C3 Corvette Gas Cap - Cap It Off

Satisfied with the fit, we proceeded to the final smoothing with conventional body filler. A thin smear of filler was spread over the entire reworked area to perfect the surface.

After a final sanding with No. 220-grit, only a very thin layer of body filler remained, and the reworking of the recess is completed, ready for primer.

Next, we dropped the flange into the reworked recess and marked it for the fasteners. Make sure the flange is clocked so that the cap will screw down in the correct orientation, and that the pattern is symmetrical and square to the body.

We drilled four 9/32-inch holes for the 1/4-inch fasteners, which gives a little tolerance and allowance for paint and primer buildup.

Our kit came with stainless steel hardware and locknuts for a long lasting and trouble-free installation. Snug the fasteners down tight, but be careful not to over torque and unnecessarily stress the fiberglass.

Success! Here we have the completed install. A snap of the quick-release latch of the LeMans cap and the OEM cap is easily accessed through the large opening.

Even at the bodywork stage, the new fuel cap looks as though it belongs on the massive expanse of our Corvette's rear deck. Looking at this brightwork makes us all that much more eager to see the completed project wearing new paint.