tubing size,fuel cell mounting,etc

[goinpostal]

Got the rulebook and looking it over I saw the vehicle weight/tubing size requirement. Here's my questions regarding the aforementioned plus some other questions about other vehicle related items:When built and race ready how much does a fullsize Bronco weigh;1.75" or 2" tubing;best to weld all cage points to the frame;best place for a fuel cell;best mounting method for the fuel cell;what gallon capacity for a fuel cell;can a used (off of a Winston Cup car) FuelSafe bladder fuel cell be used or does the Fuel cell have to be a new one;is the date of manufacture on the fuel cell checked

Sorry for so many ?s but I need to know before I continue with my build

[Grimm]

Deffintely 2"
Yes to frame welded cage
Fuel cell as far back as possible
depending on MPG usually at least 32 to at most 70 gal cell average probably 40
not sure about the winston cup cell.
mounting methods vary but usually tie into cage and/or frame, straps....

[Blanco]

I've not built my own race rig, But I would imagine keeping it closer to the center of the rig would have less effect on it as the tank got a lot lighter?

If the tank if far back then as the tank got a lot lighter the rig would start to handle different than it did when the tank was full?

[Dave G]

If the tank if far back then as the tank got a lot lighter the rig would start to handle different than it did when the tank was full?

Yes, it does, BUT the cell can be lower if you go behind the rear axle, having weight back and low is better than forward and high since a Bronco is a tall platform to begin with.

[straightaxle]

Weight will be at least 5000 lbs when complete, probably more. If you use every weight saving trick in the book you may be able to get it to 4500, but I doubt it. The EB's might be able to get there.

SCORE never checks the dates on fuel cells, primarily they will check the exterior fittings and almost always the routing of the vent line. A used NASCAR Fuel Safe cell is probably better than many of the cells some people are using anyway, however you will need more than one of those 22 gallon versions.

We have a 32 gallon cell in the back, and can barely tell the difference in handling when empty or full, you do notice the lights point a little higher. 32 seeemed like a lot at the time, but it's not big enough.

As long as you adhere to the sizing of the main bars that SCORE is looking for (2 hoops, halo, 45 degree down bars and diagonal(s)), the construction of the rest of the vehicle is wide open.

[Blanco]

Yes, it does, BUT the cell can be lower if you go behind the rear axle, having weight back and low is better than forward and high since a Bronco is a tall platform to begin with.
OK, I stand corrected then. :o
I do remember the Garage queen even mounting them under the seat though...

[Salttoy]

OK, I stand corrected then. :o
I do remember the Garage queen even mounting them under the seat though...

I believe since the change of ownership, the under the seat tanks have been replaced with a single 70 gallon fuel cell behind the seats above the rear axel.

[straightaxle]

I believe since the change of ownership, the under the seat tanks have been replaced with a single 70 gallon fuel cell behind the seats above the rear axel.

I believe the above is correct, the tank(s) are no longer under the seats in the garage queen.

The weights I provided are based on 4 wheel scales on a 78/79 Bronco. It weighed right at 5000 lbs when I drove it in off the street prior to conversion to a race car. It was weighed again when it was complete with cage and other race equipment and weighed nearly an identical 5000 lbs. The difference however was that the original distribution was 60/40 to the front, but nearly 50/50 when complete.

[Solo Motorsports D44]

Yes, it does, BUT the cell can be lower if you go behind the rear axle, having weight back and low is better than forward and high since a Bronco is a tall platform to begin with.

We've put a Jaz Jeepspeed cell behind the axle and under the bed. it was tight (really tight), required a little bit of clearancing the lower lip of the framerails, but did fit. I think those cells are 32 gallon.