Topic: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

The car is 1984 rx7 and we need a fuel cell,  the factory tank rusted out. The question is about the hatch back, can you have the fill in the hatch area or does it have be on the outside of car like the factory fill. ATL tank is enclosed. Do you have to put a metal door over the top of the atl tank? Does anyone have any picture of a hatch back type car with ATL fuel cell installed that's made it through tech. Thanks for the help.

2 (edited by Carlos 2013-07-11 06:11 PM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

if your ATL cell is FIA RATED (almost all are, check the specs), then you don't NEED a separate bulkhead to enclose the cell.. however.. you may WANT ONE ANYWAY. a couple yards of cheap lightweight aluminum from Home Depot will give you some priceless anti-splash-hey-I'm-not-covered-in-fuel feelings... and that's ok.

Here is our NON FIA rated RCI Fuel Cell install in a hatchback (an MGB GT)
http://gormlessracing.blogspot.com/2011 … ntine.html

and a door added: http://gormlessracing.blogspot.com/2011 … igans.html

...and then the fuel cell foam added, cut in steps for visual gas gauge goodness: http://gormlessracing.blogspot.com/2011 … ng-on.html



We filled the tank (usually at the pump) in the hatchback area - the yellow door you see in those pics opens up - without having to open the hatch (no window eh).

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Incidentally, I am in the process this week of replacing that 10 gal non-FIA rated RCI fuel cell with a 15 gallon ATL FIA rated fuel cell...

I will update blog with pics as I get them.

Currently modifying a Speedway Motors Fuel Cell Cage to use to install the beastie (this thing: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Bolt-In-F … 56241.html )

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

4 (edited by Mulry 2013-07-11 06:29 PM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Hate to rain on your parade, but I think that I recall from another thread that John a/k/a Evil Genius a/k/a chief tech inspector said that Speedway fuel cell cage won't pass muster as is, at least not without some serious modification. I'd contact him directly before you pour too much blood/sweat/tears into that.

Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67

Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Thanks for the pictures. And I will look for your finished install of the new tank.

6 (edited by Carlos 2013-07-14 12:33 PM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Mulry wrote:

Hate to rain on your parade, but I think that I recall from another thread that John a/k/a Evil Genius a/k/a chief tech inspector said that Speedway fuel cell cage won't pass muster as is, at least not without some serious modification. I'd contact him directly before you pour too much blood/sweat/tears into that.


WTF?!?!?   They do not specify in the rules about how to mount it, and that is a "professional" mount system. Well, supposed to be anyway.


Thank you very very much Mulry; I will be sure to update this thread (and the Gormless Racing blog) as I find out more info.


EDIT: here is the thread in question:
http://forums.24hoursoflemons.com/viewt … p?id=22233

He doesn't say "won't pass" outright, he says "not so good".

As an old boss of mine that was previously a nuclear submarine commander was wont to say: "Some suspense there."

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Carlos, I'm too lazy/drinking to look for it myself, but there is a good thread on what does pass spec for fuel cell cages. John took lots of photos of cell cages that he's fabbed up himself over the years. It might even be in a sticky. Like I said, lazy/drinky. I have copies of a few of those on my cloud server that I saved to use as go-by's when I was building mine. Shoot me an email and I'll send them to you. Cheers.

Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67

Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Do almost exactly as that picture, but weld the cage part and only bolt the top straps down to the cage and its exactly what the cell manufactures want......

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Mulry wrote:

... but there is a good thread on what does pass spec for fuel cell cages. John took lots of photos of cell cages that he's fabbed up himself over the years. It might even be in a sticky....


I still can't find those pics; lemmie know if anyone trips across it (I added links to some others on my install blog)


Here is the MGB's fuel cell install progress so far:  http://GormlessRacing.blogspot.com/2013 … -cell.html


I couldn't go any further forward without hitting the differential! But, it is now in the OEM location - that should be preferred, right?

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

10 (edited by Brotus7 2013-07-14 06:39 PM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

My understanding is that an FIA rated cell is only FIA rated until the expiration date on the cell.  After that, it's no longer "rated" and you'd be best to have a bulkhead in case the tech inspector pulls off the lid of the cell.

Black Gold/Sex Panther Racing: '79 Datsun 280ZX
Dirty Penny Racing: Rustyass Datsun 210.

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

zimsport wrote:

Do almost exactly as that picture, but weld the cage part and only bolt the top straps down to the cage and its exactly what the cell manufactures want......

OK!

The Speedway Motors Fuel Cell Cage - augmented with angle iron to protect edges, tack welded, prior to full weld:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xo0D9dxOiiQ/UexFy3WORQI/AAAAAAAAAtY/JvZXBPYb9yQ/s1600/MGB_Fuel_Cell_Cage.jpg.JPG

More updates as they transpire, though they won't be very interesting from this point forward ;-)
http://gormlessracing.blogspot.com/2013 … -cell.html

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

Nice pic , I will fab up something close to that . Thanks for the help.

13 (edited by Carlos 2013-08-06 04:25 AM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

2013-08--06 Update on ATL fuel cell install into MGB GT hatchback:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHRfgkhoq98/UgDP9Hja-zI/AAAAAAAAAt4/2_Xe4kVh5NU/s1600/MGBFuelCell24.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqnCN6AtO_E/UgDP-dZRojI/AAAAAAAAAuE/_a4ZkdHnLCc/s1600/MGBFuelCell26.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn3AHnSm6cg/UgDP-SFYrhI/AAAAAAAAAuA/KuxjZ9U9wvE/s1600/MGBFuelCell23.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4HOlDC_eKk/UgDP7Oyw-rI/AAAAAAAAAtw/7I3DANsqn84/s1600/MGBFuelCell21.JPG

More fuel cell install pics posted at http://gormlessracing.blogspot.com/2013 … -cell.html

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

That looks pretty solid, assuming that the fuel cage is bolted into something structural.

So here's the main question: after doing all the modifications, do you think it was worth it to start with the Speedway parts, or would it have been just as easy to fabricate the entire thing from scratch? Just wondering so that those playing along at home can get the full idea. Cheers.

Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67

Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.

15 (edited by Carlos 2013-08-18 06:39 PM)

Re: ATL fuel cell and hatch back

I'd say start from scratch, unless you bought an actual speedway fuel cell (not sure if they are fia rated). I cut the speedway kit down a bit to get a tighter fit (for the ATL fuel cell); not sure if I needed to or not but seemed like the right thing to do so the cell was "positively held". If I had just bought 1x1 square steel and made my own it would have been faster. I had fun anyway, and saved me about $100. But, hell, my fuel cell cage is bolted AND welded ;-)  whatever.  the whole thing cost way too much money anyway. now I'm too broke to race :-(   ha.   but, it sure 'feels' safer   ;-)

Gormless Racing
1968 MGB GT, mostly kinda running