Removing Flip Top Gas Cap

[_Russ_]

G'day all ...

I've decided to remove the flip-top setup on my Chally, and replace it with a painted screw in cap.

Few questions - My flip-top is mounted with rivets, not screws. What's the best way to get them out, and what size screws should be used to replace them?

Anybody done it before? Anything I should know before continuing?



What I have now:






What I'm replacing it with:

[72rtchallenger]

drilling them out appears your only option ,,use as small as drill bit as possible so u can put some type of screw back,,u wont know a size untill u have it removed

[_Russ_]

Thanks.

Anyone know if rivets or screws were used when factory fitted? This car has been repainted, so I know that these rivets arn't factory installed.

[NC RMP]

In my 73 Challenger which did not have the flip top when you removed the twist out painted cap there were four phillip head screws in there.  I put in a flip top cap and the four holes for the flip top matched up perfectly with the screw holes.  I am almost dead certian that you just need properly sized phillips head screws.  The size of the rivet holes would determine the size of the screws.  They don't have to be very long as they only go thru the quarter skin and the funnel part of the fuel neck.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

That's the first I have seen of using rivets.  They probably used them as a anti-theft device.   

[HemiOrange70]

Phillips screw were used from factory

 
use the smallest drill possible to remove the rivets

[_Russ_]

No worries. Thanks fellas. I'll give it a go and see what happens!

[_Russ_]

What a moron!




Why I asked for the best way to remove the rivets is for some strange reason, I was thinking the underside of the filler-cap was enclosed with no access. Turns out not to be the case.

haha   

That's what sucks about having your car in storage and not having your own garage. You can just walk out and check things.

[jimynick]

Use an 1/8" bit and  the screws should go back in fine if you don't hog out the holes. If the holes ARE a wee bit oversize, just go to the hardware store and pick the next size up in stainless. If you'd care to sell the now extraneous flip-top, please let me know. Thx. 

[_Russ_]

Use an 1/8" bit and  the screws should go back in fine if you don't hog out the holes. If the holes ARE a wee bit oversize, just go to the hardware store and pick the next size up in stainless. If you'd care to sell the now extraneous flip-top, please let me know. Thx. 

Thanks mate.

I'll more than likely be keeping the flip-top though. It's original and I'm a big fan of keeping original parts around. They come in handy down the track if I need parts. Good for bartering.

[_Russ_]

ok, she's all done ... sort of. It was as easy as everyone said.



Fits OK. Only problem is, as you can see, it's slightly tilted - rather than the centre run being level with the ground.



I had either choices: once twisted on, twist it back ever so slightly to get the right spot (it's still secure) - or - drill some new holes in the cap fitment. I tried that, but got the position of the holes wrong, which meant when put on, the cap didn't twist enough and was slightly tilted the other direction    haha




So I decided to leave it as originally fitted - and go for the twist on, then twist back ever so slightly!