Fuel cell safety

I have a plastic fuel cell with an aluminum case around it sticking down from the trunk of my 49 Ford. I don't like the way it hangs down, and because of the angle, it can't pull the last gallon or so of gas. So, the question is; if I mount it in the trunk (I'm thinking of right above the axle), do I need to build a firewall between the trunk and back seat?

 

I don't know if a tank in the trunk is a good idea. Some old pickups had tanks behind the seat. hmmm my 70 torino uses the gas tank for the trunk floor. Both bad ideas in my book realy.

 

Pick up a copy of the current NHRA rulebook, Summit has them. It spells out the thickness of the metal to be used in that situation.

 

my cell has it's own framing network and is half in the trunk and a little below. I would say to definatly build and seal a rear firewall. not only will it help protect you but it also keeps any fumes out. althogh if vented properly there shouldn't be fumes. but build that wall

 

you dont have to but its better to have the gas as for away from the p***.compartment as possable.if you do put it in the trunk make sure you have the cell prop.vented outside the car.also put the anti siphin dohicky on it.{if car tips over the gas wont leak out}.why would you drive your car with just a gallon of gas in it?on my street cars i never let it get below a 1/2 tank unless im going on a long trip,and even then when it gets to a 1/4 tank i stop.

 

My roadster has a fuel cell in the trunk. To p*** NHRA safety inspection, I had to have:
a bulkhead separating the tank from the ****pit.
an outside vent.
an outside filler.
a battery box (it's also in the trunk)
an open area around the cell so fuel does not collect in the event of a leak.

 

how hard would it be to put a normal original type gas tank in the car? might be the best solution.

 

Tyr the tank out of an 80's ford f150. You need to move the filler hole in the floor a little and you loose the spare tire well but it sits under the floor. They are 16gal.

 

I guess I'd like to see some pictures of the setup to be able to comment.
Placing right over the axle; wouldn't that make it harder to reach and fill? I think I'd put it a little further towards the rear and make sure it is braced very well.
Here is a picture of the race, and although it was once certified by NHRA I'm not sure it would p*** now since the battery is open. My old Model A coupe also had a firewall with the tank in the trunk.
As for the firewall....................this should be manditory as far as safety is concerned!!!!!!
How many gallon tank do you have?????

 

There are 2 types of vents used with those plastic cells. One is a simple bulkhead fitting that you attach a line to. the other is called a plug vent and is usually built into the cap. If your cell has the plug vent, definitely build some sort of sealed firewall between the cell and the drivers comp. Even if you run a separate external vent, that cap will let fumes into the trunk and driver's compartment.

If you get the remote fill kit for the cell, that does away with the plug vent.

 

Twodoorkeith, thanks for the reply. Hey, is that Volvo your car? I had my eye on two PV544's to build a rod from, but my wife couldn't face the idea of two rusty hulks in the driveway/garage for a couple of years, so out of compromise I bought the 49 Ford already mostly done. But I think the 444/544 has loads of hotrod potential.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. The tank relocation isn't on the top of my to-do list, but now I know I have to include the firewall in that project. I have (I think) a 10 or 12-gallon cell, and the farthest I've ever taken the car is 18 miles one way, so it isn't like I need the extra range - but I had problems with fuel starvation going up a steep hill with less than 1/2 tank, so I should probably have a look at the installation. If it is like the other mechanical things on the car, it'll be marginal. My Miata has the fuel tank just under where the top folds down behind the seats - but it is in the most protected part of the car and separated from the p*** compartment by a metal plate - that's why I thought that above the axle would be a nice location if I can get the filler in a reasonable spot.