1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

[George R.]

Does anyone know if this clip is available for sale? The clip for my 70 is missing and the door doesn't stay open while refueling. If it isn't available I guess I can make something up myself, but buying a real one is a lot easier.
Thanks in advance.

George

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Does anyone know if this clip is available for sale? The clip for my 70 is missing and the door doesn't stay open while refueling. If it isn't available I guess I can make something up myself, but buying a real one is a lot easier.
Thanks in advance.

George

George------


The clip was never available as a separate part from GM. I don't know of any source for it now. Presumably, the folks that manufacture the reproduction bezel assemblies have them but I don't think they sell them separately.

This 68-70 "hold-open" device was a VERY POOR design and a total PIA. I recommend converting to the 71-74 bezel and hinge assembly. You can use your original door and leave the riveted-on striker in place by notching the bezel. The striker is not needed but leaving it in place allows you to convert back to the original style bezel for judging. I converted my 1969 eons ago after I had replaced the bezel twice because of the broken-off catch.

[George R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Joe,
Thanks for the response. I should have checked for previous posts on the subject before starting a new thread. I saw where you gave the same answer to another member back in 2008.
I am going to try making this spring myself.
Again, thanks for the reply.

George------


The clip was never available as a separate part from GM. I don't know of any source for it now. Presumably, the folks that manufacture the reproduction bezel assemblies have them but I don't think they sell them separately.

This 68-70 "hold-open" device was a VERY POOR design and a total PIA. I recommend converting to the 71-74 bezel and hinge assembly. You can use your original door and leave the riveted-on striker in place by notching the bezel. The striker is not needed but leaving it in place allows you to convert back to the original style bezel for judging. I converted my 1969 eons ago after I had replaced the bezel twice because of the broken-off catch.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

George are you positive that the clip is missing? My 70's clip separated from the housing many years ago, but it was not lost. I have thought about using JB Weld to attach it, just have not messed with it. My gas door stays up when I raise it, so it is not a problem when filling the gas tank.
Many, many years ago I searched the GM parts book for a replacement for my 1968. Found a replacement for the 1971 Corvette and ordered it.
Was not the same. Still have this part somewhere.

[George R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Jim,
Yes, it's missing alright. The 2 rivets that held it in place have snapped off.
I'll have to fab something up and see if I can't use a couple of machine screws to attach it to the bezel again.
Being that this part is barely visible, I think this kind of repair is a good idea. I doubt anyone would see it without specifically looking for it.
If I stumble upon a clip (or bezel with a good clip) for cheap money I'll buy it, otherwise I'll just make this simple part.
Thanks for the note.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

George are you positive that the clip is missing? My 70's clip separated from the housing many years ago, but it was not lost. I have thought about using JB Weld to attach it, just have not messed with it. My gas door stays up when I raise it, so it is not a problem when filling the gas tank.
Many, many years ago I searched the GM parts book for a replacement for my 1968. Found a replacement for the 1971 Corvette and ordered it.
Was not the same. Still have this part somewhere.

Jim------


Yes, the 1971-74 design is completely different and WAY better.

[George R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Well, I ended up bending a piece of sheet metal to the shape needed and installed it to the bezel with 2 part epoxy. If the newly made clip should fall off, I will drill and tap a couple of holes for machine screws.
Works as originally intended now.

Joe, I agree -- the lid on my old 72 was a better design.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Well, I ended up bending a piece of sheet metal to the shape needed and installed it to the bezel with 2 part epoxy. If the newly made clip should fall off, I will drill and tap a couple of holes for machine screws.
Works as originally intended now.

Joe, I agree -- the lid on my old 72 was a better design.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

George------


The original clip was made of spring steel. I don't know how long one made out of plain sheet metal is going to last before it permanently bends to the point of no longer retaining the hinge in the up position.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

What does the clip look like? Is there anyway maybe a clip from maybe a brake pad retainer could be configured like the gas door clip? I know GM used a few different clips on there pads over the years. Does anyone have a pic. of the broken clip?

[William H.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Does anyone know if the '68-70 Repro bezel has the clip installed? Would love to use my original bezel but doesn't sound like I would be able to find or fabricate a clip. It's been mentioned before, but you can also put a piece of small diameter hose on the bezel hinge to keep the lid up. But, for judging, it's normally quickly detected. Thanks.

[George R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Yeah, I know, Joe, but they way I figure it, I'll probably no longer be driving by the time that happens.
I probably fill up 10 times a year.

George

George------


The original clip was made of spring steel. I don't know how long one made out of plain sheet metal is going to last before it permanently bends to the point of no longer retaining the hinge in the up position.

[George R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Ed, I searched the archives for this topic and found a hand drawing of the clip drawn by a member. Also, there is (as of Tuesday) a real 70 gas door bezel for sale on eBay. The pictures the seller posted show the clip and you can see what it looks like.

George

What does the clip look like? Is there anyway maybe a clip from maybe a brake pad retainer could be configured like the gas door clip? I know GM used a few different clips on there pads over the years. Does anyone have a pic. of the broken clip?

[Russ S.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

I have seen a picture of a new repo that did show it with the clip.

Does anyone know if the '68-70 Repro bezel has the clip installed? Would love to use my original bezel but doesn't sound like I would be able to find or fabricate a clip. It's been mentioned before, but you can also put a piece of small diameter hose on the bezel hinge to keep the lid up. But, for judging, it's normally quickly detected. Thanks.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Pasta;

I wish I had known you were looking for this spring. I just sold off my entire collection of 68 gas doors and gas door parts, including a number of loose door open springs.

As you have noticed, the spring was originally attached to the bezel with cast in rivets. Don't have any idea how best to fix that and make it look correct. I did have one of my 68 gas doors that used a couple of small nuts and screws to hold the spring in place after the rivets had broken loose.

Good luck on your car dude.

Ed

[Joe R.]

Re: 1969 and 1970 gas door "hold-open" clip.

Pasta,

Haven't heard from you in a long while!!!!! Thought you sold the 70 years ago!
Sure wish you, Ed and Brian had been in Florida this year. We had fun!

JR