Author Topic: Locking Fuel Caps  (Read 1707 times)

Savage Larry

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Locking Fuel Caps
« on: May 15, 2021, 10:28:56 AM »
What do you use? Which one would you recommend. Post your experiences.
Jay
Calgary, AB
1977 4 speed W72

roadking77

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2021, 12:08:25 PM »
Ive got one for my 79 which I am pretty sure it is original to the car. I do NOt plan on using it. I have a key phobia and would be afraid I would loose the gas cap key. Car will not be a daily driver and for the most part  probably not out of my sight long enough for someone to siphon the gas out. Back in the 70's was a very real problem. With the price of gas lately wouldnt be surprised to see the rise again!
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
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Savage Larry

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2021, 02:37:59 PM »
I would be surprised to hear that a locking gas cap came from the factory. I’ve never heard of that before. I’m not worried about someone siphoning, I’m more worried that someone might sabotage my car.
Jay
Calgary, AB
1977 4 speed W72

langss

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2021, 02:41:15 PM »
I have had the best luck with "Stant" Brand. That being said it seems that the ones for the "Newer" Cars/Trucks the Quality is not as good as the ones they made for the older Cars/Trucks. I have one (Stant) that is, on my 66,76,78,84,92,and 2000. The one for my 15 Silverado did not feel right when I tried it, so I returned it. My Wife bought some off brand for her Mudstang, and she has to be very careful when she puts it back on or she gets a warning light on the dash.

Wallington

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2021, 04:39:08 PM »
Not from factory but were an accessory.

Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2021, 04:39:08 PM »

NOT A TA

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2021, 10:15:10 PM »
Locking gas cap is useless. Back in the mid 70's during the gas shortage thieves would just punch a couple holes in the gas tank with an awl & hammer. Much faster than using a siphon.

I do remember some types of cars having a locking fuel door but don't recall ever seeing locking caps as factory originals.
John Paige
Lab-14.com

Wallington

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2021, 11:39:23 PM »
Might prevent fuel siphoning, but also prevent pinching your stock cap or ending up with foreign matter in your tank.

roadking77

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2021, 08:31:25 AM »
Sorry for the confusion mine is def not factory, but I am sure it is period correct. That is what I meant to say.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

Wallington

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2021, 07:33:39 PM »
Atlas, Stant and NDH all supplied the different standard caps over the years, they also had their own locking caps. The GM locking caps just look like these also, in a GM box. You can still buy them for that traditional look, the brand name items being the same, usually minus the stamped GM numbers, same as the regular caps they also still sell, or did. Also note, I've never seen any that feature GM numbers, usually chrome top, perhaps something to ID on inside.

I picked up one cheap, just because. By cheap, meaning it was about 100 less because it was Atlas brand and not in a GM box, but meh....

Of course, any of the more recent black plastic caps that fit the 80's and 90's GM cars will usually also fit. Their locking version often is the same profile but lock barrel in raised handle, so this type may or may not fit under all license plates without touching. Often, the many differences are in the pressure valves for different emissions setups which were still fairly basic when first seen on the original vented caps.

I just dug out a couple of Accessories Brochures and parts manuals and couldn't find any fuel caps, but they are there somewhere. Perhaps in the large black dealer folders I have stored away. I don't think it had part numbers, just the typical period drawings in between luggage racks and dash compass (70's GPS).
But that's all rambling, you can still get the aftermarket types at a fraction of the price. You may find that having to swing keys about unlocking it each time more trouble than it's worth. Mine is still in box somewhere.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2021, 07:59:06 PM by Wallington »

roadking77

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2021, 06:44:42 AM »
2021-05-16_01-06-05 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2021-05-16_01-06-14 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Heres the one from my 79.
Dealer sold accessories were a big thing. No idea where this came from. May have been pep boys. But it looks old enough and the time frame fits that I would imagine it has been with the car since nearly new.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

roadking77

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Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2021, 06:46:51 AM »
FWIW, I tried to see if I could use this leaving it unlocked (1. because its period cool, 2. because I dont want to buy another gas cap) but to no avail. You can take the key out with it unlocked but as soon as you twist it goes into lock mode.
Finished!
77 T/A - I will Call this one DONE!
79 TATA 4sp-Next Project?
79 TATA - Lost to Fire!
86 Grand Prix - Sold
85 T/A - Sold
85 Fiero - Sold
82 Firebird - Sold
'38-CZ 250
'39-BSA Gold Star
'49-Triumph 350
'52-Ariel Red Hunter
'66-BSA Lightning
'01-HD RoadKing

Re: Locking Fuel Caps
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2021, 06:46:51 AM »
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