Corvette SEALED fuel cap

[D S.]

Tell me if there is something wrong with this gas cap on eBay. The seller adamantly states that the hole in it is a factory hole. The 1970-1972 JG states differently.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260277628918&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

Thanks,
Scott

[Donald T.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

No way is that a factory hole. It is a sealed cap that someone named Bubba decided to convert to a vented cap with a drill. I have many original gas caps including sealed, and they do not have holes drilled in them. It's ashame too because the early version sealed caps like the one pictured are pretty hard to find.

Don

[D S.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

Thanks, Don. Unbelievable that anyone is even bidding on it (3 so far). I'm sitting here with the JG in front to me on page 44 and this guy says it came factory that way? I'm far from being the many experts on this NCRS TDB but that one gave me a 'Do what?'.

[Terry M.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

I am not seeing where he says it is a factory hole. What am I missing?

[Alan S.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

Hi Scott,
It's interesting that he encourages "you be the judge". Isn't that like saying " it's up to you to determine if what I describe is bull or not"?

Hi Don,
Could the holes be brazed shut? Would it be worth the effort? Is the cap that rare?

Regards,
Alan

[Donald T.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

Alan,

I have restored many gas caps, but I've never tried to fill a hole like that. I suppose it could be done in theory. It is a hard to find cap since it is a one year only cap. The sealed caps were introduced in model year 1970 with the style shown in the listing. 1971-1974 used a different style with a yellow dichromate finish (shown below). Perhaps there was some cross over with late 70 and early 71, but basically a one year only cap. I don't know that it would be worth trying to repair it, as they do show up on ebay from time to time. I would just wait for a good core to have restored.

[D S.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

The seller replied to my question/comment about the hole with this: "THERES ONE ON TOP AND ON THE BOTTOM...IT IS FACTORY MADE THAT WAY ....THANKS"
It might be more believable to the unknowing if the hole was anywhere besides offset under the letters.
I replied back with solid evidence that he is in error and so far the seller has not replied back and has not amended his listing. And now there are four bidders.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

i drilled those holes back in the day to vent the tank pressure to keep the 3X2 carbs from flooding after the the engine was shut off putting gasoline into the motor oil. the mufflers caused the fuel in the tank to heat up and raised the pressure in the tank because the cap has a one way valve which allow air in but not the pressure out.. the front and rear carb uses a the nitrophy float which has a shorter fucrum arm so the float will clear the metering plate. the shorter arm cuts down on the mechanical advantage and it will allow the fuel past the needle/seat. this is just my personal opinion.

[Terry M.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

How does it feel, Clem, to have a cap you "modified" selling as original on fle-bay?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

How does it feel, Clem, to have a cap you "modified" selling as original on fle-bay?

either that or some one else had the same idea. great minds think alike.

[Alan S.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

I guess this means that a "back in the day" modification is the same (well almost) as "factory". I for one, will rest easy tonight!!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Clem, your modification is an example of figuring out what's going on is "the mother of invention".

[Gerard Q.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

Alan,

The sealed caps were introduced in model year 1970 with the style shown in the listing. 1971-1974 used a different style with a yellow dichromate finish (shown below). Perhaps there was some cross over with late 70 and early 71, but basically a one year only cap.

Actually the JG states "The large diameter gas cap is dull cadmium for all 70 thru 72".

A pic of my May 71 gas cap.

[Terry M.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

And the JG is wrong for 1972 -- that year the gas cap is di-chromate -- the gold color. 1970 and 1971 are silver color. Just stay tuned for the next edition. Maybe by then we will get it right.

[Donald T.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

[QUOTE=Gerard Quinn (33629);364792]Actually the JG states "The large diameter gas cap is dull cadmium for all 70 thru 72".

A pic of my May 71 gas cap.




I believe the 70 style cap is what is pictured in the auction. At some point perhaps by 71 this changed to a similar cap with the red label, and then to the dichromate finish cap. I don't think the early style sealed cap as pictured on the auction was still being factory installed by 72. Perhaps there are some original owners that can clarify. Also, most if not all were zinc plated and not cad plated as stated in the JG. Every gas cap I have restored has been zinc plated.

[D S.]

Re: Corvette SEALED fuel cap

But all 1970-1972 fuel caps were produced without the "factory holes". Thanks to the comments here I have learned some things. I almost sent my 1970 fuel cap off to be dichromated. Now I know it's supposed to be cadmium plated, right?