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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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I've posted this up in another extinguishing thread, but here goes again...
These nifty little Gloria units are designed to fit on the underside of the front seat bottom cushion of Mercedes, but near as I can figure they'll fit a Vanagon seat as well. Nice and handy to have right there within reach when you need it. What I especially like about these is that the handle is completely tucked away and can't be caught on things, like the more typical US units.
_________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:15 pm Post subject: |
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I like it, but new that's a $162 Fire Extinguisher. That's crazy for something so small. Can't be *that* much better than those little cans? Though, if you could find one w/ the bracket at the Junk Yard, what a find that would be! Thought someone said that they had to be upright. Different if they're designed to but like that, but...
http://www.mbpartsworld.com/p/Mercedes__S-450/FIRE-EXTINGUISHER/7303016/0008603380.html
Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
I've posted this up in another extinguishing thread, but here goes again...
These nifty little Gloria units are designed to fit on the underside of the front seat bottom cushion of Mercedes, but near as I can figure they'll fit a Vanagon seat as well. Nice and handy to have right there within reach when you need it. What I especially like about these is that the handle is completely tucked away and can't be caught on things, like the more typical US units. |
_________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32574 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:21 pm Post subject: |
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I keep small 2 lb ABC units in my cars and under the kitchen sink in the house.
I never plan on using them and if I need to, well..... I'll deal with the mess left behind. At least I'll still have a car or house to repair and use again!
Much better to have one than to not have one! There is almost an elitist attitude against ABC units.
I agree the cleaner units are very much preferable and I'd like to get the better Halotron or what have you, but for the $$ outlay, I'll keep what I have. I have yet in my life experienced the need to pull a pin on ANY fire extinguisher for use!
This one in my Van is a 2007 Model and I just had it serviced for the next 6 years. I have them recertified yearly so they are always ready for action.
It isn't mounted but lays in the "hole" between the drivers seat and the driver side jump seat.
I keep larger (5 & 10 lb ) ABC units in the garage where the real risk of fire is much much higher.
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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How and where do you get them re-certified? Here, I was told it was cheaper to just buy a new one. I *hate* that.
And, why is the risk of fire higher in your garage?
djkeev wrote: |
This one in my Van is a 2007 Model and I just had it serviced for the next 6 years. I have them recertified yearly so they are always ready for action.
It isn't mounted but lays in the "hole" between the drivers seat and the driver side jump seat.
[pic]
I keep larger (5 & 10 lb ) ABC units in the garage where the real risk of fire is much much higher.
Dave |
_________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32574 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:50 pm Post subject: |
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I hav a local fire fighters supply company that sells, certifies and recharges units as needed.
I do it yearly because of my work which requires yearly certification of all units......(I've got probably 40 of them scattered around)
As a home owner you can forego the yearly check but it doesn't hurt. Minimally pick up you unit and shake it vertically like you would a can of Spray paint. You are feeling for movement of the powder inside. Over time if it just sits still the powder will settle into a useless lump on the bottom! Even though the gauge will read good, the unit is worthless.
In my garage, I cut metal, grind metal, weld metal, use torches, fix gasoline devices, have propane and use explosive painting chemicals ..... On and on the list can go!
Who just PARKS CARS in a garage?!?!?!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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Syncromikey Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2012 Posts: 463 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject: |
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I try to not weld and grind in the house but do so in the garage quite a bit. With all the sparks flying around I always make sure I hang out and check for any potential issue at least an hour after I've done either. Having something to put out fires in the garage is a definite must! Never had to use one yet either ... Knock on wood ... But it's good to be prepared, for sure!
Cheers,
Mike _________________ Love my Westy ...
My build: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=528954 |
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joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 3:02 pm Post subject: fire extinguisher |
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Tam- your right the cost to re certify an extinguisher is high cheaper to buy a new one, this is only true with the cheap ones. But as long as the gauge reads in the green you should be OK. Now I've shot 20 year old ones and they worked. That said the powder can pack into the bottom. But with the new FE-36 and Halon type they use a gas so no packing down. If the gauge is in the green your good to go. Now remember you get what you pay for! More is better and bigger is better! But dear God have at least one! My other post. The best way to go! http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=521827 _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.
Last edited by joseph928 on Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:25 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Ruffturn Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2008 Posts: 419 Location: Central FL
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 3:37 pm Post subject: |
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Has anyone ever checked out automatic extinguishers? The last two shows I was at had a dude selling what looked like a 5# extinguisher with a tip that, IIRC deployed the material at around 270°F. I could be wrong on the temp, real wrong. Anyway, having a baja and a two pounder in the trunk made me feel safe the last couple of years. Now that we're looking at buying a westy, my thoughts toward fire suppression have changed dramatically. I really wouldn't mind having something near the engine that blew it's payload when really needed and I wasn't able to pull a pin, point, shoot & sweep.
Does anyone have info on this guy at the Lakeland & NDBS shows recently or any other "mount it and forget it" bottles? _________________ 72 Baja lookin' Super
Everything is ultimately relative. |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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tam_shops wrote: |
I like it, but new that's a $162 Fire Extinguisher. That's crazy for something so small. Can't be *that* much better than those little cans? Though, if you could find one w/ the bracket at the Junk Yard, what a find that would be! Thought someone said that they had to be upright. Different if they're designed to but like that, but...
http://www.mbpartsworld.com/p/Mercedes__S-450/FIRE-EXTINGUISHER/7303016/0008603380.html
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I think I paid $50 for two of them, purchased as part of a group buy in Poland. I'm sure the UK guys can get them fairly easy _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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noganav Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2006 Posts: 1236 Location: San Diego CA
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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:18 pm Post subject: |
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Oooohhhhh, the too expensive comment was from a fire fighter friend, he's also the one that told me to get it at CT. I wonder what they otherwise use here, will have to ask him.
Same friend shakes my fire extinguishers every year. Thought he was just checking them, didn't realize it'd bunch up if you didn't do it! Bad design!
Thanks, I thought your washer dryer were in there. I remember when we moved here, firefighter friend got me a fire extinguisher for our laundry room...I don't have a garage, just a shed and don't weld, but the guy before me (in this house also a fire fighter) did and he left a HUGE fire extinguisher in that shed. It explains a LOT. Thank you! Your wives need to get with it and suggest you weld something in their kitchens, so it accidentally starts a fire and you get a new one! Just make sure to get the baby pictures out or you're dead and they'll deny it was their ideas! LOL
djkeev wrote: |
I hav a local fire fighters supply company that sells, certifies and recharges units as needed.
[pic]
I do it yearly because of my work which requires yearly certification of all units......(I've got probably 40 of them scattered around)
As a home owner you can forego the yearly check but it doesn't hurt. Minimally pick up you unit and shake it vertically like you would a can of Spray paint. You are feeling for movement of the powder inside. Over time if it just sits still the powder will settle into a useless lump on the bottom! Even though the gauge will read good, the unit is worthless.
In my garage, I cut metal, grind metal, weld metal, use torches, fix gasoline devices, have propane and use explosive painting chemicals ..... On and on the list can go!
Who just PARKS CARS in a garage?!?!?!
Dave |
Thank you! Automatic extinguisher is on my list, still have to replace my windshield and seat belts...and I'm still figuring out how to get that jump seat. I'd spend $200 on that long before I would a simple little can w/ Mercedes on it! LOL
_________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:44 am Post subject: |
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Advice from a first responder...
Make sure it is safe to use the extingusher, don't get run over fighting a fire.
Get the biggest capacity extingusher you can fit. Putting a gasoline fire 99% out, then running out of extingusher is bad thing.
Only store all metal valve fire extingushers in your car. Plastic top ones may be ok in the kitchen (however they are generally pretty small). The plastic valves do not survie long in the heat that can build up in cars, they leak out faster than metal valves. They are not refillable either.
Don't let a fire extingusher roll around in the car, that is a good way to loosen the valve from the cylinder if not secured. A loose extingusher can make a lethal projectile in a crash. Store it wisely.
Keep it handy, if it is buried away under a seat hard to get at, or behind bulky cargo, the delay in its use may render it useless. |
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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:53 am Post subject: |
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SCM wrote: |
fleff wrote: |
Another aspect I became aware of regarding extinguishers. It's best to keep them upright. Otherwise they have a propensity to leak slowly.
Summary:
Wine: On it's side
Extinguisher: Upright |
I've heard differently. If it's a powder filled extinguisher, storing it upright in a car will cause the powder to pack into the bottom over time causing it to lose effectiveness. Better to put it on it's side and rotate it every so often. You should be inspecting your extinguishers regularly to identify if they're leaking. OSHA requires me to check the ones in my office every month. |
you can shake a powdered one every now and then to keep the caking to a minimum. If you observe the regular recharge schedule, you wont have this problem. To be certified the extingusher pressure test date is noted, if it is out of date it is re-pressure tested. if it is still in dte for pressure test, the extingusher is emptied, valve cleaned, rubber seals renewed, ne or recycled fluffy powder is installed, it is capped off with the rebuilt valve, and pressurized with nitrogen.
in commercial buildings, and vehicle that are regulated, the fire extingushers must be regularly serviced to be in code complience. Private home and car extingushers are not regulated. |
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tam_shops Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012 Posts: 1530 Location: Vancouver BC
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Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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THANK you for the picture. I've been trying to figure out how you knew what was inside them! I have 3 in the house, left over from the Fire Fighter that owned the house before us, will see if I have any Halotron ones...
Glenn wrote: |
Halotron is DOT, USCG and FAA legal.
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I finally bought and installed the 2.5# one from Canadian Tire:[url]
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/3/HouseHome/...e=en[/url]
The holes didn't line up, had to drill another. It reminded me that I need a new more powerful battery powered drill!
I also got a can of Tundra when I was in the US. It fit nicely above the stove beside my Baking Soda. All I've ever used to put a fire out in my life. It makes an easy to clean up mess!
http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-AF400-2-Extingui...rds=tundra
Really, for me, the odds of me fighting a fire, especially an engine fire in my Westy are slim. It's a ticking time bomb once a fire starts. I have two young children and my job is to get them as far away from that as possible...It's what insurance is for. *Not* to say I don't think I should not have one, I do, two, may even add a 3rd behind my seat...but, it's for the nice helpful bystander that wants to help or me if I'm alone, or if my dh is along. I'm not sure if I'll cry more if it happens, or you guys, when I start shopping for a replacement, at least as good as the last one!
tam _________________ 1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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noganav Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2006 Posts: 1236 Location: San Diego CA
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:49 am Post subject: |
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So here's one for the books. I was showing my boss my new extinguisher tonight and wondering if the old one still worked. As we're taking about it he absentmindedly presses the button and blasts a shot of foam directly into my van. There is powder literally everywhere, but once the damage was done all we could do was laugh. Guess what? It still works! |
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luVWagn Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2008 Posts: 1340 Location: Snoqualmie (WA)
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:59 am Post subject: |
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tam_shops wrote: |
I'm not sure if I'll cry more if it happens, or you guys, when I start shopping for a replacement, at least as good as the last one!
tam |
Please, please, please don't let it EVER burn... _________________ '91 Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop Conversion, eTDI |
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akyrie Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2010 Posts: 519 Location: Driftless, Wisco
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:44 am Post subject: |
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Last year we had a "little" fire in the 1.9l van. oh man I can't stress enough to have a good extinguisher handy. I had the little naive extinguisher, I am no longer naive enough to buy the little one. Just enough, I mean just, to put out the fire. Also attack the fire from the bottom first, you can get it out from there. Try not to open anything (hatch, liscense plate), opening allows air back into the fire, and it starts all over again. I put out the fire from below, then thinking I wasn't getting it all I opened the hatch, bad move. The fire would probably sayed out, if I hadn't opened the hatch. Opening the hatch allowed new air to ignite the fire that was left, and made a huge fireball that barely missed my face. By this time my wife is freakin. I ducked the fireball and used the very last of my extinguisher to finish off the fire. It's taken me awhile but hopefully soon the rehabilitation to the van will finish and I can start her up again. oh yeah, I bought a diesel, cause I don't like flames in my face. And yes both my van's (diesel and gasser)got big extinguishers now.
no injuries, lucky. _________________ Although I got a funny message from the Porsche guys, it read, "what a mighty ship that you must sail"
....has anyone else received that?
82 AHU DK, 1950's Puch-black |
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tschroeder0 Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2008 Posts: 2096 Location: Boulder CO
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:25 am Post subject: |
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I get discussing having a fire extinguisher, and of course everyone should have one, or two, but if you have done the right things then you should never have a fire.
These vans have travelled and are traveling the world over bad terrain in all kinds of extreme conditions without fires.
-Fuel lines, metal fuel rails, replace the junk plastic piece at the "firewall", seal the gas tank. Zip ties on all lines where they may rub to keep them away from something moving or something too hot.
Above that dont do any wiring unless you know what you are doing, if you do, put a load on it, watch it, feel it to see if it gets hot.
-And last, check things out often! Look over the engine compartment often,
check clamps, move things around when they are pressurized to see if they leak.
The quote I have in my head from a local vanagon mechanic looking at a van in his bay that had a fire always sticks in my head " another guy who thought his van was a honda...it aint a honda" |
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DeadSetMonkey Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2010 Posts: 532 Location: Denver, CO
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:10 am Post subject: |
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In the for what it is worth category.
My van did not include an extinguisher when I bought it from the PO.
So, I bought a GoWesty extinguisher mount, and then went to local Autozone and bought an automotive sized extinguisher (the local HomeDepot and Lowes only sold larger extinguishers that didn't come with mounts or would not have fit in the space behind the passenger seat without interfering with seat rotation).
The one I bought from autozone came with the exact same mount that I had paid GoWesty for.
So. Point is, maybe save some cash and get lucky to buy an extinguisher than comes with a mount. _________________ ----------------------------------------------------
'90 Syncro Westy 2.5Subi Turbo, BFGs 215/75/15 Rheins |
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