My 63 Ragtop caught on fire

[usmc1345]

So I had been planning on moving out of Montana for years as I was miserable there. Finally did. I was unloading my bug from the uhaul trailer when I smelled something different. I looked in the mirror and saw flames. Turned off the key, went to the engine, opened the decklid and the carb was on fire. Ruined my favorite Vw T shirt putting it out, but got it out with what I consider minimal damage to Vivian. I had to use starting fluid to get her to fire up in a timely manner. I'm going to guess and say I used to much and that was part of what started the fire. I dont recall hearing a backfire anything. I got lucky, bubbled paint, burnt air filter and some burnt wiring, and 1 ruined shirt.

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Semper Fidelis

[finster]

glad the damage was minimal. maybe carry a fire extinguisher from now on - it will save your t shirts if nothing else.
good luck with your new start...
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[usmc1345]

Yeah def gonna get one. A fellow club member suggested this kit. I forget what it's called. Gonna have to text Gary later and see what it is lol.
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Semper Fidelis

[Chickensoup]

dang. Like you said at least it didnt take the entire car with it.

btw thats a nice looking car!
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-'85 c10 5.3 LS, 222 cam, long tubes, x pipe, 3 inch spin tech's
-'05 B5.5 TDI Wagon 17in sport rims ;EGR + BSM + ASV Delete, Stage-2 Tune, straight pipe
'65 Tourist Delivery Build
'66 RIP
'69 RIP
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"

[rcroane]

Glad you got to it quickly. That paint damage will buff right out

And, THANK YOU for your service to our country!
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[hitest]

Reinstall a proper air filter on the next go-around. Those cheap elements breathe air in and out- and helped fan flames. If it was in place when you started the car- it's most of the cause of the fire- not the starter fluid.

Starter fluid isn't the worst thing to use- just don't reinstall your filter until the car is reliably running.
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[toxicavenger70]

Glad you were able to save it.

[my59]

Great to put it out with such minimal damage!
Note to self, more reason to not use starting fluid.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[PuddleRainbow]

Bummer. Been there. Glad you saved it. Had small fire like that that was going out will little damage.

I couldn't tackle my neighbor quick enough before he put 2lb of chemical extinguisher into my engine bay.

He meant well....Is what I was repeating the hours it took to clean it out.