Brainstorm Classic Fuel lid

[12/30/2004] Reviewed by: Michael Trapnell - miket@intellinet.com

Applicable to: '99 +

Polished stainless steel fuel lid

The installation was straight forward. I am very pleased with the look. The fuel lid does not look like an addon product.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


BSP classic fuel lid.

[3/17/2004] Reviewed by: Mark Henley

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 +

BSP classic fuel lid 99+. Stainless steel. The shipping weight was almost 4 Lbs. A heavy fuel lid.

Install was easy. I did it after work and I get off at midnight. I did mine in the drive way with a flashlight and some simple hand tools.

I do not know if I like the way the lip on this lid rides on the paint. I tried to make a gasket to keep it off the paint but it did not work out. After I forgot about the gasket and installed it the way the instructions said it was done in a snap. The fit and finish is first rate.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Brainstorm's Classic Fuel Lid

[6/1/2003] Reviewed by: Chris Ohland - cohland@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

The big old fifties-and-sixties-looking chromed classic fuel lid. I bought mine used. It was indeed easy to install, but very heavy at 4.5 pounds. Think about that.

I like(d) the looks, but tired of it after a while and de-installed it. When I did, I noticed that the bottom of the "tray" part is a very rough casting, and it produced a number of ugly scratches in the paint on the bodywork where it fits snugly. Since I bought mine used, I can't be sure that some sort of gasket to protect the body wasn't included with the kit. If you buy one, think about installing a gasket of some sort. Perhaps the newer ones have the casting cleaned up so that it won't damage the paint.

An interesting look, for sure. But having tried this and the "TT Style" aluminum lid from Moss, I've gone back to the true classic loo, the standard Miata fuel lid.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/10/2003] Reviewed by: Barry Owen - barry.owen@att.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Stainless steel classic style fuel lid.

Very clear installation instructions. Easy 15 minute install. Base fits very snugly to body. No alignment problems. Sturdy hinge.

Beautiful cast stainless which is highly polished.Looks retro and really great. I don't think there is a finer kit available in this classic style.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


BSP M1 Classic Fuel Lid/MAX-5 Chrome Low Profile Fuel Lid

[7/17/2001] Reviewed by: Harrison Cheung - hcheung@mediaone.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97

Replacement for fuel lid door - a classic British roadster looking (think Triumph TR6) type of gas cap that uses the existing fuel release.

After much reading on miata.net, I decided to check out a couple of these new fuel lid replacements. Some of the Audi TT type of doors were admirably lightweight but looked to be of low quality finish/chroming. As I live near Brainstorm, I drove over to check out their Classic Fuel Lid. I was delighted with the quality of the lids and, since I had a couple things to buy, had Brainstorm do the install. The finish results? Nice, high quality and nice-feeling classic British roadster type of fuel lid. The BSP lid is pricier than the Audi TT types, but I like the quality better and the look is more classic. I was also pleased with the Brainstorm people - the shop was very helpful.

Classy looking British-style fuel lid. Makes any car stand out! I saw these also on M2's.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[2/19/2001] Reviewed by: Mario Ginebra - ginebra@bigfoot.com

Applicable to: '99 +

Classic chromed fuel lid. Made of high quality thick chrome plated brass.

Installation was relatively easy with one hitch, the mounting bracket for the lid had two layers of washers glued on the bracket. With the washers the lid was misaligned. I had to remove the lid, remove the washers and reinstall. Once I removed the washers the fit was perfect. Operations also has one hitch...the metal spring under the lid is not a spring at all, just a piece of bent steel. When you open the lid it does not pop up or raise very much. A better design would have used spring steel to pop the lid up higher when opened.

This lid is beautiful and reminds me of my TR-6. Much better looking than the "boy-racer" lid now available on the 2001 models from Mazda. On two occasions I have caught people checking it out in parking lots. Well worth the cost, I smile every time I see it.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[11/10/99] Reviewed by: Michael McKeon - mouke@mindspring.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Chromed retro-look fuel lid replacement.

Very easy to install. Took me 15 minutes because it was getting dark. Extremely heavy cap and bowl is very well made. Outside chrome is spotless. (Found what may be the start of a little rust inside the cap. Will keep an eye on that, but I'm not very concerned.) Because of the weight of the cap, however, you have to be careful not to let it slam back down on the lid release pin. This modification isn't cheap ($174.95) but definitely a quality part. I'm glad I did it. I have an M1 but it is also available for the M2 (same price).

Called Brain Storm to express my concern about the heavy cap. They told me that they haven't had problems with damage to the lid release pin. They explained that they had to use heavy material to get a superior chrome finish. I agreed that it looked great. The conversation ended by thanking me for the feedback.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[8/19/99] Reviewed by: Bryan Carper - carper1@erols.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

This is a big, heavy chunk of chrome that replaces the fuel filler door.

Very well made and easy installation which only requires removal/reinstallation of a few screws and bolts. It is heavy and solid. Rattle free when assembled.

Designed to look like the flip up lids seen on oldr jags and triumph stags. This is a definite accent piece on the rear fender. Especially nice looking chrome athat ties nicely with the chrome racing beat style bar. Super on black cars!

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Reviewed by: Ben Cleaves - bcleaves@primenet.com

Crome Monza-type gas cap lid.

I saw lid on a Miata at a car show and had to have it! I called the good people at Brainstorm, and was told that it was on backorder, but would get to them the following Friday. One week later it arrived as promised. This is a very well thought out a sturdily built unit. Installation was a breeze and complete instructions are included. The only semi-difficult part of the installation was adjusting the tension strap to make it "pop" open like it should. Some careful adjustment of the cap alignment and some scraping of the hole the release fits into, and it works perfectly. The unit retains your original gas cap.

This is a great looking chunk of chrome! I have a chrome Racing Beat double hoop style bar and a big JR exhaust that looks fantastic along with the lid. I would highly recommend this product, especially at the price of $174.00. It really solicits the comments from other Miataphiles as well as the less fortunate driving something else.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Reviewed by: Peter Brusa - peter_son@yahoo.com

BSP's anxiously awaited and restyled chrome fuel lid for the M1 Miata (M2 soon to be released). Easy install/removal and great on looks!

Got the fuel lid from PBC in about three days and was on back order (note: called the MAX-5 Chrome Low Profile Fuel Lid at PBC, same thing). Excellent service for the boys and good things come to those who wait! Product was well built and *heavy*...gotta love it!

Make sure to read all the instructions...make sure you do not slip and let your tools do a dance across your paint. Also, it is a good idea to place a rag in your fuel opening to prevent any screws from dropping in...YIKES!

Easy to install...four screws on the bottom and a bolt on the inside. Installed it between tornado sirens on a gloomy night (now that's *quick*). Looks incredible. Only and very minor problem was that it is hard to pop up the lid via the remote lever that is in the console. May have to adjust and PBC was notified. All in all...A++++


Back to Product Reviews 5 January, 2005