Fire extinguisher systems

[Lowell W]

I'm considering installing a fire extinguisher system in my SPF. This car does have a fuel cell and I'd like to add fire suppression to make it as safe as is reasonably possible (please, spare the comparisons with tanks, Crown Vics, Pintos, etc.).

I've looked at the previous discussions and am still unclear as to what's the best way to go. Summit sells 5# and 10# two nozzle Halon systems (perhaps changed to Halitron since my catalog was published?). I see from a previous thread that Bill Emerson sells a foam system and there's a Cold Fire wet system, both of which seem to be very effective. McMaster-Carr sells Halitron extinguishers but doesn't sell a system for vehicles, although it couldn't be too hard to adapt.

What's the best agent to use? Is it possible to effectively put out a fire without making a mess in the process? Is that a realistic goal?

How big a supply is big enough? 5#? 10#? 15#? More?

How many nozzles? Motor? Driver? Passenger? Fuel supply?

Where is the best place to mount the tank?

Aluminum or steel lines?

Anything else I'm missing?

Thanks.

[Turk]

Try to get a hold of Pegassus Racing catalog, either in print or on line.They have a good selection of supression systems, additional nozzles, tubes and activating systems.

TURK

[Roscoe]

I got my Safecraft system from CV Products....best price at the time.

http://66.155.51.113/products/result...word=safecraft

Roscoe

[Mr.Fixit]

I have installed about half a dozen of the safecraft halon systems. I would get the ten pounder. I think the main purpose is to buy the driver a window of opportunity to escape the flaming vehicle, by suppressing the fire, if the fire is completely extinguised, even the better.

[Roscoe]

Fixit is right.

The purpose is to buy you time to get out of the car. If the fire goes out too that's great. Insurance pays for the fire.

I also keep a halotron 2.5 bottle between the seats.

Roscoe

[Lowell W]

Turk: Thanks; the catalog is on the way.

Roscoe & Mr. Fixit: Thanks; I checked out the Safecraft kit and called CV Products for info and a catalog. Do you mount the cylinder in the trunk or under the hood?

Yes, I'll be getting out of the car as fast as possible, if possible, but if one option gives me a better chance of saving the car, so much the better.

Thanks,

Lowell

[Mr.Fixit]

I always mount the bottle in the trunk, but I have seen them in the passenger compartment, where the passenger seat would be, if the racecar had one. Actuated by a pull handle which I mount in the dash, the hole for the washer pump plunger works well. Nozzle in the driver's footbox to keep your boys cool, and the other under the hood to spray the motor.

[Hal Copple]

i got a system, un-used, complete, at the NASCAR parts place up near Mooresville, NC, where they have all sort of new and used stuff. I paid about $150 for it, complete, they get them back from the teams that don't use them. I put the tank in the trunk, mounted on this nice oaken black painted frame, then ran AN 4 Teflon hose to the engine, and one in the cockpit. I used bulkhead connectors where necessary, and have one aimed at my crotch, and one at the rear of the carb, plus i carry a Halon between the seats, which i can spray whereever.

If you want some pictures, or advice, let me know. I can switch the Halon gas to both the engine and I, or only to the engine.

I think the trunk is a 10# system.

[SFfiredog]

Here is a photo of the system being installed in the trunk ( no nozzles or lines yet).
I installed three nozzles, one right above the fuel pump, one over the transmission tunnel and one in the front of the engine compartment. The activation handle is mounted in the dashbord.
--Mike

[Roscoe]

I also mounted my bottle in the trunk and used 4 AN lines. The guys at Safecraft suggested the cockpit nozzle(s) be faced so they shoot down into the footbox so you get the initial blast on the feet and then the blowback on you for the best coverage.
Roscoe

[Blake Olson]

can you post a photo of the handle on the dash!?

SFFireDog..what system and part number is that? that's the one I want

blake

[cobrajeff]

I have a 10# Halon system in my car, plus a 1.25# Halon bottle in the interior behind my seat. Here's what the handle looks like:



I have the bottle mounted in the trunk, and plumbed to the interior, carburetors, and trunk (battery + fuel fill neck). The bottle takes up little usable space.



That is it to the left of the collapsible spare tire. I still have room for 2 folding chairs, tools, tonneau, and a folded up convertible top.

I reinforced my aluminum dash behind the handle, because I figured if I yanked that baby, I was gonna be pullin' it HARD!

I keep a safety pin in the bottle at car shows, just in case somebody decides to "try it out". Remember to remove the safety pin before driving or a track event.

regards,

Jeff

[ERA 626]

Look at this web site...
http://www.safecraft.com/auto.htm

[Roscoe]

[Blake Olson]

Roscoe,

I love the red battery/power and push button start...I think i'm going to do that now

thanks for the photos guys

blake

[Steve R]

Gents,
An interesting fact seldom talked about is that when Halon is exposed to approx. 900 DegF, it turns very toxic in the form of
Carbonyl Halides ....IE phosgene gas... the stuff used first by the French, yes the French to kill people in WWI. Please keep
this in mind if you are fighting a fire with this stuff indoors.

Steven

[Bill E]

OK foam will not suffocate you. Halon can. Foam will put out a road flare Halon wont. Foam will keep the fire out for up to 30 minutes. Halon wont. it tacks 3 times the amount of Halon to do the same job. One two pound bottle of foam will run 48 seconds on one nozzle 24 on two. and you can shut it off and on it is not an all or nothing system. one nozzle will fill an engine compartment in 8 seconds the company that makes our system builds them for the US Air force and for the company that provides them for Shell and Chevron all of the new stations have them installed on top of the tanks. It is just a 3 pound bottel and it will put out the fire. It will evaporate in 35 minuets and any residue will wipe off with a damp sponge, It will not attack paint or metal. Bill E

[mrmustang]

I still prefer the Cold Fire(tm) system.....And will be switching back over to it in the spring on the new FPSB sitting in my garage (currently has a Halon system installed)


http://www.firefreeze.com/


Will it be a slight mess when it goes off, yes, will it safe my life (the most important question, as the Cobra can be replaced, my life cannot), yup, you bet the answer is affirmative there as well......


Your car, your choice....Then again, your life, your choice.........


Bill S.

[Great Asp]

Steve,

Did you say the French killed people in a war?



Eric