Had a bit of a scare this week with the Wife's Corvair. No damage or danger, thankfully--she threw the belt, the engine got real hot, and something expanded and let oil hit the exhaust manifold. It happened just down the road from home, and I got a call: "The car won't start, and it's smoking..." Grabbed the two fire extinguishers off the wall in the shop and hauled *** there. That is NOT the way I like to handle things. I had a new belt and full tool kit in the car, but I haven't gotten around to putting a fire extinguisher in there yet. I've carried a fire extinguisher in the Suburban since I bought it--cheap little one, with a plastic mount that, after 5 years, doesn't do too much to keep the extinguisher in it's place. I've decided to take $150 this month, $150 next month, and more if I need it the month after, and PROPERLY outfit the Suburban, the Corvair and the shop with more-than-adequate fire extinguishers. So, my question is, what are you guys using for fire extinguisher mounts in your cars, and in your shop? I saw some Targa Newfoundland road race cars that had the fire extinguishers mounted to a metal bracket on the floor, just in front of the front seats, under the driver's and co-driver's legs. I thought this was a great location, because it's dead space, and when you need it, it's RIGHT there. The race rules called for a metal mounting bracket, and we played hell finding one: it was the last thing we did for the race car, and we stopped at a dozen different places on the drive up to Newfoundland and couldn't find one. We finally bought one off the wall of some shop we were at! As in, they had their extinguisher hanging on the wall with a bracket, we made them an offer they couldn't refuse for the bracket, unscrewed it and mounted it in the race car. I looked at Summit, and they don't have much selection of extinguishers, and no brackets that I could find. Jegs had some, but I'm looking for other ideas. Let's see 'em! -Brad (oh, in my shop, I've got a small extinguisher mounted on the wall with peg-board hooks: I painted a big red rectangle on the wall, hung the extinguisher, then hung a "FIRE EXTINGUISHER" sign high on the wall above it, so everyone in the shop can see it. I know where they are, but friends probably aren't paying attention until one is needed. I want to get some bigger ones to hang on dedicated brackets)
youll be looking for something like: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CAMS-APPROVED-FIRE-EXTINGUISHERS-DOUBLE-BRACKET-/180466974156 or http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Fire_Extinguishers_Accessories/1746 stick with race car ones as you dont want to be whacked by a loose extinguisher in an accident
I have an extinguisher mounted in my Model A. I don't want to take any chances either. This site has metal mounts that should work for your application. Just confirm with them that they are sending you the mount with the correct diameter for your extinguisher. http://www.selectsafetysales.com/c-140-fire-extinguisher-brackets.aspx
THAT is an excellent point! And one I hadn't fully considered. those two sites were great, but I'd like to find something in the US! At least now I have some ideas. -Brad
try here http://www.amerex-fire.com/products/product/17 i found them in a magazine article about made in America. i don't know anything else about them or if they are really made in America but it's worth a look. on the bracket PDF they show auto/marine brackets. let us know what you find as we all should carry fire extinguisher later jim
These chrome extinguishers came with a metal bracket for $38 a piece. Not the best shots but there's a heavy wire frame that cradles the base of the extinguisher and a stainless band / clip that secures the body. They are well out of the way where I have them mounted but really handy if needed. Pete
I just ordered a bracket for mine from the manufacturer. It didn't come with the right bracket. If I'm not mistaken, I think what you need is a stainless bracket made for marine applications.
Brad,,, www.pegasusautoracing.com When i was building road racing mazdas, I used them, their in wis. and they also have the halon systems that are hand held.
Look in the phone book ,there should be several fire extinquisher companies in Atlanta that can help you out and also check out large truck stops,they have alot of metal mounts,all sizes.
Many years ago my friends and I had to watch a buddy's 68 cutl*** burn to the ground because none of us had an extinguisher with us. He had been tuning the carb and it barfed fuel onto the intake & then backfired through the carb. Instant intake fire. Could have been taken care of in a few seconds with an extinguisher but without one, the result was the total loss of a very nice car. Ever since, every vehicle that I own has a fire extinguisher in it, even my DD's. The little pop can sized ones available are junk, you might as well piss on the fire for all the good they will do. You need a 2.5 pound one at bare minimum. It might not even be your own vehicle you save, it might be your best friend's. Even a hot rodder that is a total stranger, I would jump in & volunteer my extinguisher for. I have a chrome 2.5 lb fire extinguisher mounted in our model A coupe on the brace that runs from the rear wheel well to the body seam. it is up out of the way & fairly easy to get to. Keep in mind, wherever you mount it, it needs to be easily, quickly accessible. If you have to dig to get at it it kind of defeats the purpose of having it. On my two newer O/T cars, there is a 5 lb chrome one mounted between the front seats on each. My tow pig has a 10 lb one behind the seat in the cab and my dd has one under the seat. Darned cheap insurance IMO.
I service and sell extinguishers for a living. Id go with the amerex brand or the badger brand. For the love of god dont by kidde. Just take my word on that.
Oh yeah, and unless u want a **** load of clean up Id go with a halotron. There more expensive but woth it!
I work for with the Fire Marshal's office here in town, and have to agree, the kiddie extinguishers are just that kiddie. In all honesty a 2 1/2 pounder ain't gonna do too much, which is why my daily has a 5lb ABC in the trunk and although my project isn't on the road yet she already has a 2.5lb BC. My garage has both. (and a halon sprinkler system hanging above my work area. If you can make it fit, 5lb ABC from a reputable company is the way to go. Most companies will also deliver. If you can't find one in the yellow pages call your local FD and they'll give you a listing of companies in your area.
What about Buckeye brand? I've had one in my shop, and its always stayed in the green. I've been looking at their 5 pounder with the vehicle bracket included to go in my Model A.
One time I had a small fire under the dash and shook up a coke and pulled the tab , It sprayed pretty good and the fire went out. Another time a rear axle shaft bearing went bad at 70MPH and the brake shoes and wheel cylinder were blazing, could have set the tire on fire. I used a gallon of water and put it out.
Check the local boat or marine shops for fire extinguishers. All boats are required to carry them and they have all sizes and types in stock.
Hey 94hoghead, You can get a Chrome one from most fire extinguisher equipment co. In your area, if not let me know I can get them, the cost is about $100 for a 2 1/2# ABC Amerex it comes with a vehicle strap bracket. Model # 417TC dim. 15 1/2" h x 3" shell dia. x 5 1/4 unit width. Let me know if you have any questions. KB
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