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Mounting fuel cell
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 8:43 pm
by up2nogood
Just wondering:
Can you fit a fuel cell in a cargo/rear passenger area?
Legally I mean? My thoughts are not (as potential for disaster in passenger area is high) but don't know for sure.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 8:51 pm
by RV80
I would have to say wagon no, sedan yes.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:29 pm
by CRUSHU
plastic fuel cells are illegal in all cases, no matter where they are mounted, as they are suposed to be mounted inside a metal case, and they are then just used as a bladder.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:31 pm
by up2nogood
Shoulda mentioned, this one's a steel fuel cell.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:33 pm
by CRUSHU
i've never seen a steel fuel cell, only aluminium or plastic. is it a home made jobbie?
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:36 pm
by up2nogood
My bad. Aluminium.

Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:40 pm
by CRUSHU
ok, alloy you may have better luck.
i didn't think you were allowed fuel tanks inside the car, but fj40's and cj jeeps have them under the front seats. you will need to make it fill, and vent outside. it will have to be COMPLETELY sealed in the cabin. post up how you go with if they are even legal at all, even if mounted outside, as i am using one in my ftruck, and don't want to add it to the many laws i break by driving it.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 9:55 pm
by RUFF
CRUSHU wrote:plastic fuel cells are illegal in all cases, no matter where they are mounted, as they are suposed to be mounted inside a metal case, and they are then just used as a bladder.
So how do the car manufacturers get around the fact that there are lots of cars that come factory with a plastic fuel tank?
I had a JAZ fuel cell on my hilux and there was no problems as far as the engineer or Transport department in QLD were concerned. I also know guys running the same Cells in the boot. And as long as they externaly fill and vent they are fine.
Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 10:01 pm
by RV80
RUFF wrote:I had a JAZ fuel cell on my hilux and there was no problems as far as the engineer or Transport department in QLD were concerned. I also know guys running the same Cells in the boot. And as long as they externaly fill and vent they are fine.
I know guys doing the same thing. I wouldn't put one in a wagon though.
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:36 am
by up2nogood
I'm thinking the same thing. When we used to set up rally cars we'd weld a full steel plate between the boot cavity and where the back seat used to be to isolate the sucker.
Don't reckon I'd like to have it in the passenger/load compartment with me, even if it is able to be engineered.
Thanks guys.
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:01 am
by CRUSHU
RUFF wrote:
So how do the car manufacturers get around the fact that there are lots of cars that come factory with a plastic fuel tank?
I had a JAZ fuel cell on my hilux and there was no problems as far as the engineer or Transport department in QLD were concerned. I also know guys running the same Cells in the boot. And as long as they externaly fill and vent they are fine.
all OEM components have to pass ADR's. every single part on a new car has passed extensive testing. I don't think anyone has tested a fuel cell in the same way.
maybe things are different in QLD, but I know plenty of streeters getting busted for running fuel cells in the boot.