I'm putting the cell in my Merlyn Mk6 in the passenger space with a wedge
shaped cell similar to those used in formula cars, so that the wedge forms a
backrest for a rudimentary passenger seat. I'll construct a cover of 16 Ga.
aluminium, but it is more of an abrasion shield than a fuel proof box - the
cell itself is made of aircraft fabric of some sort by Fuelsafe. I
personally wouldn't put the cell outside of the frame structure of the car -
the original tank in the Merlyn was in the side pontoon, protected by 1/16"
of fiberglass and a 1/2" body-mount tube.
Brian
At 11:43 PM 2/9/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Hi All,
>
>I am getting to the point with my Devin-Porsche restoration that I am going
>to have to make a descision on the fuel cell placement. When the Devin
>body was fitted, the fuel tank was located just behind the grill opening
>and in front of the torsion bar tubes. There was pretty much nothing that
>would come between the tank and haybales in a direct ahead collision. The
>fuel was air-cooled, though.
>
>This placement was great for weight distribution. The only other space I
>have up front is in the passenger side foot well.
>
>Assuming that modern fuel cell technology is what it is, and assuming that
>I build some sort of frame around the cell that would force it upward in
>the event of a front end collision, is it ridiculous for me to consider
>mounting a cell in front of the torsion bars? Does anyone else have a
>similar problem with their special?
>
>Is it really that much safer to have the fuel riding around as a passenger?
>I assume I would have to build some sort of box to contain any spills, aka a
>"firewall".
>
>I read the VARA rule on the Vintage Racer's Web Page and the closest
>statement of relevance is "properly mounted".
>
>Any thoughts? Members of the Porsche Haters Club need not respond.
>
>Clark
>
>Team Thicko Porsche Spy
>
>
>
>
>"Hay Bales and Asphalt"
>a video featuring vintage footage
>of motor racing from 1957 to 1961.
>Images and description at
>http://www.dnf.com
>
>My 1953 Devin-Porsche Restoration project
>http://www.dnf.com/devin-porsche.html
>
>
>
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