THE TANK CAP

Southland Times, Issue 23740, 11 February 1939, Page 18

THE TANK CAP

SIMPLE WAY OF AVOIDING LOSS Many hundreds of motorists during the year lose the petrol tank filler caps of their cars because of carelessness in replacing them after a refill, or forgetfulness on the part of the pump attendants. These losses are so frequent that it is high time that all manufacturers fitted caps which cannot be completely removed, of the type which are indeed fitted to some cars, mainly of English manufacture. However, it is comparatively easy to arrange the cap so that it cannot be lost. A length of light chain, about four inches longer than the tank filling pipe, is riveted to the centre of the cap at one end. At its other is fitted a pair of metal legs hinged in such a way that they can be folded together towards the cap, but adopt a horizontal position when an attempt is made to fold them the other way. These legs should have a combined length greater than the diameter of the pipe. With the legs folded, the chain can easily be dropped into the pipe, but when the folded legs enter the tank they will open out, and it will be impossible to withdraw the chain. The extra length of about four inches will be sufficient to allow the cap to be removed and hung over the side of the pipe on the chain while the tank is being filled. This simple arrangement can easily be fitted by any garage if the owner has not the facilities to do it himself.