Just to Re-Cap

[RAC68]

Hi All,

Well, I took a nice drive after adding an additive to my gas and, being side tracked, left my gas cap sitting on the top. Aggravate at my absent-mindedness and the loss of the cap, I ordered another from VB and found the replacement cap to fit but it appeared smaller then the lost original one. Has anyone had this issue or is it my imagination? Where is a good place to purchase a proper standard cap?

I know this seems trivial but that is also the problem.

Thanks,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Bob_Spidell]

The cap is a 'standard' size. Don't remember the details, but I got a cap at Autozone years ago; IIRC the counterperson looked up the part number for me.

On road trips, it's gotten to be SOP for my co-pilot to call out 'cap on?' before we leave the station; I also carry a spare in the parts collection I keep in the boot.

 

[tahoe healey]

I got a locking cap (looks original except for the key hole) with the key on the ring with the ignition key. Can't drive off without it. Be sure your new cap is vented.

 

[BJ8Healeys]

On my way to Lake Tahoe in 2002, I stopped for gas in New Albany, IN. A mile or so down the road, I heard something that sounded like it fell off the car, but decided it was just something I ran over. It did fall off the car. I had laid the gas cap on the top cover, and it fell off -- as I discovered when I stopped again. There was a NAPA store down the way, so I went in and asked if they had a gas cap for an Austin-Healey. "Locking or non-locking?", the guy asked. The NAPA cap looked exactly like the original and I bet it was cheaper than what Moss offered.
Since then, I always hold the cap in my hand or put it in my pocket while refueling. I also now have a spare in the boot.

 

[Keoke]

That's exactly what happened to me in Tucson AZ a few years ago Steve--LOL

 

[Healey Nut]

The ones from Moss etc may look the same but pick up an original and pick up a repro and feel the difference in the weight . the repros are like coke cans compared to the originals .

 

[steveg]

I had the exact same experience with an Alfa Milano I owned with a lock that matched the ignition and doors. I would have had to replace all the locks to get one with an identical key. Now I put the Healey cap in my pocket during the fill up.

Lottof us have had this experience -- one time only! -- I bet.

 

[John Turney]

A bit expensive, but I've found a solution:

 

[RAC68]

The Healey Nut validates my perception. I lost the cap through absent mindedness but was not that concerned as I expected to easily find a replacement. I became concerned when receiving a cap purchased from a major distributor that seemed to fit but appeared smaller and very flimsy with very little overlapping rim. This cap did little to hide the fuel filler tube and made it seem overly tall.

In a perverse way, its nice to realize I am not the only one to have lost a cap in this manor.

All the best to all,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[why]

Hah, great thread. It was in the mid-60s with a new Alfa that after being astounded to find out that they all blew their head gaskets at atout 30,000 mi that I became acquainted with the "oh they all do that." Needless to say as the decades past and these sorts of cars became classics, I soon was introduced to the saying in that regards. Now it has come full circle: "OH WE ALL DO THAT." Once again a uniquely great forum.
Jay, '67Etype, '65 3000, '95 Caterham 7 Classic

 

[HealeyRick]

Maybe they should have safety wired the gas cap like they did the oil cap.

 

[Michael Oritt]

Maybe they should have safety wired the gas cap like they did the oil cap.

I had a TR3 a long time ago and I believe it had a QR (spring-loaded) captive gas cap.
Or maybe they should have done away with the external cap entirely and put the filler bak into the boot where it would be a lot harder to overlook putting the cap back on, plus everything would be under lock and key, with a cleaner exterior appearance.

 

[pan]

Well said, Michael!