Quote Originally Posted by mooneye777
i am also on the budget builder, i see your concern. you could either install a 11 ga. plate across that cross member you have there to cover the fuel line, or run the line through a steel tube of some kind. even with a new shaft i would still put a protective barrier there. when ever you mess with a chance to burn up, its not worth the risk. i would run the plate or pipe also. my dad was burned from his waist down to his toes in a car fire, not a pretty sight, and months of severe pain.
Sorry I didn't respond earlier.
The fuel and brake lines are actually shielded on top by 3/16" plate and below by 1/4" plate. 3/4" x 1/8" wall square tubing is sandwiched between the two plates with the 2 lines running thru the opening between them. The rubber tubing - actually neoprene fuel line is wrapped around the SS lines for protection from chafing in case road vibes bounce the lines around. Also, you don't see is additional underside bracing on the forward crosspiece. The driveshaft loop itself is currently a specially made 9/16" spring u-bolt - then everything but the u-bolt was powdercoated.