Gas cap & license plates

I'm assuming my car is normal in that there is no place to put the gas cap while fueling; it just sort of dangles there.<br><br>Maybe I'm too picky, but I don't know if I like having it flopping around against the outside finish. Seems like it could damage the paint over time; is there a trick to keeping it out of the way?<br><br>Also, again maybe I'm too picky, but I don't know that I like having my license plate mounted so it's right up against the paint. Do any of you have any tricks or product recommendations to add a little space between the plate and the finish of the hatch? I would think that over the course of many thousand miles, a faint outline of the license plate may develop in that area. Should I worry? <br><br>-Dave

I got some tiny "bumpers" from the hardware store. They are clear and adhesive and about 3/8" across. They hold the license plate off the paint by about 3/16".

I was going to get some nylon or rubber washers of some sort to put behind the screws to keep that section from rubbing. Glad I'm not the only picky owner out there!

You are not being too picky at all! There are many of us out here! I also have tried to find somewhere to put the gas cap while refueling...when I find a trick, I'll let you know, but I will NOT continue to have it dangle! I agree with your point about the license plate, but there may be little you can do about this.

I haven't tried it yet, but how about a strip of velcro around the outter edge or top of the cap, then the other hook piece on the back/inner side of the fuel door. Then when you refuel you can stick the cap there out of the way, without dangling. It might work.

Dave,<br>The gas cap is held on by a rubber pin. Simply pull this pin out of the retainer. You can always just push it back in later if you want.

I put a small thin peice of foam behind the plate so it wouldn't scratch it and keeps it from rattling when closing or opening the hatch and while driving. You can also get small rubber "bumps" that have adhesive on one side and put a couple on the contact points behind the plate. As for the gas cap Velcro can be your friend, or not, just cut out a thin peice that goes around half of the edge of the cap, then put a hefty square on the gas door, and bam your cap stays in place. Just figure out the best place to put the Velcro on before you stick it and it should work. Have I done it? Nope. When I first got my Trib I was going to do it but then I sort of just didn't mind the cap dangling. It really shouldn't have any gas on it so there really not much to worry about like gas getting on your paint, but it does still bug me that my old junky 94 Ford Aspire has a built-in cap holder in the gas door?!?!?

Hey Dave....!! Try not messing with the gas cap...some have had problems even going with a locking cap. Seems their infamous check engine light comes on.<br><br>Hatch problem is easy...take a trip to either an office center...Office Depot...etc. buy little 3m backed rubber bottoms. You can also buy 'em at stereo stores...<br><br>bob

You may want to reconsider using rubber bumpers behind the license plates. They may eventually rub through the paint causing rust down the road.<br>I use small round "felt" stick-ons. They are normally placed on the bottom of furniture legs to protect wood floors. It is available at any Walmart, Kmart, etc.