The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Do You Carry a Container of Gas in your Trunk?

Karl Wescott · 12-02-2019, 11:03 AM

A gas can stored in a well sealed trunk is imho a bad idea. A fuel tank in an unventilated trunk is a worse idea. The gas can needs to be vented for pressure relief with temperature changes. The vapors are heaver than air and will settle at the lowest point. One ignition source and "poof" or "BOOM". Even in a garage this can be a problem (US fire code requires furnaces and gas water heater flames to be at least iirc 12 inches above the floor to keep away from any stored fuel fumes).

You might be able to transport gas for a short distance, but be sure to air out the trunk. If you have a 1937-40 and still have a need for a spare gallon, keep it in the tool area at the back with a couple of drain holes under it... the fumes will be contained by the tool well and drain out the holes.

A horror story from my days as a volunteer firefighter. A local rodder takes his nice, freshly finished, fiberglass (not our body) 1932 3 window out for a Sunday cruise. Splashes a little gas while filling the in trunk tank (not good). Comes home and parks the car in the shop overnight (less good). Next morning the car is reeking, so he decides to take the carpet out. Without airing it out (bad idea), while it is still in the shop (worse idea). Static electricity ignites the fumes. BOOM. Minor burns to the owner (LUCKY). We get called in on the second alarm. The butchers bill includes the 3 Window, the 5 stall shop, a tractor, a new special edition 2010 Mustang, one or two other cars, A custom built log house, and a couple acres of grass/forest.

12-02-2019, 11:03 AM	#54
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,287	Re: Do You Carry a Container of Gas in your Trunk? A gas can stored in a well sealed trunk is imho a bad idea. A fuel tank in an unventilated trunk is a worse idea. The gas can needs to be vented for pressure relief with temperature changes. The vapors are heaver than air and will settle at the lowest point. One ignition source and "poof" or "BOOM". Even in a garage this can be a problem (US fire code requires furnaces and gas water heater flames to be at least iirc 12 inches above the floor to keep away from any stored fuel fumes). You might be able to transport gas for a short distance, but be sure to air out the trunk. If you have a 1937-40 and still have a need for a spare gallon, keep it in the tool area at the back with a couple of drain holes under it... the fumes will be contained by the tool well and drain out the holes. A horror story from my days as a volunteer firefighter. A local rodder takes his nice, freshly finished, fiberglass (not our body) 1932 3 window out for a Sunday cruise. Splashes a little gas while filling the in trunk tank (not good). Comes home and parks the car in the shop overnight (less good). Next morning the car is reeking, so he decides to take the carpet out. Without airing it out (bad idea), while it is still in the shop (worse idea). Static electricity ignites the fumes. BOOM. Minor burns to the owner (LUCKY). We get called in on the second alarm. The butchers bill includes the 3 Window, the 5 stall shop, a tractor, a new special edition 2010 Mustang, one or two other cars, A custom built log house, and a couple acres of grass/forest.