Paul,

I want to make a simple firewall to attach to the front of Seawind mount
frame. It is a non structural element for the cowl and only needs to be
strong enough to support the water reservoir, oil filter and pass
through connection.  I am thinking a thin sheet of stainless but what
can I use to back it up so it has some strength? 1/4" plywood comes to
mind but I am concerned about how long it will last with a hot flame on
the engine side.  Of course it could be argued that the FRP cowling will
be burning as well.


Doug in Japan

If it has thin stainless on both sides it won't burn. It needs air to
burn. I think it will turn to charcoal if the heat is high enough. The
best bet for a low density fire proof core may be the ceramic foam stuff
they use on the space shuttle. It is probably real expensive.

The XB70 had brazed SS honeycomb panels.

Paul Lamar