Good stuff 'Reno.

The original option extinguisher in my 280slc was moved from the front bottom of the driver seat to the trunk in nearly the same spot, but it was able to be mounted vertically since there is no battery in that trunk. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the exact extinguisher. And yes, I should update it. For originality, it would be cool to put it in its original spot, and replace the trunk one with one like yours.

 

Decided to change the fire extingusher bracket mounting. Rather than the using small washers I built a base flange out of a piece of aluminum I had saved from another project. Way more secure and no worries about the washers digging into the plastic.

 

Here are pics from my installation.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

I think the location we both chose is perfect for mounting one. For sure not the most glamorous upgrade but it does give you peace of mind. Hard to put a price tag on that.

 

I commend you for going the extra mile for safety.

But your post did get me interested. I wondered about the type of fire we might have and just what to do once detected.

On boats, there are laws that determine the type and size of extinguishers required as well as where they should be located. These rules could be applied to cars too.

Having the extinguisher under driver seat and easily removable may allow you to pick it up on way out of car so that you can fight fire from outside. Having it in trunk (boot in UK), requires you to get out, go to trunk, hope it is not locked and retrieve extinguisher from under luggage or whatever.

In Europe, most countries require at least one 1Kg fire extinguisher (even if you are just visiting). Didn't help this car! Even if they had an extinguisher, doubt it would have helped.

This is what one manufacturer says about location:

MOTOR VEHICLES: Inside the car either on the transmission
tunnel, under the driver’s seat or in the front passenger foot well.
Not in the boot: searching the boot for your extinguisher will waste
valuable time. Use the bracket provided to fit the extinguisher as
it is important that all extinguishers are firmly fixed otherwise they
could cause injury during a car accident. Beware of fluid pipes or
cables if drilling is required, seek advice if in doubt

I keep a couple of extinguishers handy in garage, but don't have one in car. I think that if a fire started while driving, I would get out of car asap and get well clear. Then let insurance company look after it

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To9Jt1YZ_tU

(

Wow. That's a real disappointment how short that lasts. I wonder if you should discharge it in short bursts in hopes of making sure you get it where it's needed.

 

You hear that guys? We are stupid for keeping our fire extinguishers in the trunk. Better to keep it in the garage. That will be safer when a fire starts in your car when not home.

Just kidding MBG.

I guess it really could be safer to not have one... If you don't know when to stop searching for the extinguisher and get away. At least the fire extinguisher in the trunk isn't going to prevent you from getting away from the car.

Where is that thread on the classic car shows and the fire extinguisher requirement?

Edit: apparently it belongs on the ground in front of the car, not even attached to the car. Ok. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2143905

 

You hear that guys? We are stupid for keeping our fire extinguishers in the trunk. Better to keep it in the garage. That will be safer when a fire starts in your car when not home.

As you concluded, that is probably true!

Unless you have one of these

 

The one I bought is US Coast Guard approved for boats...that is a good point however. The ones I looked at at the home stores were more for kitchens. As far as location I had considered behind the front seat but chose the trunk location instead. To me behind the front seat would be cumbersome to remove quickly. In any case having one is still better than not...hopefully it will sit there unused until it's time to replace it. And I would have (gladly) wasted my money...

 

I had a 2.5 lber in the trunk of The PIG for 6 years.

It actually died in there. The trunk gets awfully hot in the summer and like most things.....extremes are not good.

When I re-jigged my sound system, I removed it and never replaced it.

I'm with WWW on this......burn baby burn. Replacement value can buy a lota SL.

 

I am glad this subject came up again. At least it gets us thinking about what we would do in case of a car fire. Each of can choose our own plan.

Google comes up with many hits, but they seems to have a consistent theme, Here is one:

What Should I Do If My Car Catches Fire In Virgina? | Chandler Law Group

Excerpts:

· Car fires are very dangerous, especially considering the possibility that the gas tank could possibly explode. For this reason, it is most important to get you and your passengers out of the car as quickly as possible, leaving behind your possessions.

· Don't stay near the burning vehicle. Instead, get as far away from the vehicle as possible in case the fire spreads or the fuel tank explodes. In addition, keep onlookers from approaching the fire.

In the workshop, situation is slightly different. We are often the cause of the fire! For example, I started a small fire recently while using a small butane torch to help release the unions on my 300D's solid brake lines. In that case. I had a piece of rag handy and used it to snuff out the flame. But extinguisher was nearby!

 

In the workshop, situation is slightly different. We are often the cause of the fire! For example, I started a small fire recently while using a small butane torch to help release the unions on my 300D's solid brake lines. In that case. I had a piece of rag handy and used it to snuff out the flame. But extinguisher was nearby!

I have 2 in the shop....a 2.5 lb and a 5 lb.

I also have a 10 lb beside the bed and a 5 lb in the hall closet.

And most importantly....4 hard wired smoke detectors and an anxious Boston Terrier.

 

BUT:


Does everyone know the proper use of an extinguisher?


You should be discharging the extinguisher about 1 foot in front of the fire so that the contents "bounce" or "deflect" into the fire.

A direct blast can actually help spread a fire.

 

Mine's been bolted to the front seat since it left the factory in '83.

Maybe I should get it recharged some day.:eek

 

Mine's been bolted to the front seat since it left the factory in '83.

Maybe I should get it recharged some day.:eek

The bracket looks stock, but it looks like the extinguisher itself has been replaced.

I am pretty confident that the original ones for the period had a "GS" on them and a plastic head. I believe mine is stock (but moved to the trunk).

 

Someone else may need help :wink, I have also towing rope and jump start cables in trunk, so I am proprely prepared :laugh

 

Thanks all for the reply about Fire Extinguishers

 

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/2566858-sl-fire-extinguisher.html