I installed a 1969 gas cap on my rear panel (with pics)
I installed a 1969 gas cap on my rear panel (with pics)
Since I first got my mustang, I have liked the gas cap from the 1969 ponies. I knew they were real caps and heard they would not fit. I figured I would get one anyway and modify it. It was actually pretty easy. There were three rivets holding a plate on that was protruding past flush. Grind those off and the cap fit nicely.
The installation was easy overall. The hard parts were removing the entire circle of double-sided tape from the factory under the fake cap. That and it is actually hard to find a new round piece to apply the new cap. I ended up using straight pieces and taping it around the ring.
I was also not worried about the trunk keyhole. I never use it and my daily driver does not have one either. So I am used to that. Unfortunately, it does dictate where I could apply the new cap. It is a little higher than I wanted, but overall I am happy with it. I am also glad I was able to replace the glossy with matte black panel.

The real cap, with and without the protruding plate.

The real cap with all the various parts.

Comparison of the two. Obviously the real cap is smaller (about 4.5 inches)...

and thicker.

Factory emblem with glossy panel.

Thats a lot of double sided tape to remove.

All clean.

Matte black panel and real cap.

Out in public.
Next step is to paint the spoiler matte black.
The installation was easy overall. The hard parts were removing the entire circle of double-sided tape from the factory under the fake cap. That and it is actually hard to find a new round piece to apply the new cap. I ended up using straight pieces and taping it around the ring.
I was also not worried about the trunk keyhole. I never use it and my daily driver does not have one either. So I am used to that. Unfortunately, it does dictate where I could apply the new cap. It is a little higher than I wanted, but overall I am happy with it. I am also glad I was able to replace the glossy with matte black panel.

The real cap, with and without the protruding plate.

The real cap with all the various parts.

Comparison of the two. Obviously the real cap is smaller (about 4.5 inches)...

and thicker.

Factory emblem with glossy panel.

Thats a lot of double sided tape to remove.

All clean.

Matte black panel and real cap.

Out in public.
Next step is to paint the spoiler matte black.
Last edited by Kluski; Jul 1, 2008 at 07:59 PM.
If you filled the key hole sure. If you didn't put it where its at you would have half a hole poking out above the emblem, that would look bad. (just poking fun I know what ya mean
)
Looks cool IMO
I wish I could find an afordable hole-less solid aluminum OEM replica. The S.H.R. one looks okay, but I'd like one that closely matches the origional with the correct GT engraved, I know Im in the minority for actually liking the GT logo.
)Looks cool IMO
I wish I could find an afordable hole-less solid aluminum OEM replica. The S.H.R. one looks okay, but I'd like one that closely matches the origional with the correct GT engraved, I know Im in the minority for actually liking the GT logo.
You could fill the hole in. Or find a trim ring off a older 1970's car(Mustang,Maverick,Pinto,Torino etc..) to go around the key hole with a little work. Then the emblem placed below that would look more centered. Like the oldies did with the gas cap mounted below the trunk cylinder.
Last edited by Torched05stang; Jul 2, 2008 at 05:55 AM.
Of course as I am done I think of other ideas. Maybe I could keep the vinyl strip solid and not cut a keyhole. Then place the cap more centered since the vinyl would be flush with the cap and cover the keyhole.
IF......you decide to lower the cap. Not sure what it would look like. but you could cut the vinyl around the top edge of the rear panel then either paint or add a piece of vinyl around the key cylinder up to the vinyl already on the rear panel. just a thought.
Well, I found I can remove the keylock from the inside and completely remove the black plastic portion that protrudes out. That way I can still install the lock back in and have all the electrical stuff still connected without rattleing around. Then I can install the black panel completely over the rear including the lock and it will be all flush. Then I can center the cap. New vinyl should be here in about a week with the holiday.
How did you remove the stock faux gas-cap? I have been wanting to swap mine out with something else, but I was looking at it, and it looks like you have to pry it off...kind of scared about scratching the heck out of my paint.
Great idea, and very clean execution, but like the others, I agree that it needs to be centered to look "right". I'm wondering if the proportions will be correct even if you center it... the S197's are much bulkier than the 69 your gas cap came from...
OK, I went back and could not find a good non-permanent way to fill in the keyhole. So I went all out and filled it with Bondo. It really feels weird sanding a nicely factory painted car. But not as weird as cutting a hole in your hood for a shaker scoop.
I was about to paint it, but figured I already had some vinyl that I bought so I figured I would use that instead of painting.
Here are some updated pictures with the cap in center:

Keyhole filled with Bondo




I was about to paint it, but figured I already had some vinyl that I bought so I figured I would use that instead of painting.
Here are some updated pictures with the cap in center:
Keyhole filled with Bondo



