Firewall thickness?

[rotarykidd]

so my shit is gutted and i have a fuel cell in the trunk, what gauge aluminium should i get for the firewall to ensure ill be legal for most tracks. i was thinking 18 to 20...

 

[MacMurphy]

Formula D rulebook says

8.4 FUEL SYSTEM
8.4.1 Fuel Cells
The fuel system design is free. Fuel cells meeting SFI 28.1 are
recommended.
Fuel tank/cell must be separated from the driver’s cockpit by a permanently
mounted steel or aluminum bulkhead.
Fuel cells must have a flapper valve installed to prevent spillage in the event
of a roll over.
8.4.2 Fuel Lines
Fuel lines and fittings must be high-pressure type and routed in such a way
that do not interfere with moving parts and be securely insulated and
attached to the unibody or chassis.
No fuel lines may be routed through the driver’s compartment.
Teams may install dry-break fuel-filler attachments in the rear quarter
windows or into the rear windshield or trunk lid to facilitate re-fueling from
outside the car. The fuel filler tube between the fuel filler neck and the fuel
cell, or tank, must be bulk-headed with .036” steel or .059” aluminum and
sealed. There shall be a flexible tube between the fuel filler neck and the fuel
cell/tank to allow for misalignment of the

So the thickness you need for aluminum is 0.059" and based on this chart http://www.sheetmetalguy.com/sheet_metal_gauge_chart.htm

The conclusion is you need 15 gauge aluminum or thicker. Or 20 gauge mild steel

---------- Post added at 12:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------

But you could use 18 gauge aluminum i mean who's really gonna measure the thickness lol

 

[rotarykidd]

awesome, thanks. i mean its not just the legality of it. there is a very real chance that i hit the wall and rupture the tank, because i suck. and not dying would be really cool.

 

[MacMurphy]

awesome, thanks. i mean its not just the legality of it. there is a very real chance that i hit the wall and rupture the tank, because i suck. and not dying would be really cool.

well if its just for safety then use 20 gauge steel its alot cheaper lol