[RocktimusPryme]

Simple question. Im putting a fuel cell into the trunk on one of my projects. Its a standard plastic cell with a 2" sump on the bottom so it doesnt sit flat.

Currently I have it spaced up about 2-1/8" to its level from the trunk floor. Plan was then to use a 90* bulkhead fitting to run the line to the fuel pump underneath.

But then I wondered if I was just going about it wrong. Should I just cut a square the size of the sump in the floor so the sump is under the trunk floor? Then install the cell flat otherwise with no spacers.

[johnta1]

I did it flat on the trunk floor.
I cut the trunk floor the size of the sump area but just on 3 sides. Folded the metal down to cover the sump below the trunk floor. (plus put some sides for it on)
Then it was easy to use fittings on it.

[grnmnstr]

I put mine up on 2 1/2" aluminum stock. Everything remains in the trunk.
Neat and clean.

[Bill Eveland]

Mine is down flat also,but i thought there was suppossed to be some sort of shield in front of exposed sump?
I know when my driveshaft brake it tore a hole in the floor right next to the cell and got lucky. That would be one less worry if it was off the floor.

[johnta1]

That's why I used the 'flap' I cut to cover the bottom of the sump.
I made some sheetmetal sides to cover sides.
The rear of sump with hose connections doesn't need covered.


NHRA Rule Book:



Underscore by me.


Take notice of the wire ground and venting.

[RocktimusPryme]

So while it would be technically easier to cut a hole and lay it flat, I would then have to make sure to enclose the sump to be drag strip legal.

So maybe Im better off sticking with the plan to use bulkhead fittings through the floor.

[Mean Green]

I like to have the fuel cell and fuel pump in the trunk.

[Tom Vaught]

Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme

So while it would be technically easier to cut a hole and lay it flat, I would then have to make sure to enclose the sump to be drag strip legal.

So maybe Im better off sticking with the plan to use bulkhead fittings through the floor.

Agree, plus I think the strength of the body (in the trunk area) would be severely compromised.

When I was taking a lot of long trips to the east coast (and not sure about good gas) I used a 20 gallon "plastic" fuel cell with a 'angle iron' metal "Halo" frame around the top of the fuel cell. I welded tabs on the "Halo" that matched the frame width in that area and drilled 4 holes thru the frame.

I then used a longer drill to precisely have the 4 holes come thru the trunk floor and match the "Halo" tabs. 4 pieced of 3/8" threaded rod and 4 washers 4 regular nuts and 4 plastic insert locking nuts on each end of the rods kept the fuel cell firmly in place. When I was not taking long trips any longer, I removed the cell and hardware and inserted 4 plastic inserts in the trunk floor to seal those holes. I still have the fuel cell in my storage area. I used a basic Holley red pump to add fuel to the under body factory tank. I ran a vent hose next to the factory hole by the trunk latch. If I did it again I would put the vent hose thru a bulkhead (like the fuel line) and vent it under the car.

Food for thought.

Tom V.