Peter Perfect
|
| posted on 31/12/13 at 10:16 PM |
|
|
Thoughts on fuel tank / passanger bulkhead
I am looking at the design for the passenger / fuel tank bulkhead. The IVA manual states
"the bulkhead that separate the passengers from the fuel tank must be free from holes through which any escaped fuel could travel."
As the rear section of the car is bolted through a tube that will be behind any bulkhead, I will need to get to these bolts that hold the rear section
to the back of the car, (bolted from the passenger cockpit through the tube into captive nuts in the rear section). Is it permissible to have the
bulkhead fixed with self tapping screws so it can be removed if the rear section needs to be removed. would it need to be sealed with something like
silicone.
There is also the need to have the top seat belts mounted to the tube that will be behind the bulkhead are holes permissible for this.
I have the fuel tank surrounded by a full height bulk head so there is no risk of fuel leaking towards the bulkhead.
Your thoughts and experiences are welcome.
Thanks
Howard
|
|
|
|
|
deezee
|
| posted on 31/12/13 at 11:34 PM |
|
|
My bulkhead is just 1.2mm aluminium. It has two large holes for rear wishbone bolts. This has a cover made of aluminium, rivnuted on. IVA man
recommended this.
|
|
|
theprisioner
|
| posted on 31/12/13 at 11:51 PM |
|
|
"the bulkhead that separate the passengers from the fuel tank must be free from holes through which any escaped fuel could travel."
I think your thoughts are conscientious and the IVA man/men are doing a good service and if all you are trying to do is comply with the rules so you
can get a certificate then fine.
The reality is this, tank design, is the poorest part of most kit car designs there appears to be little practical solution other than some sort of
fuel cell.
The last Westfield crash I saw the after effects of, was a friend of mine, who had been hit from behind by an Audi TT at speed at a stopping point on
a single track road. His rear end was totally demolished, petrol was pissing all over the road under the car. He was dazed and his mates had to drag
him out before the inevitable. Very lucky there was no source for flame or spark after the accident.
He no longer drives a kit car, the experience put him off for good as far as I can tell.
My kit cars are no different. Depends completely on you acceptance of risk!
http://sylvabuild.blogspot.com/
http://austin7special.blogspot.co.uk/
|
|
|
snapper
|
| posted on 1/1/14 at 07:28 AM |
|
|
Bulkhead as hole free as possible
Bolts or screws if sealed would comply
No car is truly fireproof it more about time to get out
I think your solutions will be ok
Seat belt bolts if your talking about top mounts are above bulkhead
If your talking about lower mounts mine did not fail
As for "the prisoners" view on kit cars, can you sleep at night
I eat to survive
I drink to forget
I breath to pi55 my ex wife off (and now my ex partner)
|
|
|
Peter Perfect
|
| posted on 1/1/14 at 07:40 PM |
|
|
Thanks guys
This has put my mind at ease I will progress with the bulkhead once I have finished reforming the rear bodywork. currently remodelling the hump on the
rear section.
|
|
|
