Locking Gas Cap Door

jage · 04-18-2008, 06:51 PM

As fuel price reaches ever new heights I thought I should put a lock on the fuel tanks in both my trucks. The Jeep already has a locking gas cap, but it kind of sucks, it was expensive (relatively speaking, I didn't wind up with a new tool afterwards) and although it serves it's purpose (ensuring I don't forget the cap again) I have to unlock it every single time I get gas.

So one of the thoughts on the following installs was to be able to lock or unlock the fuel cap and use it in either position. I also won't be out more than a regular cap if I manage to lose another one.

There is an obvious visual deterrant as well, and although it's propably easily defeated it will keep you're average guy who only brought a siphon tube away from my fuel.

I started with the F250 (silver) so it is better documented than the SMB (green), however I made sure to get locks coded for the same key to keep things simple. The F250 also needed a striker as the fuel fill is completely boxed and the edge was only about 2mm.

On to the photos: fit, mark, pilot, hole saw, paint, adjust, admire. Otherwise I'll let them speak for themselves.

Mmm.. somebody needs a wax...

yvrr · 04-19-2008, 08:48 AM

Good idea Jage. On a related note, we have dual gas tanks with both fillers mounted side by side in the standard fuel access "hole". Several times, we have gotten a gas nozzle stuck in the one of the fill spouts since one is slightly forward of the centerline of the door opening and the other slightly back. Once stuck, it takes 30 minutes of pulling, prying, etc. to get it out. I've looked at after-market gas doors but they are all are of the same general size and I need one larger so that both fill spouts can be accessed straight in rather than at an angle. Has anyone else run into this problem and solved it...?

yvrr · 04-19-2008, 08:55 AM

Just realized that I shouldn't posted this here...

Sorry...

bitburger · 04-19-2008, 09:53 AM

Nice documentation and photographs! If only user manuals were so well done.
Thanks for the effort.

dave_in_delaware · 04-19-2008, 01:35 PM

Very excellent and professional work!

Kudos to your DIY skills!

**daveb** · 04-19-2008, 02:41 PM

Jage Killer install.

I had the same type lock on my rear bumper box and didn't loc-tite the screw. One day all that was left was the housing.

lowracer · 04-19-2008, 04:07 PM

Great DIY shots... For those of us with two thumbs when it comes to sheet metal work, there's an aftermarket solution that doesn't look too shabby:

http://www.autoanything.com/chrome-acce ... 6A0A0.aspx

**daveb** · 04-19-2008, 08:48 PM

That's what I'm looking for but none fit the Econoline van only the pickups. Any cross refs?

NRL · 04-21-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

That's what I'm looking for but none fit the Econoline van only the pickups. Any cross refs?

I've also always wanted to find the right one that fits.. someone's got to have done one already. Second the cross ref needed.

I did find a locking gas cap on ebay for the E-series:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0015267229

oclv · 04-22-2008, 09:17 PM

I went to two Ford dealerships and was told that Ford does not make a locking gas cap for the E 350's. One recommended Napa as they are made by the same company that makes them for Ford. I bought a Stant locking gas cap at Napa today (the inner cap, not the door on the outside). It was $22.00. I think I can put the plastic retainer from the original cap around this one to eliminate the lost cap issue. I then went to a lock store and had two additional spare keys made so I can put one on the regular key ring, one in the magnetic key box on the frame, one in the glove box, and one at home. should be ok that way. oclv