firewall material

[Eric]

Hello

What matrial do You all use for the firewall?
Mine(kf 3 1991)is made of aluminum.
I don't think that is very fire resistant?
I am thinking of making a new one from stainless steel(0.3mm)

Are there other sugestions

thank You

Eric

[Dorsal]

Mine is SS (not sure of the thickness) which I believe is the current standard.

[Av8r_Sed]

My Model III is about the same age (SN 910) and has a stainless steel firewall.

-- Paul S

[rogerh12]

Eric;

Galvanized steel is very popular too. It's cheaper and certainly easier to work with then stainless steel, and if you screw it up, you’re not out much money (most folks have to special order large stainless sheets). Also, keep in mind the word "stainless" actually describes a large array of types. All the way from Chromium /steel (like used on steak knives) to Nickel/steel (like used on pots and pans) , and about 100 types in-between. When you order Galvanized steel, it’s all mild steel, with only about 1-2% carbon, is easy to drill, cut and bend, but can take the heat of a fire (it’s not as pretty though as polished stainless !!! ).

I personally use stainless pop rivets though, instead of aluminum on the firewall. They hold up better to heat in the event of a fire (look for the high sheer strength type, like kitfox provides). You will have to special order them, to get the good stuff.

Hope this helps

Roger

[DanB]

Roger
The only reason I would stay away from galvanized sheet is due to the off-gasing that may occur in the event of a fire. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc...when zinc is heated, it gives off zinc oxide which will make you sick known as metal fume fever. Usually symptoms like the flu. Welders know special precautions need to be taken to weld the stuff.
FWIW

[rogerh12]

Dan;

Good point, I never heard that about burning zinc, but thats good info. I have some, maybe I will put a propane torch on it and simulate a fuel fire under the cowling, and not the effect (will it just melt away, or gass out).

Roger

[Dave F]

Stainless is the only way to go.

In Canada for homebuilt category you only allowed to use SS
No galv or Alum allowed.

looks better as well