When AO Smith replaced the tail light panel, did they do anything special to the fuel filler or filler hose? I have searched but found nothing that talks about it, and as the license plate holder is normally in the way, you do not see photos of it. Did they re-use the same sheet metal looking screws that were used on the original filler?
Also, it is possible that I do not have the original rubber hose that goes between the filler and the tank, as the one that came with the car is an inch or two longer than the one I purchased from NPD, which states it has the length of 4 3/4" and is smooth rubber which looks to be more like the one I have. There is also a Scott Drake version and is being listed as being 6" long with stripes, but a search here seems to indicate the "cloth" type texture is incorrect and may be more correct for San Jose built cars.