What appears to be thick lacquer has started to peel on my fuel cap, I've not noticed it before on my previous coop and have had this one for many years. Is this standard or after mart?
Presumably I'm going to have to strip it and reapply.

Hello Respace

Yes this is very common, and it probably is an original cap.

Unless someone knows better, you will need to get it stripped and re-chromed.

Mine is losing its lacquer, albeit very slowly.

Paul

You have 2 options:

1) Strip old lacquer, polish, re-lacquer (But you would need to get self-etching lacquers or you will not get proper adhesion with the polished surface)
2) Strip old lacquer and chrome plate the entire thing.

I would go with option 2 but bear in mind a chromed surface has much more 'bling' than option 1.

Wasnt the thing to strip the lacquer, polish it up, wax it - then keep it polished/waxed occasionally?

Watch this week's episode of Car Cleaning Guru on YouTube!

Paul

Any ideas on what to strip the lacquer with? tried acetone, spirit, polish, don't want anything too abrasive but looks like it might be needed

I stripped the lacquer on mine with paint stripper. Then I just polished the hell out of it with Autosol metal polish. No need for any lacquer, just give it a buff with some Autosol periodically and it’ll look great!

Good to know that at least something can be seen in darkest Devon!

I rubbed mine down with wet and dry started with 400 grade and then 800 grade followed by 1200, and finally 2000. Then a good polish with Autosol. As above a regular polish keeps it looking shiny, I did try aerosol lacquer but it wasn’t as shiny so removed it.

You can get matt and satin lacquer. I used matt for my B pillar, wing mirror mount, scuttle panel and wiper blade tidy up. Think it's close to OEM but I was guessing.

Tbf, I did the same as you and polished. Needs doing again. Lasted a year or two.

I seem to remember removing the laquer many years ago, but can't remember the process I used now! Anyway, all it takles is the occasional polish up with some Autosol to keep it looking nice and shiny.

I did keep a spare cap in case it was needed - still sitting on the shelf after 15 years.