Broken fuel door. Any suggestions?

Bought the truck ('05 tacoma SR5) off my father a few months ago. He somehow managed to break the fuel door off at the hinge (possibly rust?) and now I have a hideous gap in the side of my truck. Any ideas on how to fix this? I could get a new one, but then I'd have to have it painted and it probably wouldn't match, etc. etc. Any help would be appreciated!

-Lemmy

 

That's quite a conundrum. You may have to just buy a different truck! (Laughter)
Weigh out your options. Would you rather have the gap in the side of your truck or would you rather replace it and paint it with the hopes that you can match the paint? I think I would rather have the fuel door. If you paint it and it doesn't match, then take the thing off and try it again until you get it right or give up the ability to care.

 

Try a salvage yard.

 

A guy on another forum paid $90 for a new fuel door color matched at the dealer. Salvage yard would probably be cheaper for sure.
My bottom hinge is cracked and more than likely will break off soon. Hoping to show it to the dealer before the 3/36 is up. From what I read, in certain areas, this is a problem.

 

Cardboard, spray-paint and duct tape.....no more unsightly gas cap

 

I ended up switching to a racing fuel cell (fill door relocated to the bed), welded sheet metal over the old fuel door location, and repainted the whole vehicle house of colors candy tangerine... I didn't realize I was being an a$$hole asking a question that I figured some other people had a problem with. Thanks Simon's Mom for some practical advice and the time to write a helpful response.

-Lemmy

 

Did we miss something here?

 

That's a perfectly normal response...I guess.

Apparently

 

Did you miss something? Just the part where I feel people are giving me BS answers because they think I'm asking a stupid question. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a bit of dry humor, but my opinion is don't post unless you have something constructive to say. Again, I'm just the a$$hole newbie, but I've been around -maybe not on this website- but I have, and I don't appreciate smart-ass posts. I simply posed this question because it would seem to me more than one person has had this issue. By looking at the fuel door (the hinge specifically) it seems like the one poorly built piece on the tacoma... scratch that, the second, after the mudflaps. Seeing as most people on this forum seem to have very cost-efficient, and creative fixes for simple problems, I figured I'd ask. Turns out I just need to "give up the ability to care" "buy a new truck" or "duct tape" the thing... Way to to make a new member feel welcome! Do I need tougher skin? Probably. Am I over-reacting? Again, probably, but you tell me. I joined this forum because it seemed like a close-knit comunitiy with members who shared the common interests of owning/driving Toyota trucks and also helping and sharing with other Toyota truck owners. Sorry for the rant. Maybe I need a nap, just not what I expected from you guys.

-Lemmy

 

I think they were jokes. I think you got some constructive comments and really the only two simple options. Welcome to Tacoma land. Take care.

 

[sighs] fine. I spent soo much energy on my rant, and now I have to formally apologize. I'm up past my bed-time, had too many beers, and am being too sensitive. How does it go? "Arguing on the internet"... basically, I lose either way. I'm going to bed, thank you for the sincere responses and thank you for the jokes.

Love - Lemmy

 

Good night. Don't worry about it.