1G Fuel Cell / Fire Wall Ideas Needed

[RusherRacing]

I don't like how my fuel cell is currently mounted and because of some of the organizations I am racing with this summer i need to create a firewall or a cover over my cell.

Can you post up pictures of how you have created fuel cell protection to help me with the thought process of what is the best way to go about separating the cell from the driver compartment.

 

[DarthBulk]

Here is a picture of where I mounted my fuel cell. Basically, I cut out the spare tire well, and built a mounting frame to hold the fuel cell at the proper height so the suspension wouldn't hit it from underneath. Then I built a firewall over the top of the fuel cell. There are two frame rails, one on each side of my cutout, that make good weld attachment points. There is also a frame type box behind the rear seats that makes a good weld attachment point. At the back I had to make a crossmember as an attachment point. Then it was simply a matter of building a box structure up and over the fuel cell, to firewall it to the underside of the car. I will try to find a picture of the completed firewall (I am on my computer at work right now).
Now, I didn't build this to meet any specific regulations.

 

[Elvenhome21]

I would put a piece of 16 ga sheet metal over the top of everything. From the rear seat ridge to right behind the cell. Put it 2-3 inchs above the cell. Then cut a 8x8 trap door opening or so, put a hinge on one side and 2 dzus tabs on the other.

 

[RusherRacing]

Darth, your set up looks similar to what I have now with the fill tube exposed to the passenger compartment, that is what i am trying to get away from. NASA doesn't like it nor does many other organizations. Your set up is very clean though and looks much nicer than mine.

Elven, I have been trying to figure out how to hinge the whole thing... Thanks for the trap door idea that will solve my problems. I will build it out of .060 al because thats what is easiest for me to get my hands on and work with over the 16ga steel (I assumed). I will get some pictures of the final product when I am finished with it.

I should have paid more attention last year when I was at the track on how other people sealed off there fuel cell but didn't think of it at the time.

 

[DarthBulk]

That picture was taken during a test fit, the firewall was built above the fuel cell to completely seal it to the underside of the car, fill tube and all. I installed a filler neck at the left rear side of the fuel cell, and don't use the top port. The filler neck is run inside a steel tunnel to the side of the car, to the standard fill port.
I do have a trap door built into it as well, so I can reach the hoses attached to the top if need be.

 

[DarthBulk]

Here is a picture of my fill tube tunnel and the firewall itself.
Yes, it is a bit heavy

 

[Greg Collier]

Here's what's in the racecar...

 

[Elvenhome21]

exactly how I would do it.