Are Chrome Fuel Filler Doors Worth It?

by: JasonLancaster
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What would the classic look of American muscle cars be like without a fat, brushed aluminum gas cap perched high on the rear? This iconic look is popular for how it unabashedly flaunts a car's power and muscle. The design originally came from racing fuel caps on cars in the 50's and 50's. Race cars needed big fuel doors that were easy to open and shut during pit stops, and they needed to be made of metal so they would be strong enough to handle the aerodynamic stress of racing.

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 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.

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.

About the Author

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

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