Topic: Fuel Cell materials and cost

[notajeep]

I need to move my gas tank to make way for the upcoming 4 link. Looking through Jegs... There really isn't any that come in the dimentions that I need. So it is looking like I will have one custom built.
So the question is.... Steel or Aluminiuminulm?
If steel, I was told that 14 ga. would work and for my design with parts and labor should run about $150 and will weigh about 45lbs.
If aluminiumlmmiunmn it will cost about $265 and will weigh about 22 lbs.
Is there any advantage to using aluminiulmnum over steel other than the weight savings.
If I have it made out of steel, (since I can't weld aluminiulmunn) then I can modify it in the future or maybe save a little money up front by adding my own sump, pickup, etc.
What do you think?

[topar]

I run a 14 gal aluminum fuel cell on my 81.  I like it.  It is mounted on my flat bed.  I plane on building some type of steel shelf over it so I can store items above it in the future since it takes up so much space.

[Shamb]

mine's skinny but tall so I mounted it all the way in the back. I'd have to say the only advantage to aluminum is that its lighter... I'd go with steel if weight wasn't an issue becuase it'll be much stronger and like you said.. much easier to weld too and customize in the future.

what dimensions are you looking for?  they make all different sizes for RCI fuel cells.

[insane04]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/19-GAL-RCI-FUEL-CELL-TANK-ALUMINUM-NHRA-GAS-STREET-ROD_W0QQitemZ140035703905QQihZ004QQcategoryZ33556QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[notajeep [OP]]

Idealy (sp) I would like to find on that was 30x18x6. kinda long and flat. If I can get one like that... or have one made, it will allow me to keep my current configuration pretty much the way it is and I can mount it under my existing tool box.

[Shamb]

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RCI%2D2172A&N=700+400379+304364+115&autoview=sku

30x17x7   pretty close 

They make these to stand upright as well, thats what I have.

[Shamb]

this is the standup version that I have. works very well... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RCI%2D2171A&N=700+400379+304364+115&autoview=sku

[notajeep [OP]]

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RCI%2D2172A&N=700+400379+304364+115&autoview=sku

30x17x7   pretty close 

They make these to stand upright as well, thats what I have.

Wow! That is exactly what I am looking for! Thanks :thumb:

[Dooner]

Shamb, do you have any pics of how you ran your lines to the fuel cell? What did you do with your tip over vent, just valve it or vent it to the exterior? Did you run AN line all the way to the carb or adapt it to regular fuel line? How about your filter and fuel pump?
Thanks, Dooner

[burnyota]

what about impact from a rollover,etc - steel vs. al?

[Shamb]

Shamb, do you have any pics of how you ran your lines to the fuel cell? What did you do with your tip over vent, just valve it or vent it to the exterior? Did you run AN line all the way to the carb or adapt it to regular fuel line? How about your filter and fuel pump?
Thanks, Dooner

I have pictures but none are of it completely done, i'll take some and post up later this week. I cut the stock lines right before the cab and used the existing for all the hookups, plus the vent. As for running the lines, I used 1 3/4" round tubing and just fed them through, I have a 16" piece that comes down the side of the fuel cell and then a 4' piece that runns under my rear tube bed along one of the outer tubes then out into the existing hardlines.

I used 3/8" hose and (3x) 3' sections of steel braided house up by the fuel cell.

This pic shows where I mounted it but the fuel lines are still loose because I hadn't mounted the verticle tube yet.

[Shamb]

i'll get some better pictures here in a few weeks, i'll be gone until the 31st on Saturday.. give you a better idea of what i'm talking about.

This one's tiny because I had to resize it to get it within the limit but you can KINDA see the verticle 1 3/4" tube I ran alone the fuel cell, welded a bolt to it and used the existing mounting bracket on the fuel cell to hold it in place.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shamb55/detail?.dir=1145scd&.dnm=de0bscd.jpg&.src=ph