Trunk panel rules?

[RSI]

The rules state that a panel has to be made to separate the cabin from the "trunk."

The intent I believe is to create a barrier betwixt the driver and any fuel. We have been building a Volvo 850 sedan as well as a wagon, and I was told that for the wagon we would just need to create a "box" around the fuel cell where it sits in the cabin.

However in the sedan right now it is running the stock fuel system and no fuel is even routed through the trunk or cabin, no filler neck, no hose, our other cars have filler necks and the such, but this car is ALL external.

We are under a deadline and the rear firewall panel would be quite extensive...is it needed on a car that has NO fuel routing or pumping or ANYTHING in the cabin or "trunk/hatch" areas?

Thanks in advance.
Jonathan

[Xian]

I'm not looking at my GCR but if you're running stock tank and fuel system then you should be fine without a firewall. IIRC, the firewall rule is only for cars with a fuel cell.

edit:

Here's the rule:

In any automobile where allowed removal of rear seats, upholstery, etc., creates an opening between the driver/passenger compartment and an exposed gas tank, fuel cell, or part thereof, a metal bulkhead which completely fills such opening shall be installed

Seems to me that you'd be covered.

[ddewhurst]

***IIRC, the firewall rule is only for cars with a fuel cell.***

Not true, reread the rule you posted.

***an exposed gas tank, fuel cell, or part thereof,***

Including a filler hose, filler tube or whatever else which is part of the OEM fuel tank/fuel cell.

As I read Jonathan's post (However in the sedan right now it is running the stock fuel system and no fuel is even routed through the trunk or cabin, no filler neck, no hose, our other cars have filler necks and the such, but this car is ALL external.) he needs nothing between the driver & the exposed gas tank, fuel cell, or part thereof because he has none of those items exposed.

[titanium]

A wagon? WAGON!
We don't allow your type here

[Xian]

***IIRC, the firewall rule is only for cars with a fuel cell.***

Not true, reread the rule you posted.

***an exposed gas tank, fuel cell, or part thereof,***

Including a filler hose, filler tube or whatever else which is part of the OEM fuel tank/fuel cell.

As I read Jonathan's post (However in the sedan right now it is running the stock fuel system and no fuel is even routed through the trunk or cabin, no filler neck, no hose, our other cars have filler necks and the such, but this car is ALL external.) he needs nothing between the driver & the exposed gas tank, fuel cell, or part thereof because he has none of those items exposed.

Correct. That's why I went back and read the rules... as I see it he's covered in this instance since everything is external. i.e. in my old ITA CRX, I added a sheetmetal cover over the filler neck where it came down to the fuel tank.

PS
As a side note, I'm very interested in seeing how an 850 sedan/wagn would do... ITS, correct?

[RSI]

so the 850 made it to the track and made novice race this weekend. We built the car for the owner in 4 weeks time and it passed tech with ease.

On 4 year old spent toyo RA1's, and a last minute suspension as a real stuff didnt come in and with a 1st time driver it ran 9 seconds off the lap record at PIR.

I'm anxious to finish the car, needs a diff, a real IT engine, the finished front coilovers and some fresh rubber. By the time we get that all up to speed the driver should be coming on, so i hope to see how competitive this car really can be.

Thanks everyone for your help on the trunk shield.

[Knestis]

We need pics...!

K

[Tuff240]

[Tuff240]

[StephenB]

Just wanted to say I LOVE your car. One of my favorites and always wondered why none from this "era" of Volvos have been built! Good luck with your new challenge!

Stephen

[ddewhurst]

At first glance I thought thje #15 Mercury was one of the Bill Strope (sp) USAC cars from the left coast. Jones, Ward, Rutman.

[lateapex911]

At first glance I thought thje #15 Mercury was one of the Bill Strope (sp) USAC cars from the left coast. Jones, Ward, Rutman.

Uh, no, we added those to ITR last year.

[krshultz]

The 850 might be the coolest thing that I have ever seen.

Christian and I kidded around about me building one. I got scared off, mostly because I don't like being the first guy to blaze a trail. And this is certainly an unusual trail. But my hat's off to you. It's awesome. I hope it does well!

--Karl