"I just filled it up w/gas!" (Rabbit MK1 fire)...

[jimf909]

I watched as flames started coming out from under this Rabbit while driver drove in the left lane. Driver noticed, pulled over, I followed, emptied my fire extinguisher in various spots where flames were coming out, driver exclaimed frustration at just having filled it up with gas (doubling its value?), I called 911 (driver's phone battery was dead), I drove away as he awaited the fire department.

Learnings: VWs burn on Orillia Rd. (this is the second VW in six months I saw burn on Orillia Rd in Kent, WA); I'm replacing my single fire extinguisher with two that are at least twice the size.

Vanagon content: my Vanagon dash did not melt during the mayhem!

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- Jim

[IdahoDoug]

Bummer looked like a nice Wabbit!
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[dhaavers]

[Steve M.]

Fried rabbit is pretty good eats!

I am assuming your single Fire Extinguisher put it out? Good on you.
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[jimf909]

Class 5-B, US CG, 2 lbs 11 oz, type B:C size 1...

That's what the label says. I have nearly zero knowledge about fire extinguishers other than to buy them and install them where they'd seem to be handy. Something bigger is what I'll get. It seems that it can take a while to put out an engine fire and some backup would be helpful. There has been a few threads here that I'll review to get more info.

While I was there, the flames went from several feet high to just smoke but the fire was not out. The driver retreated to 50 yards away and was chatting with an equipment operator in a nearby field. I had an engagement to keep and departed.

It was a Rabbit in decent condition. Sad to see it go.

The previous time I saw a Beetle burning on this road I did not have a fire extinguisher in my car. I've since added one just so it would be handy.
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- Jim

[?Waldo?]

Decent condition Rabbits have actually been going up in value. At this point a clean straight good condition 1.6 diesel rabbit will actually sell for a similar amount or possibly more than a similar condition Mk4 TDI Golf.

[Team WorldTour]

Guess he didn't 'change his fuel lines'.......

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[unibagel]

Judging by the small tail lights, that's an old one. Maybe a swallow tail?

[Butcher]

Judging by the tail, it's not a swallow tail.

I need to find out the owner, I could use a roof panel. PM me if you should know the owner.

[Abscate]

Im still in therapy from working on a MK1 1976 carb Rabbit

What a POS that was.
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.ssS!

[crsmp5]

early westy... rear markers/doorpanel give that away...

id say carb conversion.. as i do not think 79/80 had carbs.. cis is other side of hood for gas fire.. along with charcole canister... i guess the "expansion tank" line, its in passengers fender, could have been damaged, and if topped off full.. it could spray timing belt area with gas... but again.. if converted to carb.. was mostlikely manuplated and left open to underhood..
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[jimf909]

[buspor63]

It looks like it has the big rear side markers, but the small rear tail lights. That narrows it down to a '79-'80 Pa. built car.
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Imagine that, theres not an "h" in either Westfalia or Syncro?

[crsmp5]

so if on side of road still... how much more burnt?? just a hood/fender? or did it get worse?
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[Butcher]

I drove by it both ways, it has square headlamps. The windshield forward is cooked.

But it has a full tank of gas.

[Blade3562]

Easy fix, cabriolet front clip, weld firewall forward and inner fenders etc. Bummer, was a clean 1980 (Inteior color is a giveaway)

This has happened about 3 or 4 times these past few months. Check your fuel lines.

It very well could be CIS, the main fuel lines run along the firewall behind the header. They tend to rust vibrate and break of old age. Mine did on my '84 Jetta behind the steering column.

The other option is the evap canister in the right front fender. When he filled it he may have overfilled it and the canister filled then bam fire. This is the most likely issue. Both carb and CIS cars had this.

[jimf909]

As of last night it was still there, rocks behind the back wheels. Looks like the hood was pried open at some point.
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- Jim

[ach60]

Firemen usually are not respectful of OG metal, they just want to get to the fire.
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Good Luck
Al

[Butcher]

I've seen firemen cause more damage than the fire.

[scottyrocks]