[jgracik]

We have a 1966 coupe and a 1967 convertible. I am considering installing steel rear seat to trunk dividers, from Mustang Unlimited, because of the fuel safety issue. Has anyone done this? Wouldn't it seem like the rear shelf would need the same thing?

[stlwagon]

Welcome... Let's see what the classic members think.

[snaranjo]

Don't know the cost of the divider, but another option is Tank Armor Tankarmor.com In addition to giving the fuel tank some much needed protection it also stiffens up the rear of the car - never a bad thing for a unibody.

[dne']

I agree! I bought the metal divider for my '67 coupe, but am concerned about flames/explosion coming through the speaker passages(path of least resistance)! I bought the plastic rear package tray from laurel mountain mustang for the dual 6x9 speakers and the speakers will be elevated. So a metal plate can go all the way across beneath my new package tray, bolted in, riveted, etc. should take care of that concern. The photo I've sited here shows my 3point harness coming up from the trunk, but I'll be welding this small piece of angle iron in that has a rounded edge so as not to cut the seat belt if ever put to use! drive carefully! : )
dne'

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...e/IMG_8027.jpg

[jgracik]

Thanks! I think I'll do all of the above. The tank armour is a great idea, but I still like the trunk separated too. And, the raised speakers solves the other issue. I'm giving the cars to my two sons and will sleep better knowing I've done all I can to alleviate the problem. Now,...about those brakes. I need to address those too. I think the kits from SSB are the general consensus. Does anyone know of a better one?

[dne']

I'd like you to at least contact Dan at chocostang@msn.com . It's a family owned and operated business. I've bought all my brakes from him. When I have questions, I get quick answers and always deal directly with him, so at least give him a try, but as always, shop.
dne'

[Calponycarsmike]

I have been in the Mustang world a long time, I have yet to hear of someone's Mustang exploding in the event of a rear end crash... it is like a urban legend... every few years someone doing 95 plus miles per-hour in the rain, spins out of control and rips their car in half, and Ford is some how responsible for the fact that it caught on fire. Not to say that is not a risk, but there are a lot bigger risks with driving a classic Mustang. But this one makes for good news story, "young man (or woman) robbed in their prime, and Ford knew about it." Venture to guess how many people have died in classic Mustangs because a lack of side impact protection? How about crappy drum brakes?
If a crash is so violent that it is going to buckle the tank, why won't it buckle the thin sheet metal you bolt between the seat? If you are really concerned about it, why not just buy a fuel cell?
The total number of documented cases of a major fire is something around 70 out of nearly 3 million classic mustangs on the road. So it is like 0.002% of Mustang's have exploded into flames.

[jspagna1]

I got a peice of 18 guage sheet metal and used the carton divider as a template and used some sheet metal screws to attach it. Very easy and very low cost.

[snaranjo]

I think you are correct CalPony - in fact I recall a thread some months ago with similar stats - might have been Veronica. I think a few tanks fires in Pinto's fueled the fire - so to speakTo be honest, I put the tank armor in to protect the tank itself from spare tires and tools I put in the trunk and for the stiffening it provides to the unibody.

[texasvarmit54]

I used 14 guage steel cut to form and installed fire proof material on top of that. Every little bit helps.Do it! Joe

[andrewmp6]

Yeah i rather have one and never need it then wish i did.The same thing was said about the 73-87 chevy/gmc trucks with the rear tank in a wreck would blow up.I got rear ended in one of those trucks it bent the frame my tank never popped or leaked.A nascar fuel cell is about same spot as your gas tank you dont see many fireballs in there wrecks.