1965-1966 Ford Mustang Gas Cap Installation Guide

1965-1966 Ford Mustang Gas Cap Installation Guide

Last Updated May 29, 2026 | Nate Moonis

If the original gas cap on your 1965-1966 Mustang is faded, scratched, or missing its shine, replacing it is a quick way to improve the appearance of your classic 1965-1966 Ford Mustang. This simple installation only requires basic hand tools and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Check out the video below for a more in-depth installation breakdown.

How to Install a New Gas Cap on a 1965-1966 Ford Mustang

This step-by-step installation guide will walk you through the removal of the stock gas cap and the installation of the new one. In the video above, we installed a replica 1965 Mustang gas cap to keep our car looking OEM.

Classic Mustang Deals

Tools and Supplies Needed:

  • Ratchet
  • Extension
  • 10mm socket
  • 11mm socket

1965-1966 Mustang Gas Cap Installation

Step 1: Open The Gas Cap

Open the existing gas cap to access the retaining cord and mounting hardware.

A female mechanic looking at the camera while removing the gas cap of a white classic Ford Mustang with her hands

Step 2: Locate The Retaining Nut

Find the retaining nut attached to the braided retention cord inside the filler neck area.

A close up of the gas cap retaining nut on the inside of a classic Ford Mustang's trunk

Step 3: Loosen The Retaining Nut

Use a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension to loosen and remove the retaining nut.

A mechanic using a ratchet with an extension to unscrew the retaining nut of a Ford Mustang's gas cap

Step 4: Remove The Original Gas Cap

Pull the original gas cap and braided cord assembly away from the vehicle.

A female mechanic pulling the factory gas cap off of the trunk lid of a white classic Ford Mustang

Step 5: Remove The New Retaining Nut

Remove the 11mm retaining nut from the new gas cap assembly and set it aside.

A female mechanic unscrewing the retaining nut on the new gas cap

Step 6: Install The New Gas Cap

Insert the new gas cap assembly into the vehicle and thread the new retaining nut into place by hand.

A female mechanic screwing the new retaining nut into place on the back of the new gas cap

Step 7: Tighten The Retaining Hardware

Use an 11mm socket with a ratchet and extension to tighten the hardware until snug.

A mechanic using a ratchet with an extension to tighten the retaining nut into place on the inside of the trunk of a classic Ford Mustang

Step 8: Screw The New Gas Cap Into Place

Screw the new gas cap onto the filler neck once you've tightened the retaining nut.

A female mechanic screwing the new gas cap into place onto the filler neck of a white classic Ford Mustang

Congratulations, you're all done!

Clean Up Your 1965-1966 Mustang's Trunk With a New Gas Cap

Replacing the gas cap on your 1965-1966 Mustang is a quick exterior upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in the look of your ride's rear end. Want to upgrade your classic Mustang's rear end further? Check out our large selection of hatch and trunk parts to match your new gas cap.

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