ST project update: hole in the hood!

[jpnovak]

Isabel is gone so its time to get back to work. Of couse, now I have to fight the waning daylight hours afterwork.

I am intsalling a center hood fill gas tank I am fabricating myself. GeorgeK was kind enough to barter a 110mm filler cap from his collection. These fit on the early 110mm filler necks from a 356 tank. The process involves fabricating a new neck on top of the SC tank, closing up the original filler neck and then cutting a hole in the hood for the neck to be exposed.

Step 1. Hole in the hood.

Last week I took some measurements and marked the midline of the hood. I then installed the gas tank and marked the fender well with a fore/aft position that sits on the flat section of the tank next to the level indicator/sender. REinstall the hood and align. Transfer marks from fenderwell onto hood edges. At intersection of fore/aft marks and midline. Drill hole using 4.5" holesaw.

The hole cut incredibly fast through the fiberglass hood.

here are a few pics. Sorry, darkness was coming fast.

Cut-uut plug:


Hole in hood:


cap set in place:


STay tuned for the neck fabrication. Time to get out the welder again.

[Paul Franssen]

PROBABLY an un-necessary word of caution!
Make sure the gas tank is degassed before you weld there!!! (or is it a new tank that's never seen gas?). Better be safe than sorry...

[Tim Walsh]

Lookin' good jamie, Can't wait to see it finnished

[jpnovak]

Thanks for the word of caution. The tank has been empty for 2+ years. I am not concerned about welding on it. I will probably fill with water anyway to minimize distortion.

[Jim Richards]

That's great, Jamie! The center fill will look perfect on your ST replica.

[jpnovak]

Thanks Jim.

Yep, I think its going to look incredible. The pictures don't do it justice. I already closed up the fender fill and am ready for paint. In fact, I think I am going to go home a bit early today and do some painting. Clear, sunny day, low humidity and wind. Perfect time to shoot with the gun. That's right, I am starting to add some color to the project. I didn't want to lay some paint and then have to make some cuts in the hood.

Jamie

[69 911s]

Jamie,
Just a word of caution, definitely fill the tank to weld it, not just to reduce distortion, but because it doesn't matter how long it has been empty, it can explode. The gas inside leaves a layer of deposit that is volatile for much longer than you suspect. Don't want you getting this close and then hurting yourself...

Good luck,
Holder

[KevinP73]

That George sure is a great source for parts we can't seem to find over here.
The center fills are too cool. They are a lot of work but the payoff is huge. Looking Good!!

[nick-moss]

Hi Jamie

a couple more pics of Jim Avis's ST that you might not have seen before.

[Jack Olsen]

There's nothing cooler than the center-fill.

However, I always imagine dribbling gas, or a dropped nozzle, on the hood.

[CamB]

That's gonna be cool!!

I feel like such a Nana asking this. Does it mean that there is a gap around the filler where water (ie rain) can get in (to the trunk)? Or is that somehow addressed.

I should really search, I get the feeling I have asked this before.

[Randy Webb]

I also like the look, but have always wondered how much it disrupts the air flow.

[Lothar]

Hey Jamie,

Someone was selling a center fill tank. They were replacing it with a fuel cell. I think it's here on Pelican. FYI.

[LeeH]

Originally posted by CamB
I feel like such a Nana asking this. Does it mean that there is a gap around the filler where water (ie rain) can get in (to the trunk)? Or is that somehow addressed.

I feel like a Nana for not wondering that myself... wait a minute. What's a Nana?

[osidak]

Maybe a silly question, I like the look of the center fill but what was the purpose?

If it was done for speed quick refills would it be easier if it was left exposed on the fender. No leaning over the car ect.

if it was done for simplicity and or weight savings why expose it all and do like the 356 did and have it in the trunk but covered.

[CamB]

What's a Nana?

Nana is a grandma. Must be British saying. Very prevalent here.

[Neilk]

Osidak,

It depends what direction the cars are going around the track and the location of the pit. A center fill allows the car to be filled from any side of the car.

Re water: I believe that some center fill attachments have a foam seal to prevent rain from leaking into the trunk plus a collector that traps fuel or water and routes it under the car.

[jpnovak]

My decision for the center fill was purly asthetic. I just think they look incredibly cool. My design will have a small lip around the neck to support a seal and drain for rain or overflow. Jack, You are right, dribbles of gas may be a problem. I will just be extra careful.

Lothar, I know Jim Logan is selling his tank. I am building my own due to economic concerns.