How do i remove the whole gas pocket and outer trim ring. I need to paint around the filler door and don't want to leave it in place. The panels are all on the car.

I can't tell you how to completely remove it. What I did was remove the door. (2 screws) Then removed the couple screws that hold the housing in place and pulled it out as far as it would come. (about and inch or so) To take it all the way out you have to disconnet the latch cable which I didn't want to take the time to do.
I painted my quarter this way and it came out perfect. You can't tell I didn't pull it all the way out.

has anyone got a photo of the spring that looks as if it fits in the hinge to push the flap open when the release handle is pulled mine is missing

To remove the gas door pocket, you have to remove the screw that holds the little latch and cable to the inside wall of the pocket. Then remove the two screws that hold the door and hinge to the pocket wall and remove the door. Lastly, Remove the gas cap from the neck and unscrew two little screws that hold the pocket to the sail panel. Here's a diagram:



As for the door spring, here's a picture:

On the actual fuel door trim "ring" assembly (it's actually the cup assembly, as shown in the diagram Blooz posted), spray the hold down bolts with a small shot of some penetrant. You don't really have to do that with the fuel door bolts themselves as they typically come off easy, but do it on the bolts that hold the cup assembly. Nearly every time I have attempted to remove one I have broken one of the two bolts off in the frame because they were "frozen" in place.

The whole thing is relatively easy to disassemble. The big thing is getting the latch cable undone and out of the way, but it's not hard. Once you do that you're pretty much golden.

Thanks guys much appreciated. Had a tard in his hick wagon mar up the paint when he pulled out of the parking spot next to me. Bastard took off when he saw me coming. why oh why are the stupid attracted to shiny things.

[This message has been edited by Macs86GT (edited 11-25-2011).]