Back seat question

[RobbieRacer]

On my 79 Mustang stocker I want to leave the back seat in. My Roll bar will go thru the speaker holes. my question is, do I still have to put in a aluminum rear firewall behind the seat, due to the fuel cell in the trunk, or will it be ok without it?

[Chris1529]

I would say the answer is yes because the seat doesn't close the area off clear to the glass. I would do it anyway for my own safety even if it wasn't required by rule.

[Carguy49]

According to the 2017 rule book if a fuel cell is used you must remove the stock tank. The panel between the trunk and the interior must be covered with either .032 aluminum or .024 steel. Hope this helps you.

[RobbieRacer]

Thats the way I read it too but it never hurts to ask people who know for sure.

[Sean Marconette]

With a hatch you will need to seal off the hatch to separate the trunk area from the driver's compartment no matter what you do. If it's a notchback, then you will still need to add the firewall. I have had tech people inspect how I sealed the hatch more than anything else on my car at multiple divisions. Since you have a notch back, you will need to cover the backseat and possibly the deck plate where the speakers/rollbar is. Make it seal good and no gaps otherwise it could be questioned.

Sean

[RobbieRacer]

What is the best thing to use to seal it with?

[Coleydog]

Not to highjack this thread but a similar question, what if the cell is mounted under the trunk floor with a hinged hatch above the fuel door?

[Timetraveler]

A change in the rules that I would like to see. If you use a fuel cell and put a fire wall in but don't need a roll bar because of class you shouldn't need to put your rear seat back in.

[Sean Marconette]

Originally Posted by RobbieRacer

What is the best thing to use to seal it with?

If you make it fit tight that should be sufficient. Take it one step further and buy some really thin and light carpet from autozone or O'Reilly and glue it on your firewall. Then it looks neat and finished and won't blind you if the sun hits it when fueling the car.

[David Lee]

Originally Posted by RobbieRacer

What is the best thing to use to seal it with?

I can't remember who makes it, but there is already pre-cut steel with the proper thickness to achieve this