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Are Chrome Fuel Filler Doors Worth It?

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.

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 offers a chrome fuel door cover with embossed circular rivets arrayed in a ring around a flat center. The door is made of ABS chrome designed to mimic the same chrome that is used elsewhere on the truck, giving it a stock-replacement appearance. Installation is easy, and it uses adhesive tape to mount itself to your current door - no need to drill holes or use any glue. Since this is more of an add-on than an actual door itself, it's purely for cosmetic purposes, not practical needs. Another company, AVS, also offers a chrome fuel door cover that attaches with double-sided tape.

Stick-on fuel doors, like the models from Putco and AVS, aren't terribly useful. They can absolutely look good on the right truck, and considering how inexpensive they are, with a price range of $35-$45, then more power to you if you decide to get one. However, if you've got some extra funds and a little time on your hands, read up on the AMI fuel doors below.

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.

While it might seem appealing to be able to lock people out of your gas tank in this new era of rising fuel prices, it is important to keep in mind that with most trucks, it is very easy to get underneath the body and access the fuel tank directly. This means that when faced with a locked fuel door, a thief might decide to simply drill a hole in the bottom of your tank and drain your fuel out that way. Since the cost of replacing a fuel tank is a lot more than the cost of replacing its contents, you need to be sure that you won't be facing this kind of risk before installing a gas cap that locks. If your truck is stored in a garage or in a well-lit lot, then you shouldn't have any problems.

Bottom line: Fuel door covers can be inexpensive, harmless fun, like the model from Putco, or a serious accessory, like AMI's locking billet aluminum door. However, from a purely utilitarian point of view, only AMI's locking fuel doors offer any real benefits beyond looks. AMI fuel filler doors can be purchased for about $85, and there's no extra charge for the locking model.

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About the Author

The author Jason Lancaster operates TundraHeadquarters.com, a website with information, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra accessories and Tundra parts.  

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