Custom Fuel Tanks Saftey

[syborg tt]

Originally Posted by Rick D

Your still not getting my Ricks tank!!!


J/K

Good topic Marty, I have wondered this my self before. I guess that's part of the reason some of our parts cost so much, I'm sure company's like ATL, FuelSafe, and Ricks have to have loads of liability ins?

The concern in an accident is fuel containment and the stock gas tanks and tanks like Ricks don't contain fuel if they are punctured. The bladder that is in a Fuel Safe or ATL tank is your fail safe.

It is also hard to build protection around a stock style tank without first moving it out of harms way. If you can see the tank when your behind the car then so can the cars bumper that is going to hit it.

Things that need to be consider in my opinion:
1. Fuel Tank Location

2. Fuel line location going to the tank
-- if they are visible from behind then your Dead !!
-- if there isn't a long enough soft line from the hard line (that's not good)

3. Proper rear impact protection
-- remember the Pinto (no sharp hardware that can puncture the tank)
-- someone smarter then me please add there skills to this line

4. Fuel Pump Location
-- Will it suffer impact from the tank in a collision

5. Exhaust ( yes really )
-- if a line leaks will it spray on a hot exhaust

I have more idea's floating around in my head but I would like to here what some of the serious builders think.

ps - just because it was done that way in the past doesn't make it right or smart today. We all have updated our brakes, suspension, motors and body's. Now it's time we start thinking about Safety for us and anyone that may be in our car.

and no I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.