Would it be ok for SVA to use Velcro to secure my transmission tunnel panels? I am concerned about drilling large enough holes for rivnuts in the 3/4" tubes, and I like the idea of being able to remove the panels.... Velcro seems like an ideal solution as it means no drilling, and no vibration!

Only slight worry is if you get a prop fail or fuel fire, not sure velcro would hold the panel secure. Sure SVA would not be too bothered.

Shoudn't be a problem. It's not like if the prop did split in two the wafer thin ali panel would offer much protection!!!

weld a couple of steel hoops to your chassis to protect from a prop fail, and should be fine.

or what bout welding 4 pieces or flat steel across the corners of the top of the tunnel with hole drilled, and captive nuts welded, and bolt down with button head bolts?

I understand that you can add some significant rigidity to the car's structure by bonding and rivetting in yer tranny tunnel sides and top.

In order to get easy access I left the top as a separate piece and bolted it on with M5 button headed bolts but I wonder whether it was worth it really.

Geoff

My tunnel is fibreglas and wasnt held in by anything. The battery cover was fixed with velcro and it passed OK.

He asked if the cover came off and I pulled it so he could see the battery cables ect. No problems for me.

The panels are 2mm carbon fibre , but I doubt they would do much to stop a flailing prop. I am keen to just get it done, so I can get in before IVA. I do have a welder, so might check out the option of welding some sort of tab on and look at some prop restraints (when I actually sort a prop). That could well work. As for the fire risk - surely either way, you're going to get toasty feet!

I was thinking about the same thing. I'm going to rivet the sides and rivnut the top though.

mine's been like that for three years now. No problems whatsoever. My transmission tunnel side panels are sika'd on and have also been OK.