Rear seat-to-trunk divider steel

Is the fire in a rear end collision usually caused by the gas tank hitting the rear differential? Wasn't that the pinto problem?

 

It's caused by the tank splitting open, and gas fumes igniting from numerous sources.

 

I made one using the sound deadening material as a template. It took a bit of trimming and repeated test fitting to get it to fit. I used 3/32 hot rolled steel.

My main goal was to reduce the noise coming into the cabin from the trunk. The added rigidity, if any, was a secondary benefit. I don’t expect any gas tank protection since it is already covered by the trunk floor.

I was concerned that if there was an issue with the trunk lock, I could no longer get into the trunk from the rear seat. Therefore, I bolted the divider in place. The nuts were welded on the trunk side of the parcel shelf and the cross braces. You can see a couple of bolts in the picture.

Micah

 

The panel will look similar to the one above. However, it will be made out of 3/16 aluminum. The purchaser will then have the ability to add addition screws to it to secure in additional areas. Also, it will extend towards the bolt holes for the rear seat.

 

I like the idea of the separator, but as previously stated, unless you seal all of the possible paths for liquid or fire, it won't truly function as a firewall. It might slow it down and would probably still be worth the effort, though. The wheel house openings are a consideration but so are the c-pillar boxes where the roof attaches. Fuel tends to drain out of the gas cap or a rupture in the tank and will run along the roof line in the event of a roll-over (something I have experienced in a 72 Comet). Thank God mine didn't catch fire.

Fire safety from a rear impact is best handled by using a fuel safe fuel cell with a bladder. Unfortunately, these are pricey and a hassle to fill for daily use and you likely would have to fill from inside the trunk judging by the setups that I have seen for sale. The race style outside fillers might work on the tail light panel but is still mounted on the rear of the car where the impact would likely take place. Just a few thoughts.

 

A firewall doesn't have to contain the fire for an indefinite amount of time to reduce burn risk and save a life. Same as a Halon setup and a fire suit.. it just buys you more time by creating more separation from the fuel and heat source.

Also imagine that it reduces initial fuel spray(they can pop like a balloon as the tank gets squished) into the cockpit while also slowing/buffering pressure and heat waves created from any explosion.

 

I absolutely agree. Anything is better than plastic and dried out jute backer.

 

I would just be hoping that a metal firewall and the good grace of God would give me 2 seconds extra if I was lucky enough to be able to open a door and get out after a rear end crash

 

this was my car after it got rear ended. i was stopped and the new jetta that hit me was going an estimated 40 mph.
my car had a nhra legal fire wall. i can tell you it was not sealed. vapors and liquid could have easily gotten into the cabin.
my aluminum fuel cell was mounted in the trunk. it broke free from its mounts and was pushed through the front of the trunk floor. the tank did not rupture, it did get very bent up.
the gas leaking came from a fitting going into the fuel pump from the tank.
my new car im build has a similar fire wall already done and will have another aluminum fuel cell in the trunk. i am putting a substantial cross beam in between the frame rails that will be a behind the licence plate trailer hitch also to help protect the fuel system from the next texting ignoramus that decides to destroy my car.
the rear firewall should buy anybody some extra time but should by no means be depended on to be fully tight.
the good thing is that its actually kind of hard to get the gas to blow up. 20/20 got busted for doing the report on the side mounted chevy truck fuel tanks for blowing up in side collisions. they couldnt reproduce the explosions on their tests and ended up using pyrotechnics to simulate it.
while gas is dangerous, its not to easy to get it to catch fire in an accident and even harder to get it to explode.

 

......

 

Fear no more, I should have the rear seat to trunk divider done in the next two weeks. I am going to Seattle on a business trip, and when I return they will be ready and be shipped out. I will know the cost of each panel when they're all done.

 

This is rough scrap panel, and will be used as a template to make adjustments. To visual appearance will be superior!



$120 shipped lower 48 states
I will be doing a test fit of .030 Aluminum, and .050 aluminum. Suggestions from the community are recommended as far as thickness. Can also supply steel if you are wanting to weld it for rigity.

I will also include a 1 sq.ft of sound deadening to assist the 'drone' sound that it may produce.

I will be back home on Monday the 31st to do a test fit of the panel. Provided things are good and minimal adjustments are needed I am hoping I can begin shipping them out around April 15th. Its going to take some time to make the boxes that these will fit in.

 

Comments are strongly recommended as this is for the community.

Also, there will be a stamps or beads on it to for strength.

 

nice, let me know when you have some ready o ship.

 

as far as a box...stick a shipping sticker on it and let it ride...