1969 corvette Fuel Door

[Terry H.]

What fix do I need to keep the Fuel Door up. Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 corvette Fuel Door

What fix do I need to keep the Fuel Door up. Thanks

Terry------

The 1968-70 fuel door was a TERRIBLE design. It used a spring clip "riveted" to the bezel to hold the door up and spring loaded "pawls" to hold the door in the closed position. The hold-open spring clip usually separates from the bezel due to the stress of repeated closing of the door. In addition, both the hold-open and hold-closed mechanisms cause stress on the rear deck when the cover is pulled out of the hold-open and hold-closed positions. This can result in stress cracks often observed on the rear deck.

Notwithstanding the above, there are at least 3 ways to correct your problem, only one of which I recommend.

1) Re-attach the hold-open clip to the bezel by drilling and tapping the bezel for small machine screws or use machine screws and nuts. This will be mostly unseen but judges may detect it if judging is a concern for you;

2) Obtain a new reproduction 1968-70 bezel assembly and install it.

I don't recommend either of the above for the reasons I described in the first paragraph.

3) Obtain the 1971-74 bezel and its various component parts (hinge, spring, pin). They're GM-discontinued but I believe they are available in reproduction. Assemble the bezel and install it on the rear deck. Install the original door on the hinge. In order to avoid having to remove the hold-down bracket from the door (in case someone wants to re-install the original style bezel for judging purposes), simply notch the new bezel so that the bracket clears the bezel. The 71-74 bezel is FAR superior in operation to the 68-70, makes opening and closing the door much easier, and, most importantly, avoids stressing the rear deck whenever the door is opened or closed.

[Edward B.]

Re: 1969 corvette Fuel Door

I'm eventually going to go with the 71-74 bezel, but in the meantime, here's my "home remedy"!! (Yes, it's a Home Depot 3/4" PVC pipe coupler!)

Ed

[Bob W.]

Re: 1969 corvette Fuel Door

Ed Nice quick fix!!!!

Bob