck rim and the 'spring ears' click as they latch under the rim of the filler neck when pushed straight on.

That being said, it's hard to get a hand in there at the same time, so I lower the cap using the key, then push it in to click. Removal of the gas cap with the help of the key is also no problem, but once the cap is out from the filler neck area, keep a hand on it so you don't risk dropping in on the fender ...

[Gofastoldguy]

Originally Posted by tkb289

I use the Stant 10582 locking gas cap.

It seems to fit well, just aim the 'fixed ears' at the slots in the filler neck rim and the 'spring ears' click as they latch under the rim of the filler neck when pushed straight on.

That being said, it's hard to get a hand in there at the same time, so I lower the cap using the key, then push it in to click. Removal of the gas cap with the help of the key is also no problem, but once the cap is out from the filler neck area, keep a hand on it so you don't risk dropping in on the fender ...

Be advised people, the Stant 10582 will not fit Factory Five gas filler pipes. They have a 1200/1600/2000 slot configuration NOT 1200/1500/1800/2100 slots that you find on the 10582. Not sure what the Stant locking substitute part number would be…if they carry it.
BBryan

[razerwire]

I have 42 gal fuel cell with bladder and flip over baffle. I use same wire as on knockoffs and use piece of clear fuel line slipped over wire just before final twist to keep from scratching aluminum cap. Use fuel line around spoke when putting wire to knockoff also.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by razerwire

I have 42 gal fuel cell with bladder and flip over baffle. I use same wire as on knockoffs and use piece of clear fuel line slipped over wire just before final twist to keep from scratching aluminum cap. Use fuel line around spoke when putting wire to knockoff also.

We have found small ID clear model aircraft fuel line to work very well with safety wire. Stays clear and is very flexible not mention cheap! Soft enough not to mar the aluminum.