1953 gas cap

[Edward M.]

I ran across a gas cap that I believe is for a 1953 Corvette. The cap is now in the mail to the person that bought the 1953 Corvette (number 184).

I looked at the underside of the cap where the EATON symbol is. I don't recall seeing one quite like this.

I drew a picture of it.

Thoughts on the placement and orientation of the EATON symbol?

[Chris S.]

Re: 1953 gas cap

Very normal
The Eaton symbol could be vertical or horizontal.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1953 gas cap

Actually, I thought that one of the ways that you can distinguish a repro from an original '53 to '55 cap is that the Eaton symbol reads in line with the longitudinal axis of the cross piece (the bottom bracket on which the Eaton symbol appears and that has the protruding side ears that fasten the cap to the gas spout) on a repro cap, versus reading perpendicular with that cross piece on the original cap. (This would suggest that your cap is a repro.) Two other ways to distinguish the repro cap is that the two rivets holding the cross piece to the underside of the base on the repro cap have square edges (in profile) on the repro cap versus rounded edges on the original. Finally, some of the protruding side ears on the cross pieces on some (but not all) repro caps do not line up with the side bulges (or hand holds) on the perimeter of the outer cap, whereas the cross piece side ears always line up with those bulges on the original cap. In any event, I've never seen a cap with the Eaton symbol configured like your cap that also has rounded rivets. Take a look at the rivets on your cap and let us know what you find.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1953 gas cap

Cap is on it's way to the new owner and I didn't think to take a picture. Oh well...thanks for the info.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1953 gas cap

Nolans book shows the logo being both ways - I have several original caps - logos are either way
Correct - the rivets are different and the "ears" are different as well as the gasket