Are Chrome Fuel Filler Doors Worth It? | Cars and Trucks

By JasonLancaster
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Big, brushed aluminum gas caps high on the rear is an iconic part of the classic muscle car look. It practically screams out the car's muscle and power! Muscle car designers were inspired by fuel caps seen on race cars in the 50's and 60's. The fuel doors on these cars were big, so they would be easy to open and shut during pit stops, and made of metal durable enough the endure the aerodynamic stress of the racecourse.

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 makes an ABS chrome door cover which mimics the chrome used on the rest of the truck body, so it has a stock-replacement appearance. The door has embossed circular rivets arranged in a ring around the flat center. The cover can be installed very easily, using adhesive tape to stick the cover onto the existing fuel door. No drills or glue is needed. The Putco cover is for visual enhancement only, and doesn't affect performance practically. Another company, AVS, also manufactures a chrome fuel door cover which can attach using double-sided 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 goes in a different direction with their fuel doors. They offer a variety of styles made out of billet aluminum, giving it a rugged look. They also offer more than one color option, with an all-black door, an all-aluminum door which can be brushed or polished, and an aluminum door surrounded by a black ring. Buyers can also choose to have their door be lockable - an obvious advantage. Rampage products are very similar to those offered by AMI, with fewer rivets used in the design, and only brushed or polished aluminum colors available. Both styles can be ordered with locks as well.

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.

In summary, fuel door covers can be a fun accessory to decorate your truck, like the Putco stick-on model, or a functional piece of hardware, like the AMI locking aluminum door. From a practical point of view, AMI's fuel doors are the only ones which offer real practical advantages beyond aesthetics. Their doors cost about $85, with no extra charge for locks.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster operates TundraHeadquarters.com, a web site with info, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra accessories and Tundra parts.

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