Old Fuel cell hole in Trunk

[toofun]

Is this a problem? I had a fuel cell in this car when I got it and took it out. Now there is a big 26x18 hole in the trunk. As you can see in teh pic there is 1 inch flat stock around the whole area of it. My question is is this too big of a hole structurally for the trunk area? The car is minitubbed and I am worried about the integrity of the trunk? Also are some small openings that the previous owner used for shock attachments as well as some other patches in it. I made a cover to go over the hole which I plan on attaching into the 1 inch flat stock.

Sorry not a body man and dont know much about structure and strength either. Just dont want to have a problem with twist or something else with this. Would the cover I made add strength back to it? Should I be worried? It is a very stout motor with 335's in the rear ridetech airbar and a ton of torque.. (well at least to me.. 550 hp 500 torque).

If it is a problem what is the best way to deal with what I have? is screwing that cover I made to the 1 inch flat stock good enough as well as pop riveting the smalller patches in the other openings?

Thanks in advance!

Mark
TOOFUN
6534965350

[Bill Howell]

Mark,
I will let the engineers debate strength, etc. However, I would strongly suggest that you cut an access hole above the pump hole in the tank for easy accessibility later down the road if/when you need to replace the pump. Just saying, ask me why I suggest this....

[toofun]

Mark,
I will let the engineers debate strength, etc. However, I would strongly suggest that you cut an access hole above the pump hole in the tank for easy accessibility later down the road if/when you need to replace the pump. Just saying, ask me why I suggest this....

I agree with you Bill which is why I was thinking of making the cover I did for that big hole a screw in type. This way I could remove it and take care of the fuel pump. But if I need to weld it in to make it stronger I guess I could cut an access hole in that cover...

Mark
TOOFUN