By the time the fire brigade got there the whole car is burning
So that's the end of the Stylus .... I need a stiff drink and a lie down .......
Bugger me, that was a bit of an evening - went out for an early evening drive up some local country roads, engine started cutting out, so I pull over,
next thing I know there's flamers coming out of the bonnet vents. Got out very quickly (seen too many movies with cars exploding), got to a safe
distance and called 999. No extinuighser on board - what a numpty....
By the time the fire brigade got there the whole car is burning
So that's the end of the Stylus .... I need a stiff drink and a lie down .......
f*ck! sorry to hear that
So sorry to here that
only thing i can say is at least your OK 
oh shi t man
[Edited on 15/9/09 by tomgregory2000]
Gutted
Shit!
You must be gutted
Beer is your friend
Nightmare!!!
So sorry for you Jasper!
Mike
That's a terrible shame.
F me. Sorry to here that bud.
Bummer - sorry to hear that mate. At least your OK physically - nothing worse than being burnt.
arse...... bugger i feel your pain..
so sorry mate! nightmare
thats it, im definately buying a fire extinguisher before driving to stafford show.
Thats terrible... its something that worries me whenever I drive my car!
But at the end of the day, its a piece of metal/plastic.... it can be replaced.... you cant!!!
Im not sure the "standard" car extinguinsher would have much hope of putting out a well set in fire in the engine bay.. opening the lid
would possibly cause you more harm than good!
Nightmare!!!
This is my biggest fear of 'kitcars' i've just finished re wiring mycar and the wiring was in a mess and I found 3 bare live
wires!!!!!
Extinguisher always on board though.
Glad your ok though, cars can be replaced so chin up.
feck...fuel hose let go?
Thats aweful news! You must be gutted.
devastated mate heart sank when i saw this topic on the front page...
Gutted for you mate ,was a great looking car
god, sorry for you mate, what could of caused it
Sorry for your loss fella!
'Ollicks.... its insured and your ok. Worse things happen at sea.
.....It is insured right?
Build a new car and call it Pheonix.
Bigger, faster, stronger!....... but don't spend $6m
Sorry again
.....Neil
got no words, just echo the above.
At Least you're ok.
So time to start planning the next build 
Oh mate, I'm so sorry for you, glad nobody was hurt though.
Rich
Gutted...but a timely remember to check for the unexpected befroe we embark on our journeys to Stafford this weekend..
Jasp, mate....we are both devastated for you...
but very relieved that you are unhurt and ok...
Don't know what else to say....
Fozzie & DLT
Oh no! it was a great car... just pleased that you're OK
Simon
As above... Sorry mate...
What a shame, Sorry to hear this.
I know it probably wouldn't battle a blaze but I always carry a small fire extinguisher in my Indy just in case.
Glad to hear you're ok though.
Eeek! 
Glad you walked (ran?) away unscathed...
Again, I wonder if an automatic fire extinguisher would be a good idea in my car...
[Edited on 15/9/09 by David Jenkins]
Noooooooo. That's hard to take in, when your pride and joy goes up in flames in front of your eyes. You must be in a state of shock!
Damn! Gutted to hear it. Any thoughts on the cause? What engine (were ) you running?
Liam
Sorry to hear about that mate.
It was a nice looking car.
At least you are OK and this is what matters in the end.
Good luck with the insurance.
Thats not good at all:
Its not just kitcars that burn....down in local inverkiething scrapper they drag a few in each day.
Not a nice thing to see your hard work go up in smoke.
Ahhh! Dude thats harsh! Glad ur still around to tell the tale though!
I remember seeing a beemer on fire at the side of the road once, went up so quickly - very scary.
Hope there is some of it u can salvage and u get the next project started!
Damn that was a nice car as well. It's probably my biggest fear regards my car. Bad luck mate but at least you're well.
As the others feel so sorry for you, at least it's the end of the summer
real sorry to hear that mate
Just remembered and looked back that Johneturbo's car went up in smoke last year.
A week before yours.
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=96533
Truly gutted for you Jasper , pleased you are ok, i know i would more than gutted if it ever happened to me, (note to self must buy a few fire
extinguishers now as we all probably should ), but never seem to get round to it.
Mike
Bugger - Sorry to hear Jasper. Hope the insurance claim goes smoothly and you get everything you're owed.
One less Sylva on the road
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
Eeek!
Glad you walked (ran?) away unscathed...
Again, I wonder if an automatic fire extinguisher would be a good idea in my car...
[Edited on 15/9/09 by David Jenkins]
Shit luck mate,
I have keenly watched you build posts and really admired what you managed to achieve.
Really feel for you.
No cheque will take away the pain im sure.
Was going to suggest a locost fire extinguisher for the engine bay, but Fozzie beat me to that.
Does anyone know if there's like a best before date on extinguishers? I got one in the boot but knowing my luck it won't work when I need it
to
I used to service fire extinguishers for aircraft and they generally have a service life where they are weighed and a life where they have to be returned and refilled which if I remember off the top of my head is around 20-25 years.
That really is awful, just can't imagine what that would be like to go through!
thats really shocking ........ feel really sorry for you.
If you figure out what caused it - please post it up so hopefully we can all learn the lesson / change or check that bit of our cars and at least one
good thing will come from this.
Christ.
Least you're ok, that's all that really matters
sorry to hear about your loss...
any fire extinguisher available that sits in the engine bay and can be remotely activated front the cabin... like in top fuel dragsters
Wow, sorry to hear that
I think i will be investing in one of those extinguisher systems!
Ah bloody hell Jasper, that's really crap.
Hope you get everything sorted.
Made me think twice about plumbed in systems now.
At Least you're ok.
Bad news though about the car, Orange
Cheers chaps, going up to see it in a minute and get the insurance to call the recovery truck, might be able to get a few bits off it first if the
pikies haven't already taken it all away...
Plumbed in fire extinguisher was on my upgrades list .....
Oh well, end of the day it was only a 'thing', and I've never been one for getting attached to stuff anyway.
Really sorry to read this.
I hope the insurance claim is smooth.
quote:
Originally posted by Jasper
Oh well, end of the day it was only a 'thing', and I've never been one for getting attached to stuff anyway.
Gutted
Its always a worry on a home build. Would certainly consider a plumbed in fire extinguisher for mine now.
Hope the insurance claims go ok 
Sorry to hear that mate. Must of been agony to have to watch the car burn. At least your unscathed.
Oh no, gutted for you mate
Does that make mine worth more now there are less of them
[Edited on [1253085942R0=073030p: by philw]
Maybe we should all learn from your misfortune and plumb in or at least carry a fire extinguisher.
As long as your OK the rest you can sort
RD
I never even got a decent go!
Sorry to hear that mate- it really was a lovely car.
Be careful with the remains- all sorts of nasties come out of burnt plastics in burnt cars. Some seriously nasty poisonous stuff that burns through
your skin I believe.
Cheers,
James
Tbh I’m going to order one of the extinguishers Fozzi posted a link too, looks a bargain
Every time I hear of this kind of thing I remember that you tube video of some poor sod trapped in a car and who burnt to death in it after another
had hit theirs and not a single person tried to help
quote:
Originally posted by Fozzie
Absolutely no use to Jasper now, but to all of those still building, please, please seriously consider a plumbed in fire system......they are not fortunes, about £100......and easy to fit whilst still building...
Mine is a 'Lifeline Zero 2000' system
Linky Info
Hope this helps someone....
Fozzie
Gutted for you, at least your not hurt.
Fire is scary when it takes hold, you feel so helpless.
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by Fozzie
Absolutely no use to Jasper now, but to all of those still building, please, please seriously consider a plumbed in fire system......they are not fortunes, about £100......and easy to fit whilst still building...
Mine is a 'Lifeline Zero 2000' system
Linky Info
Hope this helps someone....
Fozzie
Fozzie,
How would these be fitted? I would obviously want coverage of the engine bay, but I'd also like something down the transmission tunnel and over the fuel tank. I see that that one has 2 outlets, so could I put a pipe each way?
Also - how big is the cylinder (size, not capacity) and could it go in the engine compartment? I suspect that it would have to go somewhere cooler.
Installation doc here:
http://www.lifeline-fire.co.uk/downloads/101-225-001.pdf
SO yes you could put one pipe each way if you wanted to.
Need to find space for a system now... not sure how serious a fire they would put out. Both nozzles in the engine compartment?
You can get electronic ones as well, but they are more money.
David
[Edited on 16/9/09 by flak monkey]
Sorry to hear of your disaster.
Glad no one was hurt.
Keep us all posted as to how the Insurance claim progresses, ie how good were the company.
The car can be replaced, people cant be.
Heartfelt commiserations to you.
Just been up to see it, the pikies have had the wheels and tyres, the only bits that weren't burnt ....
Insurance company told, not much else I can do... I've got agreed value insurance, with a £100 excess, should should be straight forward
hopefully. I'm with Kinetic through Adrian Flux.
Cheers for all your kind words, and thanks for your message James, had my garage gloves on when I looked the car over.
Jasper!
Really sorry to hear this - must be a killer having to stand there and watch it.
Glad you're OK and will live to build another
Right! We've got all the being nice out the way....
Did you think it was a fuel leak? You said mis-firing?
and...
where's the bloody pictures?
[Edited on 16/9/09 by James]
Same kit but better price
http://www.peterlloydrallying.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=108
It is far easier to install the system, whilst you are still building, and, I would imagine, just a bit more awkward to fit it after, but if you have
your car off the road for winter, or you are doing winter mods, a good time IMHO to retro fit it then.
Most of the cars on this forum are 7-esques, therefore 99.99% one piece bonnet...there is no way you should even think about going near the bonnet to
try and remove it if you have an engine bay fire!!!!!!
The actual cylinder sits at the bottom of my boot.....my car is also a bit different to the norm in that my tank sits behind the rear bulkhead as
opposed to right behind the rear panel, but that should not make any difference.
I have a nozzle in the cockpit and a nozzle in the engine bay, pointed at the carbs.....I will try and post a pic up later.....
Of course, as with any fire, if it has really taken hold, no one will guarantee to save your car totally, however, it will minimise the damage.
One would hope that the cable was pulled as soon as a problem was noticed
I fitted mine in early 2003, but if I remember correctly, the nozzles spray to a 1 metre diameter.
There are instructions as to the positioning of the nozzles which is important especially in the cockpit.
As most of you are aware, I built my car to race as well as road, so I also incorporated an electrical 'kill' cable, that sits next to the
fire 'pull' in the cockpit......pulling that will kill all electrics too......
If you do decide to fit..please think carefully where you position your cockpit 'pulls'.......they should be accessible to you the driver at
least ( also for the passenger would be even better), to be able to reach and pull whilst strapped in your seat.......
Jasper, I cannot believe how brave you are being, my biggest regret is not having seen your car in the flesh so to speak. I am gutted enough for the
both of us...
Still thanking the heavens that you are ok and unhurt.....
Fozzie
quote:
Originally posted by l0rd
Same kit but better price
http://www.peterlloydrallying.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=108
Sorry for the news mate
defo a lesson in there though as already said.
And as for the B******d Pikies, says it all really 
JB
Sorry to hear that. Must be gutting no matter how brave a face you put on about it only being "things".
To the rest of you...
Get an extinguisher fitted! Don't just have it on the "To do" list.
I've got a handheld one inside by me and an automatic one under the bonnet. It might look expensive but it's cheap compared to the damage a
fire can do once it gets hold.
This is what I've got...
http://www.flameskill.co.uk/flexiTec-auto-systems.php
adrian
As my car is totally in bits this winter, I will be looking for somewhere to fit one thats for sure.
Let us know how the insurance claim goes, its always good to know.
As there were misfires sounds like a fuel leak may have caused the issue So difficult to check every fitting. I know I had a weekping fuel pipe
when I was running carbs, luckily I noticed one day when the engine was running in the drive. Dread to think how long it had been leaking though!
quote:
Originally posted by Jasper
Just been up to see it, the pikies have had the wheels and tyres, the only bits that weren't burnt ...
Sorry to hear this Jasper especialy after all the hard work and money spent (body and paint) glad to hear you are ok though.
I didnt know until i recieved a message from the outlaw known as chrisg who also sends his regards and said he is sorry to hear the news.
As everyone has said, you must be gutted.
So, what are you building next
The vast majority of car fires are electrical in origin. The other big threat is brake fluid which if spilled on something hot (like a manifold) will
ignite due to its relativly low flash point. Make sure your brake resevoir is secured (zip tie around it as a min' as that coming off in an
accident causes the majority of post-crash fires.
The movies with thier expoding cars are a red herring. Petrol does NOT ignite without a spark or flame. So a simple leak will not cause a fire unless
there is a stray spark or there's already a fire. It's flash point is far above it's vapourisation point, so pour fuel on a manifold
and it'll just boil away. Once a fire gets established and melts through a fuel hose then things will quickly escalate. If you suspect a fire,
get the fuel pump switched off quick!
adrian
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
I've got a handheld one inside by me and an automatic one under the bonnet. It might look expensive but it's cheap compared to the damage a fire can do once it gets hold.
This is what I've got...
http://www.flameskill.co.uk/flexiTec-auto-systems.php
). One would hope that smoke/smell would be observed before the flames..
My 'kill' (electrics) pull, obviously kills the fuel pump too, so stopping anymore fuel being pumped further......
Fozzie
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
I've got a handheld one inside by me and an automatic one under the bonnet. It might look expensive but it's cheap compared to the damage a fire can do once it gets hold.
This is what I've got...
http://www.flameskill.co.uk/flexiTec-auto-systems.php
Adrian,
That's the sort of thing I was thinking about - it goes off when the hose is burnt/ruptured, rather than pulling a handle when you notice the flames. I don't know whether that system is better or worse than the one Fozzie listed (but the fact that hers is approved for motorsport and there's no mention of approvals for this one may be a clue
What sort of cost for this one?
Gutted to hear the news mate.
As others have said at least nobody was hurt.
- Jim
quote:
Originally posted by FozzieAbsolutely no use to Jasper now, but to all of those still building, please, please seriously consider a plumbed in fire system......they are not fortunes, about £100......and easy to fit whilst still building...
Just echoing the sentiments in the previous mails!
quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
quote:
Originally posted by Jasper
Oh well, end of the day it was only a 'thing', and I've never been one for getting attached to stuff anyway.
exactly - that is the spirit.
you did the correct ting - get out quick. had you a fire extinguisher, the temptation is to tackle the flame and you'll probably have forgotten the shake it to unsettle the contenet or spent minutes reading the instuctions as the flames rose higher.
so wha't the next build gonna be?
quote:
Originally posted by timhoverd
quote:
Originally posted by Fozzie
Absolutely no use to Jasper now, but to all of those still building, please, please seriously consider a plumbed in fire system......they are not fortunes, about £100......and easy to fit whilst still building...
And unfortunately it'll most likely do next to nothing.
quote:
Originally posted by gazza285
Designed more to suppress the fire whilst you make good your escape rather than extinguish it, probably more effective to carry a wet blanket!
Here's a picture ....
And as for the next build, don't think there'll be one for a while, gonna get a nice motorhome and spend some quality time with my lovely
wife - she's been much neglected over the last years of car building, we're gonna take our dogs (no teenage daughter!) and go cruising
around Europe....
[Edited on 17/9/09 by Jasper]
Rescued attachment 16092009161.jpg
Now that is a bad burnout Jasper, I think that you are doing the right thing in taking some time out , yes go travel with the wife and doggies, new
horizons and all that before fresh projects in the future .
Best of Luck to you all, keep safe and be happy.
Mike
I think the most important thing to learn from that picture....
build your car entirely out of silicon hose!
Have you any idea how it started Jasper? To my very untrained eye the focus looks more around the driver's side scuttle area more than anywhere
else.
Thank God you got out ok!
Cheers,
James
It may have been the fuel hose where it came out of the tunnel, or electrics around that area - to be honest I'm not really sure as it all seem to happen really fast, I got out of there so fast and didn't go back ......
I wouldnt be at all suprised if it wasnt the fuel hose as i and many more have had perrishing hose problems recently, bends in the hose seem to be the
first to go, so now i only use hoses as straight couplers between copper pipe bends etc.
Mike
Damn, It's probably the biggest nightmare that can happen. At least you're ok.
Just seen this post. Horrified and gutted for you. Was a fantastic car too.
Pleased you are OK.
Insurance?
Yes, of course, I never leave home without it and agreed value as well, always a must with kit cars ....
Just waiting for the assesor to take a look at the remains and declare it a right off - not that there will be much question there I think!
Spoke to Adrian Flux who reckon it should all be sorted within 2 weeks, lets see how good they are.
Jasper, just seen the sad news, gutted for you but glad you are OK.
quote:
Originally posted by adithorp
This is what I've got...
http://www.flameskill.co.uk/flexiTec-auto-systems.php
adrian
Sorry to hear about this. Nightmare.
Better luck in the future.
OMG!
Dunno how I missed this thread
Absolutely gutted for you and so glad to hear you got out OK physically unhurt
It must have been horrific
I hope you get a speedy outcome from it and any mental scars heal quick
Regards
Rob
Only just spotted this, sorry to hear it's all gone up in smoke. What's next on the agenda ?
Sorry, I've just spotted it too!
Sorry for the bad luck, hopefully evrything sorted soon.
ATB
Simon
Jasper,
I missed this thread as well
Sorry to hear the news, perhaps you should stay well clear of these "toy" cars
regards
Steve
Yup - that's exactly what I'm going to do, going to get a nice Motorhome next year and spend some time traveling about with my lovely missus....
Terribly Sorry. Glad you were not hurt.
Brian