Are Chrome Fuel Filler Doors Worthwhile?
by: JasonLancaster |
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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.
Today, many people like to dress up the appearance of their car or truck by adding on an aluminum-style fuel door of their own. Some of these fuel doors also offer the ability to lock, keeping you safe from would-be gas thieves in your neighbourhood. There are a few different companies out there making custom fuel doors. These doors vary in the types of materials used, and the style of door.
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.
Being able to lock your gas tank might seem like the best way to keep it safe from would-be fuel thieves, but it's important to remember that it's very easy to access a fuel tank directly from underneath the truck body. Persistent fuel thieves who aren't deterred by a lock on your fuel door might gain entry simply by drilling a hole in the bottom of your fuel tank. Replacing a fuel tank is significantly more expensive than replacing stolen gas, so make sure you have ways to avoid this problem before buying a lockable gas cap. Keeping your truck in a garage or well-lit lot should be enough to keep it safe.
Ultimately fuel filler door covers can be an affordable and fun way to update your truck's look, such as with the stick-on door cover from Putco, or it can be a serious accessory, like with AMI's lockable billet aluminum doors. From a utilitarian perspective, AMI's locking fuel doors are the only models which offer benefits above and beyond just pure looks. AMI's fuel doors sell for about $85, with no extra charge for the lockable models.
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About the Author
Author Jason Lancaster administrates TundraHeadquarters.com, a website with info, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra accessories and Tundra parts.
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