54 Gas Cap

[Ara G.]

Hey guys,
So we picked up a wonderfully original 54 ( I know, I am a 67 guy but this car was really a wonderfully unrestored piece). I have a line on an original 54 gas cap from a good friend (who will remain nameless, but suffice to say he knows 54's) but i wanted to know who makes the best repro gas cap for us to use at shows either after judging or at show and shines where originality isn't judged. Anyone post a pic of a real cap for me? Any suggestions on who makes the best repop for us to use on the car when it's not being judged, but still looks the part. I can tell a 67 cap from a mile away, but a 54 is nothing at all that i am familiar with. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions...
Regards
ARA

[David L.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

ARA,

My July 1955 Corvette Parts Catalog lists GM # 3708440 in Gr. 3.028 as the 1953-1955 Corvette gas cap. There are two photos of a 3708440 cap in Noland Adam's 53-62 restoration book on page 71. The cap is quite unusual to me as I have never seen one at a swap meet in the last 35+ years. GM # 3708440 also appears in my 1957 Chevrolet Parts Catalog for 1953-1957 Corvettes.

GM # 3708440 was replaced with GM # 3709938 in August 1960 as per Chevrolet Parts History.

Dave

[Gary H.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

Pg 79 in the new 53-55 TIMJG shows the correct cap.
As for a reproduction cap, I use a service replacement, about $10, on my 53 when not being judged. The repro. caps, that look like orig., have enough value that you wouldn't want to "loose" one of those either!

[John S.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

go on ebay and type in "1954 corvette gas cap". you will find a older reproduction cap for $75.00 or offer with free shipping. looks like original except the eaton logo is 90 degrees off.

[David S.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

Ara I have attached a picture of a real cap you requested
Dave

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

Ara
I can send you photos of originals and repros.

[Ara G.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

Thanks so much guys! Chris, and all, would love pics of repops and originals. Dave thanks for your wonderful pic of an original. Nice cap. I have ordered the books, etc on the car. The car has one of the 7 Bubble tops, so it's WAYYYYYY cool. We are enjoying it so far. Chris, if you have a hard time getting into yours, imagine getting into ours - with the Bubble Top on it....I am 5'8 and i had a hard time contorting my way in it...LOL....Regards....ARA

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 Gas Cap

Ara
I cant get into it - with the soft top !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!