Burnt 1969 Road Runner

[jeephustler]

Just a heads up to anyone who may see this car for sale in the future. VIN is RM23H9A105595
https://www.copart.com/lot/38394630

 

[Ray70Chrg]

Somebody didn't bypass the amp meter.

 

[WP29440SE]

might have been one of them triangle pro-flow air cleaners

 

[kiwigtx]

At least the VIN plate rivets are in reasonable condition.

 

[Xp29h]

That ain’t buffing out!

 

[hunt2elk]

Somebody didn't bypass the amp meter.

Sure looks like either that or the bulkhead connection is where the fire started.

 

[HawkRod]

I feel bad for the owner. THAT is why I replaced all the wiring in my car and do not push more power through the stock wiring AND I carry a large fire extinguisher. I'd be devastated if that happened to my car

 

[91r/t]

Agree 110%. I think if that happened to me I'd be so pissed and let down I would sell the old **** and go buy a new Challenger and call it a day at that point. I always told the girlfriend if my garage burned down with cars in it, that is what I'd do because I'd be so let down/pissed.

 

[f569]

Hi guys.
I've seen pics/read about this happening more than a few times and it has me curious and concerned. I used to think it was an issue only when the car was running, a great reason to carry an extinguisher. Is it something to be worried about while parked (engine off) in the garage as well? I imagine lifting the positive cable off the battery when parked in the garage could be a good idea, maybe disconnect battery completely?
Bulkhead connector looks ok but I have no idea about the condition behind the dash at the ammeter.

 

[Danny Boy]

Is $24k estimate value worth it? Just asking not making a judgement
Looks like lots of damage

 

[70chall440]

I don't think its worth $24K, but I do believe it can be fixed.

 

[JimCoronette]

Both front tires were on fire. My guess is something fuel related.

 

[hunt2elk]

Hi guys.
I've seen pics/read about this happening more than a few times and it has me curious and concerned. I used to think it was an issue only when the car was running, a great reason to carry an extinguisher. Is it something to be worried about while parked (engine off) in the garage as well? I imagine lifting the positive cable off the battery when parked in the garage could be a good idea, maybe disconnect battery completely?
Bulkhead connector looks ok but I have no idea about the condition behind the dash at the ammeter.

I always install a battery disconnect on my cars and unscrew it everytime I am done driving for the day. Cheap insurance imo.

 

[Cranky]

Hi guys.
I've seen pics/read about this happening more than a few times and it has me curious and concerned. I used to think it was an issue only when the car was running, a great reason to carry an extinguisher. Is it something to be worried about while parked (engine off) in the garage as well? I imagine lifting the positive cable off the battery when parked in the garage could be a good idea, maybe disconnect battery completely?
Bulkhead connector looks ok but I have no idea about the condition behind the dash at the ammeter.

A buddy lost 2 cars and his garage due to an electrical fire but it was mainly caused when he took the car in for an alignment. The tech got into the wire somehow and it was resting against a header tube. It didn't melt through the insulation until he got it home and into the garage and a neighbor banged on his door yelling fire. He was able to get another car out in time at least. Lost a 69 road runner and a 70 Challenger that was almost finished being restored.....and yup, I like battery disconnects too.

 

[f569]

Thanks gents.
I appreciate your insights. I only have the one 69. I can't imagine losing 2 AND the garage!!

 

[66Satellite47]

Hi guys.
I've seen pics/read about this happening more than a few times and it has me curious and concerned. I used to think it was an issue only when the car was running, a great reason to carry an extinguisher. Is it something to be worried about while parked (engine off) in the garage as well? I imagine lifting the positive cable off the battery when parked in the garage could be a good idea, maybe disconnect battery completely?
Bulkhead connector looks ok but I have no idea about the condition behind the dash at the ammeter.

I take the negative side off, except on my Satellite that has the NHRA required cutoff. Bulkhead connectors are scary.

 

[Durandal25]

That ain’t buffing out!

lol....I was almost on that.....hehe

 

[HawkRod]

Hi guys.
I've seen pics/read about this happening more than a few times and it has me curious and concerned. I used to think it was an issue only when the car was running, a great reason to carry an extinguisher. Is it something to be worried about while parked (engine off) in the garage as well? I imagine lifting the positive cable off the battery when parked in the garage could be a good idea, maybe disconnect battery completely?
Bulkhead connector looks ok but I have no idea about the condition behind the dash at the ammeter.

I think in MOST cases the fires would be caused by fuel, oil or electrical issues while running (or messing with) the car. Yes, there are circuits that are powered all the time, but if it is not running (and cooled down after a drive) there is little that can go wrong with them. So possible, yes, but I do not believe it is likely.

The fact that oil and fuel leaks can catch fire against hot exhaust is fairly obvious, but I fear the folks who strap on new high power alternators without addressing the wiring. At some point, from adding accessories or from charging a really weak battery, there can be issues. That's why I automatically focus on electrical issues. They are not obvious like a fuel or oil leak, but can be just as devastating.

The ammeter itself is actually pretty tough - I doubt many fires have ever been directly caused by the ammeter. I think it is the wiring and the fact that you may be putting lots of power put through the ammeter circuit itself that causes the issues.

Just my humble opinions...

Hawk

 

[70runner]

Really don't see much reason to disconnect battery unless you suspect an electrical problem. For these cars I always recommend the ISO relay upgrade for the headlights, routing power directly from the battery to the headlights via Bosch ISO relay controlled by the dash headlight switch. This avoids running headlight current through the bulkhead connector.

Previous residence, next door neighbor was a retired fire chief. He told me to get an H3R halguard extinguisher stat and keep it with the RR at all times. One day, tuning the 440-6 with its gaggle of fuel connectors, was in driver seat and saw a fire, leaking fuel connector. Grabbed the halguard, put it out quickly. No mess. A couple hoses damaged. One incident like this will make you a believer. Halguard is in every vehicle, incl daughter's 69 Charger RT.

 

[Danny Boy]

I always recommend the ISO relay upgrade for the headlights, routing power directly from the battery to the headlights via Bosch ISO relay controlled by the dash headlight switch. This avoids running headlight current through the bulkhead connector.

Regarding H3R halguard - Are you aware of any pros/cons on this type extinguisher vs others?
I think it a good idea putting one in my vehicles, was wondering if other types were adequate

Do you have any Bosch ISO part #s, schematics or pics of how you installed you Bosch ISO relay?

THanks in advance any information, or any other FBBO members can share regarding extinguishers or Isolation relays