Fire Extinguishers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Denville NJ
Fire Extinguishers.
What do you look for in a Fire extinguisher?
How much should you pay?
How is this: http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/chromfirex.html ?
How much should you pay?
How is this: http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/chromfirex.html ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Denville NJ
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Neo Fender)
It doesn't need to be flashy, it needs to be functional. (although chrome looks :cool: )
3lbs? wheres a good place to buy?
Are they all full of the same chemical?
How much should I pay for a 3lb?
3lbs? wheres a good place to buy?
Are they all full of the same chemical?
How much should I pay for a 3lb?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 79
From: West Chester PA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bifkin)
Looks are fine but its function that counts. A small unit like the one shown is probably good for one 2 second shot and its finished. I looked into this when I was in the market for one to keep in the Vette. Based on my experience, I recommend that you visit a fire protection shop. You'll get the real lowdown on what works and what doesn't. I went with a halon unit (no residual mess if you have to use it) with a minimum 10 second continous shot. I suggest you go with the largest unit you can comfortably fit in the car. Halon is expensive but so is your Vette. I paid about $80.00 for mine. All steel, no plastice handles or valves. One other thing. The halon bottle is good for 10 years, I believe.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bifkin)
Also just note that this extinguisher is rated B-C, good for flammable liquids and live electrical fires-the usual causes of car fires. Without an A rating, the extinguisher will be ineffective against other combustibles in the interior such as carpet, insulation, seats etc. Just something to keep in mind if that additional protection is important to you.
-Tom
-Tom
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Denville NJ
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (427_Roadster)
So whats a good online store to look at? (One that gives rating/good prices/etc..)
I blew a transmission line a month or 2 back, and my mechanic told me I was the luckiest man on earth for having the car not go up in flames. (Transmission fluid was EVERYWHERE). So between that and the new engine I want to drop in.... I figure I need one if i'm going to be racing a lot.
I blew a transmission line a month or 2 back, and my mechanic told me I was the luckiest man on earth for having the car not go up in flames. (Transmission fluid was EVERYWHERE). So between that and the new engine I want to drop in.... I figure I need one if i'm going to be racing a lot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bill W)
Bill, can you still get Halon? I think the EPA had a fit about it and pulled it.
I have a chrome 5lb Halon bottle with a billet clam-shell type holder mounted between the seats.
I have a chrome 5lb Halon bottle with a billet clam-shell type holder mounted between the seats.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bifkin)
K-Mart and WalMart sell the larger size Kidde fire extinguisher (maybe a 2 pound unit?) as do most good auto parts stores for around $20 +/- a couple of bucks. If you can find Halon anywhere get it. It is the best stuff made. I work in the airline business and Halon is simple unbelievable. Unfortunately, it is no longer available and when a store runs out then it is gone. I think it has been declared "bad stuff" by the EPA for a couple of years now. If you must have the chrome model be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for a small bottle.
I find it amazing that we will drive around in cars that are getting more rare and more expensive and hope that nothing goes wrong. 20-30-40 year old wiring eventually will chafe or wear out and then, :nopity bye bye car.
Gary
I find it amazing that we will drive around in cars that are getting more rare and more expensive and hope that nothing goes wrong. 20-30-40 year old wiring eventually will chafe or wear out and then, :nopity bye bye car.
Gary
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 79
From: West Chester PA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (71coupe)
71 coupe. I had no problem in obtaining a halon unit. I believe it is being recycled and while no longer manufactured, can still be used until it is gone. It took the company that services my work's units about 2 weeks to get one for me. I know they are still popular for use on boats. I think it helped that one of the people at the fire extinguisher place is a motorhead.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: RENTON WA. USA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (GaryS)
GOT MY HALON UNIT FROM "PHOENIX" FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS , AUBURN WA. 253-735-1362 SPEAK TO TODD, MENTION THE SIGHTMAN "ANGIE" HE'LL KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. MOUNTED MINE TO THE FRONT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT AND IT MOVES WITH THE SEAT FORE AND AFT. HOPE THIS HELPS. DONT USE THE WHITE POWDER CHEMICAL YOU WILL NEVER GET IT OFF YOUR CAR.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,305
Likes: 9
From: Weston FL
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bill W)
Due to my "little" fire incident yesterday (posted in off topic) on my car, I bought an $11 extinguisher at Discount Auto Parts last night. I didn't research anything, so this is a cheapie one, but atleast it is "something" to hel p out in case needed. :rolleyes:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bill W)
Bill, I just did some research on Halon. I found a replacement for 1211 halon that probably wont cost as much. See ataching link.
http://www.h3r.com/haltron1.htm
http://www.h3r.com/haltron1.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bifkin)
If you're going to spend money on one, try to get one that can be recharged. If you have it for a while, the time will come when it needs to be recharged. Not a good feeling when you need it and it doesn't have a charge.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Whispering Pines NC
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Bifkin)
Bifkin, I'm a Fire Marshal with 20 years of experience. The mainthing is to get an ABC extinguisher or at a minimun a BC. I recommend either a 21/2 lb or 5 lb size. make sure it has a metal head. these can be refilled if need be. Use the PASS method to fire it. P-pull the pin, A- aim the nozzle, S-squeeze the handle, S-sweep it back and forth at the base of the fire. call your local fire department, i'm sure they can recommend where to get a good one and may even give you a demonstration on how to use it if you need one.
How is this: http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/chromfirex.html ?
[/QUOTE]
How is this: http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/chromfirex.html ?
[/QUOTE]
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: ma
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (Hampton)
Hampton is right!!! Buy 2, one for the car ,and the second to learn with,start a fire {small} and learn how to use it,...not when your excited with your car in flames,trying to find the pin to release it,thats not the time to be looking for the instructions,Be Safe :blueangel:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (rdrman)
While we are on the topic of fire safety, be aware that your car is at high risk (if not MOST risk) right after you shut the engine off. (And so is your house if you pull into the garage and dash inside leaving your car unattended!) When the fan stops cooling and water pump stops circulating coolant the hot engine block heats everything up more than when the car is running. I noticed as a teenager that I would blow the old radiator hoses after I shut the car off! Turn the ignition key back to the "on" position and watch your temp guage climb! This extra heat can melt your underhood wires and start an electrical fire. Always use your battery cutoff switch!! MJ
[Modified by MNJack, 10:56 PM 9/30/2001]
[Modified by MNJack, 10:56 PM 9/30/2001]
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: Fire Extinguishers. (71coupe)
Summit Racing sells a halon extinguisher.
Costly though -- $300 for a 5lb bottle / $459 for 10lb bottle.
At the moment you realize your car is on fire, it probably won't sound that expensive.
My car caught on fire once when the door ajar switch had a short. Everybody should have three things:
1. a good extinguisher
2. a quick battery disconnect
3. a lot of rags and towells to clean up with if #1 isn't halon. Its like that fake snow used at Christmas time.
Costly though -- $300 for a 5lb bottle / $459 for 10lb bottle.
At the moment you realize your car is on fire, it probably won't sound that expensive.
My car caught on fire once when the door ajar switch had a short. Everybody should have three things:
1. a good extinguisher
2. a quick battery disconnect
3. a lot of rags and towells to clean up with if #1 isn't halon. Its like that fake snow used at Christmas time.