ConcoursMustang Forums

General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Epperstang on July 03, 2010, 04:45:23 PM

Title: Some Days... (pics added)
Post by: Epperstang on July 03, 2010, 04:45:23 PM
You shouldn't have got out of bed.

Moving the 64.5 Pace car yesterday it caught on fire.

Mike is a little scorched, but not complaining. It could have been worse.

Fried wires and hoses.
Heater motor melted.
Pretty concours carb is toasted.
Black soot everywhere.
Fortunately the interior wasn't harmed.

Bubbled and discolored paint on the passenger fender.

But already have it stripped down and ready for paint repair.
Will be back together in time to take its first Conservator class place at the Bellevue, WA MCA show in two weeks.

J.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: mgmradio on July 03, 2010, 05:02:26 PM
Damn Joyce,
  So sorry to hear that,But I know you will have it looking better than ever.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: Epperstang on July 03, 2010, 05:08:24 PM
So Mike, now's a good time to put that sound deadner on the firewall.
Tell me - email me, your recommendation.
I  know you said there are two products and to use the nozzle from one on the other.
Epperstang@aol.com

J.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: carlite65 on July 03, 2010, 05:56:46 PM
any ideas on how the fire got started?? i wish you the best in geting it back better than it was.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: CharlesTurner on July 03, 2010, 08:02:10 PM
Sorry to hear about this Joyce  :( :(
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: Laurie S. on July 03, 2010, 08:14:02 PM
Oh, Joyce, I'm so sorry.

I sure hope things don't come in threes with Mustangs going to the GN.  First, Nelson's encounter with the tent and now this!
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: midlife on July 03, 2010, 08:24:46 PM
Oh Joyce...I'm so sorry.

Having worked on Mustang electrical systems for several years now, the design left a lot to be desired in terms of fusing and fire prevention.  Sounds like the fire started in the engine compartment, where almost nothing is fused.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: Epperstang on July 03, 2010, 09:20:56 PM
Thank you all.

Really we are fortunate Mike acted quickly and neither he nor the car sustained permanent damage, nor our garage, other ponies, or home. As said it could have been worse. The flames were pretty high and also coming out from under the car. There was a lot of stuff in the garage nearby that could have caught fire. Mike has blisters on his forearm and some fingers. Singed beard and eyebrows.

We believe the carb "burped" because he had just started the car and almost immediately flames were coming from under the closed hood. The coil sits on the manifold so that probably ignited the leaking gas. As high as the flames were we don't believe it was electrical cause.

None of the difficult to replace 64.5 pieces were damaged.
We've already ordered the replacement wires, hoses etc.
Our painter is getting started on the bubbled fender tomorrow.

Mike spent today cleaning soot.

It'll be back together for the Bellevue show.

J.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: 1979pacecar on July 04, 2010, 12:51:10 PM
OMG! Sorry to hear about the fire. I'm amazed that you will have it done for the GN. I remember the car and it's very beautiful. Have a safe drive up to Bellevue. Lori paid the weather bill so I think we will be ok. All the Pacecar's will be in the Judged Show. We have 641/2 (1), 1979 (3), and 1994 (1). Sounds like a rare photoshoot. See you in 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Some Days...
Post by: Epperstang on July 04, 2010, 04:39:54 PM
Front fender
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0396.jpg)

(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0406.jpg)

Fried wires
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0393.jpg)


(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0392.jpg)

Bubbled hose
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0400.jpg)

Air cleaner
(http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd153/epperstang/burned%20Indy/IMGP0397.jpg)
Title: Re: Some Days... (pics added)
Post by: sdgrant on July 04, 2010, 09:16:50 PM
Wow, Joyce, I can't say how much it hurts to learn about that.  Glad that Mike isn't hurt any worse than what you describe, and with your knowledge and experience, it will hopefully be good as new.  I agree it's a good time for the firewall sound deadener.  I used that standard sound deadener but used a "straw nozzle" from Home Depot that is used for a can of wall texture spray.  I experimented with the three varieties of nozzle provided until I got the effect I wanted.  The nozzle really helps control where it's applied, although I get judges comments about inadequate sound deadener, too.

If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to contact me.  I just drove mine yesterday for the first time in several weeks, too, but thankfully without the drama. 
Title: Re: Some Days... (pics added)
Post by: Armond on July 05, 2010, 03:20:30 AM
I am sorry to see this!  I'm glad he got it out without further damage to himself or the car.  If you need help in anyway, painting some parts etc. Re-Phosphating/Plating parts!  Please call.  Armond 801-766-2140
Title: Re: Some Days... (pics added)
Post by: T Lea on July 06, 2010, 09:50:46 AM
Joyce, glad to hear that first of all no one was hurt and that the car ultimately is OK. I had a similar experience, the day before Sturbridge national about 5 years ago I was backing Shelby into driveway for final cleaning when I saw flames coming out through vent louvers. Very scarry and good lesson about extinguishers