Automotive Journal

What would the classic look of American muscle cars be like without a fat, brushed aluminum gas cap perched high on the rear? This iconic look is popular for how it unabashedly flaunts a car’s power and muscle. The design originally came from racing fuel caps on cars in the 50’s and 50’s. Race cars needed big fuel doors that were easy to open and shut during pit stops, and they needed to be made of metal so they would be strong enough to handle the aerodynamic stress of racing.

Many people now like to dress up their modern cars with the gorgeous retro look of an aluminum-style fuel door. There are a few companies offering fuel doors which can be customised for material and style. Some doors can even be locked, keeping away would-be gas thieves.

Putco manufactures an ABS chrome fuel door cover which has embossed circular rivets which form a ring around a flat center. The ABS chrome apes the chrome used on the rest of the truck, so it looks like stock-replacement. Installation simply requires using adhesive tape to attach the chrome to your current door. No drilling or glue required! This door is for aesthetics only, not practical performance. AVS is another company offering a chrome fuel door which can be attached with tape.

Chrome fuel door decals like the ones offered by Putco and AVS are just for show. They offer a great look at an affordable price, with most ranging in price from $35-$45, but little practical advantage. If you can spare the cash for the real thing, and have got a little spare time, then read on to learn about the AMI fuel doors.

AMI creates fuel doors from billet aluminum, which results in a rugged look. There are multiple colour options: all-black; all-aluminum which can be either brushed or polished; and aluminum door with a black ring around it. Rampage offers doors similar to AMI, but with less rivets in the design, and with only brushed or polished aluminum available for colour. Both AMI and Rampage fuel doors can be ordered with locks.

It might seem like a great idea to be able to foil gas thieves with a locking fuel cap. But don`t forget that on most trucks, it`s easy to access the fuel tank directly by getting under the body. A fuel thief who won`t be stopped by a locked fuel door might get to your gas supply by drilling a hole in the tank. It costs a lot more to replace a fuel tank than the fuel, so make sure your truck is safe from this risk before installing a locking gas cap. If you keep your truck in a garage or well-lit lot, this shouldn’t be a huge concern.

Bottom line: Fuel door covers can be inexpensive, harmless fun, like the model from Putco, or a serious accessory, like AMI’s locking billet aluminum door. However, from a purely utilitarian point of view, only AMI’s locking fuel doors offer any real benefits beyond looks. AMI fuel filler doors can be purchased for about $85, and there’s no extra charge for the locking model.