I want my gas cap to shine.........

[SteveBCloud9]

Like most of us with older snakes (96' GTS), I've started to see that the aluminum gas cover is becoming a little dull. Besides paying $ 550 for a new one, what product can I use to get the polished look back? Sandpaper? Take it to a machine shop?

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

You could buy a chrome cap from MGW for $395 and never have to worry about it going dull again.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Agree that MGW is the way to go...might also try warranty claim.

 

[BigsViper]

Mother's chrome and aluminum polish, available at most auto stores. My partner just used in on his '60 corvette and we couldn't believe the improvement! An inexpensive first step. If you aren't happy with the results then go for George's awesome cap (MGW).

 

[prodiver]

Any good chrome shop can either plate it or polish it for you. If you want to send it to me I will polish it and seal it for $35.00. It will look just like chrome and it won't tarnish again. If you have a local chrome shop polish it then get a good bare metal sealer and put on it. Eastwood company sells a good sealer that is not affected by gas and won't yellow, but is a little expensive if you are just sealing 1 gas cap. E-mail me if you want more information.

 

[SapphireGTS]

Youd be surprised what you can do. Get some rough compund and a buffing wheel then work your way to the fine grit compound. You will be amazed. I bet you could get it to look like a mirror.

 

[SteveBCloud9]

O.k. I'll start with the cheap way, compound here I come, I have some good industrial stuff. I'll let you know how it comes out.

 

[SteveBCloud9]

It actually came out pretty good. Compound took off a lot of black residue. I'll hit it again later, thanks. Hey, I just noticed that under the gas cap it says "Premium unleaded fuel only" in english and it looks like French... everyone have this type of sticker or could this have been a canada car at some time?

 

[SapphireGTS]

Mine says. 100% American Beef Gravy only.

But its in english. Yours may have been a canada car? Dont know

 

[BWoodbury]

Run the VIN through Carfax. That should tell you if the car was ever registered in Canada..

 

[SteveBCloud9]

I have the report, no mention of canada anywhere. It's life since 62 miles was California.

 

[Joel]

When I bought my 99 in May this year I got a new cap under warranty ( the original was badly corroded under the clearcoat ). However the new one arrived with the clearcoat scratched, so I removed the plastic pin and was then able to strip the clearcoat from the lid with paintstripper and polish it with a DIY polishing kit. The hinge can then be reinstalled and sealed in place with a heated rod to melt the end. However I couldn't get a really chrome like polish due to the porous nature of the aluminum cast cap. But its certainly a good improvement over the clearcoated cap. It is a bit prone to water-spotting though.

 

[SteveBCloud9]

I know there isn't a clear coat on it at all since I've had it. There are some very small pits in it as well but are not noticeable unless you get really close to it.

Steve340, can I buy something from the auto store to clear coat it myself or do I have to take it to a shop?

 

[prodiver]

Eastwood company www.eastwoodcompany.com sells a clear coat that is made for polished and bare metal surfaces that works great. It is a very tough coating and it won't yellow. I have used it on motorcycle casess after polishing them and it works very well. Also any good automotive paint supply store sells a 2 part epoxy clear for unpainted aluminum and steel parts. Use a good wax and grease remover prior to painting.
Good luck.