Removing fuel filler flap
 

Hello again,


I would like to remove the fuel filler cover flap to rectify some minor rust , both in the recess, and inside the flap.



Being totally ignorant about modern (post 70s) vehicles, I'm bewildered by the long 'bolts' which fix the hinge to the body shell. They are very long, and have a peculiar narrow extension beyond the thread. Are they accessible from within the body, or are they removed from the outside. In the latter case, I assume the narrow 'extension' is to accept some sort of clamping tool, like a drill chuck.


Thanks in advance for any guidance.



Derek.

I think the "headed" threads seem like they would accept some sort of torx "socket" from the outside of the vehicle :shrug:

But attached is a photo of behind the right-rear wheel arch liner, from where the bolts can be unscrewed with a standard hex socket.

As the bolts were a little corroded in here on mine, I replaced them with some stainless bolts and nylon washers..

Easy enough to replace.


Cheers,
Karl.

You are correct Karl, the bolts can be undone from the filler flap side of the car, just fins a small socket (Sorry I cant remember the size) Then tighten the bolts and they will loosen.

Does anyone know why the bolts are left so that they can be undone from the outside? Not so easy to do them up again this way, I'd have thought.. :)


Cheers,
Karl.

Its a Rover thing.. Bolts that are way to long for their purpose, have you seen the length of the ones that hold the gearbox mount to the chassis rail!

Can't say I've noticed those (yet), Andy.

I'm sure there was a good reason for only being able to UNDO the fuel filler flap bolts from the outside.. but a mystery to me, it remains :)


Cheers,
Karl.

Thank you gentlemen for crystal clear info. As soon as the rain stops (and assuming it is still daylight) I will search in the boot. I might, then, check the socket size for external access.


Derek.

Hi Derek,

Unless someone here knows better, I think the only way to get the fuel filler flap off (and back on) is to remove the right-rear wheel arch liner and use a standard socket to undo the two bolts holding the flap (see pic in my first reply - this is a pic from inside the right-rear wheel arch, with the liner removed). You won't be able to access the bolts from the boot.

Removing the liner is a bit of a pain - I think there's five little plastic nuts (likely to be covered in dirt) that hold the liner to the body - you'll need to clean these up and get a socket on them to remove. Then, wiggle the liner out, taking care to avoid damage to the paintwork.


Cheers,
Karl.

There is another way.. ;)

Undo the bolts from the outside as described, then when they are just about out, wrap a cable tie around each of them, when replacing, locate the bolts, cut the cable tie and all will be well :D

..And that's why there are those of us that are good at working on cars, and those of us that aren't!! :D

Trikey's way sounds way easier :bowdown:


Cheers,
Karl.