Locking fuel cap stripped

[Peepz]

Hey guys! Been awhile! I'm still here! Lol! I stopped in the ask a quick question about the locking fuel cap on my 81'. Twice now I've walked out in the garage and noticed the two small, countersunk, self-tapper, phillips head screws have pulled out of the lock assembly, leaving the lock assembly and screws just sitting on the tank and fuel tank essentially open to the elements. Apparently it's been awhile this time as almost all my fuel has evaporated! My question is has anyone else ran into this? Do you try and tap the lock holes up a size? Seems the spring in the latch assembly simply overpowered the threads in the lock mechanism and stripped them both. Just curious what the procedure is, as I'd like to save the lock. Thanks!

 

[BowlingSS]

I never had that problem on my 81. Post a picture if possible.

 

[Peepz]

I never had that problem on my 81. Post a picture if possible.

Here ya go, the screw holes are stripped holding the lock to the spring assembly.

 

[Peepz]

Looks like just stepping up with a self tapper will do the trick!

 

[Jim]

This sounds kinda half assed, but it works great on lightly loaded stuff with self tapping screws....

Clean the holes and screws with solvent.
Dab a little JB Weld in the holes. The original grey formula.
Peel some cotton off some Q-tips and pack that into the holes so the J B Weld saturates it (add more if needed).
Put it back together, thread the screws in and lightly seat 'em.
Wait 24hrs and Bob's your uncle.

 

[Jim]

Also... like me, I'd guess you push down on the key when you turn it to unlock the cap. What that's doing is transferring ALL of that downward force to those two little sheet metal screws. That's what cause them to strip is my guess.

Lesson learned, I'll push down on the cap from now on, instead of the key.

 

[Peepz]

This sounds kinda half assed, but it works great on lightly loaded stuff with self tapping screws....

Clean the holes and screws with solvent.
Dab a little JB Weld in the holes. The original grey formula.
Peel some cotton off some Q-tips and pack that into the holes so the J B Weld saturates it (add more if needed).
Put it back together, thread the screws in and lightly seat 'em.
Wait 24hrs and Bob's your uncle.

Thanks Jim. Ya every thread was peeled out of the lock, once I ran some self tappers in and out, it actually cut some really nice threads and seems to be solid now, it had enough head room too without being countersunk. We'll see I guess. I've always had a habit of pushing down on the entire cap as I turn the key. Honestly kinda surprised by the engineering, it's quite a bit force to be placed on those two small screws but it does and has worked for a very long time. My guess is, it was just 40+ years of fatigue on those threads, can't really blame it for finally letting go.