Fuel/gas fill plastic trim ring

[bajaleo]

I'm trying to remove this trim ring for paint, but can't figure out how it comes out. I removed the three screws, and gas cap but that didn't help me.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Leo

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Leo in San Juan Capistrano
1984 Wolfie Westy, Subaru EJ22 powered.

[IdahoDoug]

Leo,

I remember removing mine for painting and have a tip for you. I can't recall anything tricky on removal but for putting it back together - hoooey.

SO those three screws - take one to a faster store and get 3 stainless screws a half inch longer or so. Installing is three parts - the outer trim, a gasket of rubber I think, and then the rear bit where the screws go into. They all have to line up like a one in a million combinations. Then original screws would not restart as when you press, the rear bit pushes away due to the rubber and you don't want to strip it. So get longer ones and they'll start piece of cake.

Easily one of the top 5 reassembly things I learned on the entire van body.

Doug
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[bajaleo]

Thanks, Doug. I think that once I get it removed, I should be able to put it back together pretty easily.

I just don't want to break it while removing it, because I'm pretty sure it's one of those NLA parts, and it'll be hell trying to find a replacement.

Leo
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Leo in San Juan Capistrano
1984 Wolfie Westy, Subaru EJ22 powered.

[82westyrabbit]

The gas tank ring you are talking about is available from the usual places. I think mine came vanagain. Both the old metal pipe and the newer plastic pipe ones are available. Some times they come out hard and it’s easyer to just replace them. Good luck.

[dobryan]

You need to twist the ring so it unlocks
from the body IIRC. Take a good
look from under the wheel
well
at it.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[danfromsyr]

indeed the ring takes a 1/2in twist to unlock from the body.
I put a piece of plywood behind it screwed into the 3 holes that allowed me to get a better hold on the unit.. could just be a 1x2 piece of wood and catch 2 screw holes..
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[davideric9]

YES, its like a bayonet mount, tabs and slots, so it turns to align the tabs to the slots for removal. I'd suggest getting in behind this ring and using some kind of lubrication, even soapy water will help. Last time I did this I cut my hand because of the force I applied before it suddenly turned.
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012)

[IdahoDoug]

Actually Leo, I am telling you this precisely because assembly is a pain without longer screws. Can you do it? Sure. And I hope it goes smoothly. I've been wrenching for a looong time and this was a pain worth avoiding for 42 cents.
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Luckyphil]

loosen the 3 screws then twist the filler tube to the left. Spray with WD40 first comes out easy. Put back the same way but twist to the right.

[leecat]

Fun fact when doing this - a 4" grinder disc replacement tool (that comes with almost all small grinders) fits right into the lower two screw holes on the fuel filler flange and rotates it out of there like nobody's business. Hope that helps someone struggling with this thing.

[Gizmoman]

Ironically, it's similar in design to the fuel level sender - tabs and twist. I just removed my tank a few days ago for a cleanout, and removing this ring was part of the job.

Dirt gets in-between stuff and makes it quite stiff to turn. Possibly douching the backside with a spray bottle filled with soapy water would help.
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[kinvolute]

So having recently had my van repainted, I thought "Hey I should replace the almost 40 year old plastic fuel filler trim with a new one" I ordered a replacement from GoWesty (https://www.gowesty.com/product/gas-cap/3276/trim-around-gas-cap-80-91-?v=) and the part looks fantastic.

...

So two hours later with much swearing, grease, multiple tools, and scuffed knuckles the part still won't twist in.

Turns out that new paint has thickness, who knew. I ended using a utility knife to trim a sliver of material from all of the tabs.

After that it installed with a twist and I screwed it to the fuel filler neck with new stainless screws.

Another tip. Swing the fuel filler neck into the wheel arch while installing and you can actually get a hold of the part from front and back to help twist in. Once installed swing the neck back into place and put in the screws.

Hope this helps someone

[dobryan]

kinvolute, thanks for the tip. Nice first post.


I too have experienced that issue. Your tip should help others.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[wbailey2112]

The technique that I used to reinstall this on our Westy after a repaint required no trimming...just a gentle prying of the tabs first followed by the use of a rubber strap wrench around the backside of it for leverage when turning.
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'74 Thing
'83 Westfalia