Author Topic: Some Days... (pics added)  (Read 4170 times)

Offline Epperstang

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Some Days... (pics added)
« 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.
« Last Edit: July 04, 2010, 04:40:20 PM by Epperstang »

Offline mgmradio

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #1 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.
Formerly the MCA ANHJ 64.5-66!

Offline Epperstang

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #2 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.

Offline carlite65

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #3 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.
5F09C331248

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2010, 08:02:10 PM »
Sorry to hear about this Joyce  :( :(
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Offline Laurie S.

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #5 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!


Murphy, 1968 Coupe - Concours, Original Owner
Trouble, 1968 Fastback - Modified

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MCA Gold Card Judge, Modified - All Years

Offline midlife

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #6 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.
Midlife Harness Restorations - http://midlifeharness.com

Offline Epperstang

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #7 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.

Offline 1979pacecar

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #8 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.
My Mustang: Restored 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pacecar # 1706. Judge Chairman of Mustangs Northwest in Seattle. MCA certified in 3rd, 4th, SVT and Saleen, Gold Card in 4th generation MCA#60838.

Offline Epperstang

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Re: Some Days...
« Reply #9 on: July 04, 2010, 04:39:54 PM »
Front fender




Fried wires





Bubbled hose


Air cleaner


Offline sdgrant

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Re: Some Days... (pics added)
« Reply #10 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. 
Steve Grant
MCA Certified Judge, '64½ - '66 class
1964½ Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car coupe

Offline Armond

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Re: Some Days... (pics added)
« Reply #11 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
MCA#31064
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Offline T Lea

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Re: Some Days... (pics added)
« Reply #12 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