Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior Gas cap question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 07:29 PM
  #1  
gobble's Avatar
gobble
Thread Starter
|
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 22
Gas cap question

I don't like the MCS gas cap and don't understand why they would make it stand out like it does. Same thing with cars like the Mitsu Eclipse? Why would you want a big gas cap that disrupts the lines of the car? My ideal car wouldn't even have a gas cap cut into the bodywork. I like how the regular MC has a gas cap that is camouflaged in body color. Can I replace the MCS gas cap with a MC gas cap? Do they come painted body color or would I need to have it painted?
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 10:08 PM
  #2  
1nf3rn0's Avatar
1nf3rn0
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,731
Likes: 3
It is done to give the cars a GT style racecar feel. I dont know about the logistics of puting a regular MC cap on it though...
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 10:30 PM
  #3  
Thameth's Avatar
Thameth
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
You'll have better luck with this question over in the Int/Ext Mods forum, i've seen a few post on the same subject a few times. They have full details on what has to be done.
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 11:02 PM
  #4  
camelpilot's Avatar
camelpilot
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
Originally Posted by gobble
I don't like the MCS gas cap and don't understand why they would make it stand out like it does. Same thing with cars like the Mitsu Eclipse? Why would you want a big gas cap that disrupts the lines of the car? My ideal car wouldn't even have a gas cap cut into the bodywork. I like how the regular MC has a gas cap that is camouflaged in body color. Can I replace the MCS gas cap with a MC gas cap? Do they come painted body color or would I need to have it painted?
I hate to say this man, but you are incorrect in the way you understand the gascap. :smile: It doesnt even come down to preference or opinions.

The S gascap is one of the many fine items on this car.
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 11:07 PM
  #5  
lotsie's Avatar
lotsie
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
I like both.The S cap does not spoil the lines of the car to me.I'am happy with the one on my MC:smile:
But to each their own
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 11:26 PM
  #6  
XAlfa's Avatar
XAlfa
Banned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA
Originally Posted by 1nf3rn0
It is done to give the cars a GT style racecar feel.
Uh... not really. "It is done" to echo the dual chrome gas caps of the original Cooper S. As is the center exit exhaust. Know your history!

 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 11:51 PM
  #7  
lotsie's Avatar
lotsie
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by XAlfa
Uh... not really. "It is done" to echo the dual chrome gas caps of the original Cooper S. As is the center exit exhaust. Know your history!

Great picMakes me long for my classic
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 12:02 AM
  #8  
XAlfa's Avatar
XAlfa
Banned
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,399
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA
Glad you enjoyed it, Lotto. Here's a shot of the same car chasing down an Alfa GTV.

 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 12:06 AM
  #9  
MINIclo's Avatar
MINIclo
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by XAlfa
Great piccie......thanks for sharing it!


Clover
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 12:08 AM
  #10  
Samtrak's Avatar
Samtrak
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
From: Ventura California
you could always do what i did....
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 12:14 AM
  #11  
lotsie's Avatar
lotsie
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15,382
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MINIclo
Great piccie......thanks for sharing it!


Clover
YES:thumbs up:
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 04:22 AM
  #12  
Audioman's Avatar
Audioman
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Anyone notice that the MCSC has a painted gas cap alla standard Cooper and not the Chrome one found on the S?
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 05:18 AM
  #13  
resmini's Avatar
resmini
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by gobble
I don't like the MCS gas cap and don't understand why they would make it stand out like it does. Same thing with cars like the Mitsu Eclipse? Why would you want a big gas cap that disrupts the lines of the car? My ideal car wouldn't even have a gas cap cut into the bodywork. I like how the regular MC has a gas cap that is camouflaged in body color. Can I replace the MCS gas cap with a MC gas cap? Do they come painted body color or would I need to have it painted?
I like the gas fill location on my 69 Chevelle. It's behind the license plate and you can't see it. Also, you can't drive up to a gas pump with the gas filler on the wrong side.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 05:27 AM
  #14  
CooperBeagle's Avatar
CooperBeagle
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 2
From: South Bend, Indiana
Originally Posted by resmini
I like the gas fill location on my 69 Chevelle. It's behind the license plate and you can't see it. Also, you can't drive up to a gas pump with the gas filler on the wrong side.
I own three Checkers and they also have the gas fill on the back... trouble is, gas spills all over the back bumper! I try to not fill them all the way so gas dosn't splash back at me. I think it happens 'cause the fill is so low.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 05:58 AM
  #15  
JustGo4It_'s Avatar
JustGo4It_
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Livermore, CA.
Originally Posted by Audioman
Anyone notice that the MCSC has a painted gas cap alla standard Cooper and not the Chrome one found on the S?
That was done because there wasn't enough room for the S cap with the convertible top mechanism.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 06:56 AM
  #16  
resmini's Avatar
resmini
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by CooperBeagle
I own three Checkers and they also have the gas fill on the back... trouble is, gas spills all over the back bumper! I try to not fill them all the way so gas dosn't splash back at me. I think it happens 'cause the fill is so low.
Three Checkers, that's neat. Do you run a cab company?

I was sorry when they stopped making these cars. They were comfortable, reliable and readily indentifyable as Taxi's. I guess there are still a bunch of them in service?
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 07:21 AM
  #17  
camelpilot's Avatar
camelpilot
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
Ok guys. Here is the truth about the MCS gas cap.

Firstly, back in the 50's and 60's there were 2 types of expensive gas caps.

The Monza and the Aston.

Monza:


Aston:


The MCS cap is actually based on the Monza.

Take a look at a few classic Ferraris and Jaguars etc. Their gas cap will look familiar. We should all be proud of our Gas Cap and what it is based on.

No offense to the original poster, but I really dont like it when people say when they dislike something on the MINI. Every visual detail on this car was perfected. The car was clearly over-engineered. So when someone says theres something wrong with something on the car, there is probably something wrong with them. :smile: . .
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 07:26 AM
  #18  
DVLMINI's Avatar
DVLMINI
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Actually, the original Cooper S came with ONE chrome gas cap. The other is an add-on you can do when you add a 2nd tank.

BTW I have a New old stock 2nd tank if anyone needs one.

Originally Posted by lot15
Great picMakes me long for my classic
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 07:30 AM
  #19  
camelpilot's Avatar
camelpilot
Banned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 1
From: City of Angels, Cali
Originally Posted by DVLMINI
Actually, the original Cooper S came with ONE chrome gas cap. The other is an add-on you can do when you add a 2nd tank.

BTW I have a New old stock 2nd tank if anyone needs one.
Which side is it? Right or LEft? I may be interested.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 07:43 AM
  #20  
gokartride's Avatar
gokartride
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by camelpilot
Here is the truth about the MCS gas cap.
Camelpilot, thanks for the pictoral history lesson on gas caps...nice! I find it fascinating all the little things about our MINIs that could be just random styling decisions but, in fact, aren't. I like both gas caps...one is a cleaner look, one is a sportier look..but both do their job.

Owning a Cooper, I was one of many (apparently) who once considered switching out to an MCS gas cap....such a kit is seen often and readily available. However, I didn't do it because 1) my car is a Cooper...if I'd wanted and S I would have bought one, 2) It's proper on the MCS which is styled in a more sporty fashion in general....my '03 Cooper is just plain cheeky ; and 3) I learned to really appreciate the fact that the MC gas cap does fit so well into the car's lines as gobble has said.

As the song says, "...and if you can't drive the MINI you love, honey, love the MINI you drive!"
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 07:50 AM
  #21  
resmini's Avatar
resmini
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by camelpilot
The car was clearly over-engineered. So when someone says theres something wrong with something on the car, there is probably something wrong with them. :smile: . .
I don't think that just because something is designed it is automatically perfect and not to be critized. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion different from that of the engineers or designers who designed the car.

The Pontiac Aztec would be a good example.
 
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2005 | 08:45 AM
  #22  
HMC's Avatar
HMC
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: NC
oPINIONS

I agree with you resmini! I love most details about the Mini...

If a MC gas cap conversion kit is available, I'd consider swapping out the MCS cap.

As someone pointed out in a prior thread, Minis are mostly personally ordered cars, with owners who spend several hours/days deciding on colors, materials, equipment etc...I don't know if they'd be as popular as they are if there were only two equipment levels. Or at least they wouldn't have quite the following which they enjoy.

But please No neon lights! Save it for your Azteks or Eclipse :-)

Originally Posted by resmini
I don't think that just because something is designed it is automatically perfect and not to be critized. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion different from that of the engineers or desigers who designed the car.

The Pontiac Aztec would be a good example.
 
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2026 | 05:01 AM
  #23  
Oldboy Speedwell's Avatar
Oldboy Speedwell
6th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 796
From: NW Georgia, USA
Originally Posted by camelpilot
Ok guys. Here is the truth about the MCS gas cap.

Firstly, back in the 50's and 60's there were 2 types of expensive gas caps.

The Monza and the Aston.

Monza:


Aston:


The MCS cap is actually based on the Monza.

Take a look at a few classic Ferraris and Jaguars etc. Their gas cap will look familiar. We should all be proud of our Gas Cap and what it is based on.

No offense to the original poster, but I really dont like it when people say when they dislike something on the MINI. Every visual detail on this car was perfected. The car was clearly over-engineered. So when someone says theres something wrong with something on the car, there is probably something wrong with them. :smile: . .



21 year bump !

isn't NAM great ?

banned camelpilot was of course correct, and i agree about the visual design details being perfected, simultaneously retro and modern

the Monza-style cap was a subtle stylish nod.

unfortunately the illustrative pics have vanished, such is the sad fate of forums --- in this case it is an expired hotlink:



hotlinking has always been common practice on forums, but in most cases such images are doomed to expire

i won't even breach the photobucket debacle because it still pizzez me off & anyway i'm just here for fotocentric addition on topic of Monza caps LoL

Enots was the original maker of such caps




but of course,
over the years there have been many copies made







 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
34
Jul 16, 2020 12:54 PM
boostedhaze
Interior/Exterior
7
Jan 2, 2018 07:26 PM
mrjolliff
MINI Parts for Sale
3
Oct 9, 2015 05:55 AM
mcoopers81
F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+)
23
Aug 19, 2015 01:42 PM
WayMotorWorks
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 4, 2015 01:47 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:57 PM.