Repairing gas tank filler plastic frame

[Cakeman2253]

On my 73 brave, the gas tank (fuel) filler on the side next to the entrance door. There is a plastic frame that is basically recessed into the body of the coach and the filler neck comes out the center of the plastic and the actual cap ends up almost even with the body of the coach. This plastic is cracked and broken. Do they make a replacement or any idea how to repair? Thanks

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Depends on the size.  If its a standard size, like around 6x6 or 9x9 square, or whatever is considered relatively standard, you can still buy them.  I've been looking myself!  But if its a weird size, like on our 77 Itasca (the opening is 9.5 high by 11 inches wide!), then you'll have to improvize.  We have a cheezy plastic door with hinges covering it for now, but its not water tight and water has gotten down below it between the aluminum and thermopanel and rotted the wood.  What I am going to do is improvize, buy a cheap outside shower that doesn't SAY "shower" on the panel door, remove the shower guts, and retrofit it as a fuel door.  They just don't sell the fuel door for our Itasca anymore!

Kev

[The_Handier_Man1]

I remember that one member had put a couple of layers of fiberglass over his old plastic frame and it looked great.  Something I think of doing someday.  Then another member in Seattle bought a new piece for about $70.00.  That is more than I would spend, but then again I'm cheap, er thrifty,  Les

[Clyde9]

I know a guy here that just fiberglassed his old plastic insert. It was falling apart, but was in tact enough to work with. I was not able to tell that there was a single crack in it.

Clyde9

[JDxeper]

The Winnebago parts book has some fuel fill shrouds listed on page 196.  You might give Lichtsinn Motors a call  at 800-343-6255 and tell them what you are looking for.  You never know.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

My insert and fuel door were missing altogether when we bought Excalibur...some previous owner must have thrown it out and then just used a thin white plastic door with hinges over the hole...that is how water got down in between the panels.

Kev

[D20T_73]

Amazingly, mine is still in fairly good shape. But i really like your idea Handy Man...if i add a few layers of fiberglass now that its in good shape, it should last MUCH longer. The sun and moisture is so hard on parts like that...