Cuda Gas Filler License Plate & Go-Wing Questions

[Carlwalski]

Is a 1973 (or any 'Cuda) are you suppose to be able to open the license plate and it should stay open?
Like some spring return method or it gets to a point and clicks to stay open? This is instead of the gas nozzle keeping it from closing. An ugly design IMO. The Challenger is way more user friendly with the gas filler on the 1/4.



Go-Wing: What colour should it be?

I have the FPAP wing and they said in the eBay blurb: "It's molded in gray (as original)" then they say later on the advert: "Supplied in black primer, ready to paint" Paint? to what colour if at all?!?


Thanks,
Carl

[MEK-Dangerfield]

NZ,

  I can't help with the first question. 

  As for the go-wing. I've seen them painted body color. WSM painted his gloss black because matte black is a little rough, and tougher to clean. The matte black color is correct for a go-wing though. I have that on mine, but it does have a bit of a rough texture. Black would look great on your Cuda. I guess it's a matter of taste for you. If you like the gloss black, or matte black.


  Mike

[Super Blue 72]

   Matte black sounds good.  I thought they came the "right" color from FPAP?

The originals were molded in some sort of ABS/styrene plastic.  I wonder if they were painted from the factory or just left the color of the plastic. 

I have an original '71 style to put on my car but it's already been painted at least once.  When I refinish it I'm going to go with a semi-gloss black.  Make it match the tail panel a bit.

Matte black is nice but like MEK pointed out it's harder to clean, may show scratches easier.

[422STROKER]

When I had my 70 Barracuda I used the gas cap to wedge it open worked for me. The chall is much better.
Tom

[larry4406]

The license plate hinged gas cover does not have a latch to hold it open.  The spring tries to close it against the pump nozzle just as you described.  Same design on my 71 barracuda and 72 cuda.

[pettybluecuda]

Have you ever tried putting has in it with a can?.....Not fun! just had to do it the other day. The neck on the gas can never reach without a funnel. the plate gets in the way. Gas all over my tail panel....I amost sound mad......LOL

[willhaven]

One upside to the Cuda gas filler system... you can park on either side of the pump and never have it be on the wrong side of the car.

[Carlwalski]

One upside to the Cuda gas filler system... you can park on either side of the pump and never have it be on the wrong side of the car.

True, and it's also a good security device as most dumb criminals won't know where to siphon the fuel from. 

[Carlwalski]

Forgot to say thanks everyone for your replies. Guess I'm stuck with the factory ugly bug design. 



 

[360 'CUDA]

I have always thought the Challenger design was safer. 

If you run out of gas you can pull over and stand on the side of the road while you refuel. If you get rear ended while your refueling a  'CUDA your bugsquat.

Of course, if you run out of petrol in New Zealand just get it towed.

[bigblock4speedman]

On my Cuda I turned the filler tube around and modified it. Have to open the trunk to put in gas.  Put a piece of metal over the hole behind the plate with HA! HA! painted on it.  Too many thieves around!  I'll post a picture when I get the new tail panel in.

[71challengher]

I just had the hood and the spoiler of my daytona painted flat black. The body shop added a flatting agent to the black then clear coated it. I can still wax it and no scratches like the original flat black.