In the interests of safety, I just purchased this small 3/4 lb fire extinguisher. I realize that it will do little to control a large gasoline fire but it might snuff out a minor BBQ on the intake manifold or an electrical short. Where do you locate these in your cars?



I was thinking on one side of the vertical surface of the rear compartment but I do not wish to drill into the gas tank.




[Modified by paul79, 3:55 PM 8/24/2002]

 

I got one installed infront of each seat,Cheap insurance.. :cheers:

 

Between your legs :eek: - on the floor between your legs. Easy to grab and looks pretty cool by the way.

 

How did you mount them?

 

 

Excellent topic!!!!
Please keep the ideas coming (with pics if possible).
I need to get one too. Cheap insurance for yourself or heaven forbid someone else who needs one.

 

Something like this?

 

I would imagine that you drill two holes in the mounting surface and attach the black plastic holder with sheet metal screws.

 

I got a full size one in case of a real fire and put it in compartment behind the passenger seat, might get one of those little chrome ones in case someone drops a cigarette.:lol:

Note: I posted this because you need to be very careful in this area and I do not believe the small "stylish" "oohhh look he's got a fire extinguisher" versions are capable of putting out anything more than smoldering butt. If you are going to buy one of these then do yourself a favour and throw a full size one behind the seat.


[Modified by MotorHead, 7:27 PM 8/24/2002]

 

Very good idea, this is a must do!! :yesnod:

 

At $10.00US ($16.00CDN) it is indeed cheap insurance. But I have no illusions that 3/4 lb will halt a major road-side fire. But perhaps a few words will tell you where this purchase has stemmed from. And that purchase is overdue.

Two years ago in July I had my Q-Jet re-built by a local AC Delco dealer. He did a fine job as things turned out. My car runs very well today. But at that time I pulled a silly stunt, basically out of ignorance. Took the carb home and installed it on the eve of a holiday. Really looked forward to the next day and an early morning drive. Next day; 7:00am. Fired up nicely and got five miles down the road. Smell of gasoline. Engine spitting and popping, black smoke out the tailpipes. Damn AC Delco! Popped the hood and gas was pooling on the intake. That's it, that's all. I refused to turn the key for fear of fire. It was a holiday so the flatbed came only three hours later. Day was finished for driving so I pulled the Q-Jet off.

Bubba is me! I installed the gas inlet nuts with black RTV to prevent leaks. Good intention I suppose but RTV dissolves in gasoline. The float bowl and innards were full of black goop. the float stuck open. Learned a lesson that day....And perhaps if I had tried to re-start just on more time....poof!

 

I guess the message is that I should have gone with the 2 lb version? I can still do that; they are not very expensive.

 

Paul:
I purchased the next size larger than yours and mounted it next to
one of the metal loops that stick up from the rear compartment to hold
the T-top straps. I used a nylon tie thru the fire extinguisher bracket
and the metal loop. You can still put the t-tops back there next to
the fire extinguisher. By using the nylon tie, you do not have to drill
any holes in the car.

 

Paul, think of it this way, your prized possession is on fire and you pull out your little 3/4 pound bottle and spray it for about ten seconds and it's gone and your car is still burning to the ground.

Like I said above keep the cool looking one and mount it somewhere then buy one that you will actually use if there is a fire and store that one behind the passenger seat. I saved some money and just bought the big one.

 

Wow! Excellent tip. I will get the 2 lb version tomorrow and snug it in there.

 

I will go to Canadian Tire and get the 2 lb tomorrow. Thanks for the tip. Being "cool" is not an option at my age, safety is. And as usual I will post a pic!

 

I thought so :yesnod:

 

You guys need to consider getting a bit more serious about this. First, I agree that getting a fire extinguisher in a reasonable size in important. Second, let's not forget that mounting it in a secure fashion is extremely important. You don't want this thing working itself loose (did I read above that someone's got theirs held in place with nylon straps?) and - God forbid - get under the brake pedal while doing some spirited driving.

I recommend you get serious - realizing that these cars aren't getting any younger - and get something like what VetteDan is offering. I think it's money well spent. Here's my installation:



[Modified by mayberg, 10:45 PM 8/24/2002]

 

I agree with vayberg. I bought the vettedan setup for the driver's side. It came powder coated, looking great, and "strong like bull." He even included grade 8 longer bolts to replace the old seat bolts. Quality #1, and I will get one for all my (future) Vettes as well.

This is the point I wish I had a picture of it, but I really like it and the extinguisher is in very easy/quick reach. If nothing else, it will give me the time to get out of the car... :smash:

 

Thanks for the topic...there are lots of bad things that could happen to me, but I think fire would be one of the worst...I always keep the units charged and near... :yesnod: