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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
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Started out by having a rusted out stock single exhaust. Priced duals locally and best price was too high so I checked dealers and LMC (would you believe) had the best price. Ordered and they arrived today. Started to install at 4pm. By 5pm the truck was on fire!!!
Who would have thought that you needed to disconnect the battery to install exhaust--done it dozens of times---but this time---had the truck up on my lift, pulled the old Y pipe and everything was going ok. Opened the box from LMC and it looked like a puzzle of bent pipes and crappy instructions. As I switched the exhaust pipes between left and right, the pass side pipe retainer washer shorted out on the starter which made lots of sparks~~as I tried to shove the big retainer away from the starter, it hit up against the brake line which then started to smoke---then flame""""What to do~~~~no rag to blot it out---no fire extingusher near by----so I blow on it ~~~~~then ran like hell to get the ladder to get up high enough to open the hood to disconnect the battery only to fumble around to find a wrench that would fit the silly side mount battery connections. No idea of how much damage I did to --altinator, fuses, brake lines, starter solonid, etc. Still have to finish the exhaust. May disconnect the battery the next time I change oil, tuneup, empty ashtray, open tailgate, etc. Oui Vey~~~what a day!!!!!!!! ![]() |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Crittenden, KY
Posts: 1,965
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I'm sorry to hear abour your misfortunes. Seems like some of the simplest things always screw up things the most, sorry. Hope nothin more than you think was injured.
Brandon |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Alexandria, LA 71301
Posts: 1,451
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sorry to hear about your misfortune huck, but we'll all learn from it. when you get that exhaust on, please post again as to the fit and how you like the exhaust system. i'm considering buying one for my next project in light of what they want locally to do the job.
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-02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project |
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#4 |
newly minted old timer
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Hudson WI
Posts: 3,511
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i think we are karma brothers. sounds like something that would happen to me... sorry dude
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____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban |
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#5 |
Seasonal Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Kelowna BC Canada
Posts: 896
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Damn dude, i dont know what to say to that...i feel for you very much, because believe me i get into the dumbest predicaments, like say hooking the fuel line to the vacuum inlet on my new carb, wow! that one hurt, now i have a backfire from it
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67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW |
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#6 |
Cantankerous Geezer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bel Aire, KS
Posts: 6,264
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Now you have to update your resume to include fireman! Maybe you can get a raise.
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Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine. ![]() |
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#7 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Damn, huge bummer.
I know what your talking about, all it takes is one fumble for you to respect the battery. I was replacing my alt belt one time on the GMC when the charge post grounded out. By the time I figured what I was smelling, the wire going from the alt to the reg and to the bettery, all melted and burned. Then i burned my hand getting the hot gooey mess off of the other wires on the core support. now I disconnect the bettery for anything... Still ain't learned about doing 110 stuff though. Still replacing light fixtures with just the wall switch turned off. One day I'll learn about that too i guess. ![]() |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Crittenden, KY
Posts: 1,965
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yeah, anyway how come when you have the wall switch turned off you still get fried? I thought that meant no current was flowing through it, well maybe no current through it, only us. Lol.
Its amazing how fast your arm can move when you've just zapped yourself! When I was a little kid, I used to put long pieces of grass on electric fences-kinda feels like bones in your arm are moving around. AH, those WERE the DAYS!!!!!! Brandon |
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#9 |
1969 Custom 30 wrecker
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Pottsville, Pa
Posts: 2,611
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That is bad luck alright! Sounds like you got away lucky though. Hey, let's see pics of where you mount that new fire extinguisher in your garage.
![]() Seriously, you should have one. I keep one in my cars too. It just might save one of my classics one day. I was driving around one day and saw a car with an under hood fire and the owners just standing there helplessly watching it burn. Within an hour, I had a fire extinguisher in my truck!
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Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10 |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Maryville, TN
Posts: 163
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I agree. I went out and bought an extinquisher for my truck and have plans to buy one for every classic I drive. These kinds of things just happen and it's better to be prepared than to lose everything.
Doesn't everybody carry a fire extinquisher now? brian
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1941 Chevy Coupe Streetrod 1964 Chevy Nova SS 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1972 Chevy C10 Stepside Pickup 1987 Chevy IROC Z28 Camaro 1LE+TPI - racecar 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2013 Chevy Silverado Tow Rig -------------------------------------- http://www.bowtieracing.org |
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#11 |
Listening since '86
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,799
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I say AMEN to fire extinguishers!!!
Case in point: A few years ago a buddy of mine and I were working on his old Dodge Rampage. We had decided to take it out for a spin, after spending the afternoon working on it. We were driving down the highway, when his cigarette dropped, and rolled underneath his seat! If you've seen these vehicles, there's about 1/2inch between seat and floor, so no hands are getting in!! Luckily my buddy's brother insisted we take a fire extinguisher with us!! It sucked to have to use it, but it was better than watching his ride burn up.....since we had no hotdogs on us, LOL!
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2007 Saturn Aura - hey it WAS a GM product |
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#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Katy, TX...but the love of my life resides in Dublin,OH.
Posts: 1,408
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raises hand....
has a fire extinguisher... seen too many torched cabs.....
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: madison indiana
Posts: 3,839
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hate to hear that..if your just going to set the truck on fire you can give it to me.
hope you don`t have to much damage.so did you tell susan yet.bet your in trouble if you did. later jamie |
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#14 | |
Bloo
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Barren County Kentucky
Posts: 6,285
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it wasnt the blue one was it? either way sorry to hear about it.. that would really suck if it was the blue one sinse youve already restored it
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ASE Master Certified-GM Trained-Mechanic 1968 Chevy C30 157" WB Wrecker 1969 Chevy CST/10 SWB 1971 Chevy Custom/10 (first truck) 350, NV3500 5 speed 1971 Chevy K20 Custom Camper 4x4 350 TBI, SM465/NP205 1974 Chevy Custom Deluxe/10 1979 Chevy Custom Deluxe K10 farm truck beater 1989 Chevy K2500 Quote:
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#15 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Naaa, he already has daul pipes on the blue one.
I also carry a fire ext in my ride, but then again, for those of you who has seen it understand why. In reality though, i saved the old Longhorn from an early death (just to wreck it 1 1/2 yrs later) in the middle of nowhere between Louisville and Cincinati once. I also put out a fire on my old honda...shouda let that one burn though. I want to put a flame job on my fire ext in my truck now, but I know as soon as I do that, I'll have to use it and get all p!ssed off. |
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#16 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2002
Location: mt juliet, tennessee, usa
Posts: 237
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I recently was looking for a CO2 fire extinguisher for my
truck but all I saw at Lowes/Home Depot were these purple K things. They really make a mess when you use them... unlike CO2...but I dont know where I can get any. Any ideas on that? Jim M. The weatherman ![]() |
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#17 | |
Bloo
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Barren County Kentucky
Posts: 6,285
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i thought the blue one had duals but i wasnt sure, still sucks though
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ASE Master Certified-GM Trained-Mechanic 1968 Chevy C30 157" WB Wrecker 1969 Chevy CST/10 SWB 1971 Chevy Custom/10 (first truck) 350, NV3500 5 speed 1971 Chevy K20 Custom Camper 4x4 350 TBI, SM465/NP205 1974 Chevy Custom Deluxe/10 1979 Chevy Custom Deluxe K10 farm truck beater 1989 Chevy K2500 Quote:
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#18 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2002
Location: mt juliet, tennessee, usa
Posts: 237
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I recently was looking for a CO2 fire extinguisher for my
truck but all I saw at Lowes/Home Depot were these purple K things. They really make a mess when you use them... unlike CO2...but I dont know where I can get any. Any ideas on that? Jim M. The weatherman ![]() |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: nw IL
Posts: 211
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I had an engine fire a couple years ago. ( cracked fuel filter) I NOW have a fire extinguisher mounted on the floor to the left side of the seat, next to the sill plate!!
CHEAP insurance? ![]()
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"My wife says I cant have them all - I tell her I can try!" |
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#20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
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UPDATE~~~~Well the sparks and fire apparently didn't do any damamge that I could find. Finished the exhaust install and everything actually worked!! Took about 5 hours which was 3 hours too long!!
Now my assessment of the LMC dual exhaust package---the pipes were decent in thickness and bends. BUT----THE DIRECTIONS DESCRIBED PIECES BY NUMBER AND NONE OF THE PIECES HAD NUMBERS ON THEM. THEY DESCRIBED THE TWO MANIFOLD PIPES AS ONE BEING 60" AND THE OTHER 45" ~~~~WRONG---both were 60" and both fit on either side depending on the angle. One hangs down about 1-2 inches lower then the other. It's a shame as it could have been done in half the time instead they wind up loosing a customer. Considering the time and difficulty, I would have been better off paying the local guy $265. for custom duals. Installed the turbo's which are quiet and that's ok with me. Re. fire extingusihers---I have one in the truck and have another one on the entrance to the barn ---but the truck was 6' high up on a lift and the big one at the door of the barn seemed like overkill--so I just blew the fire out---I'm no Smokey the bear!! One last final word about this story---my dear old dad who was a mechanic before any of us were born, wore a scar on his wrist that he got when wrist watch metal band shorted out the battery on his car. He couldn't get the watch off fast enough. Any service work is best done with the battery disconnected!!!! ![]() |
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#21 |
L.E.D. Tail lights, Baby!
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Corona, Ca
Posts: 290
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Glad to hear everything worked out. Sounds like you learned a valuable lesson about electrical items. I had a bad + terminal connection. I tried to jump start my truck thinking the battery was dead. I jump started it to my wife's F@rd aspire. The Cables were cheap $9 from Pep-Boys.
I tried to start the truck, and it turned over, but wouldn't kick over. I gout out, and a wall of white smoke met me. The wires of the jumper cables had so much current going through it, the plastic melted completely off! I mean I was left with corroded wires that were almost glowing. The wires melted through my wife's headlight, and the bumper. Of course nothing bad to my truck, but I was finally able to get a jump from a tow truck, and got it home. I thought I had a starter getting too hot, but it was the power connection. I got a new terminal, and it still isn't 100% right, but I am going to get a solderpot, and just solder everything together. I also saw that the old terminal was almost melted before I replaced it. "That electrical stuff show is scaaawy..."
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Prov 3:5-8 "Hook 'em" L.E.D. Taillights for sale NOW!!! If interested, visit: www.earlyclassic.com or our website: www.jmcled.com All 67-72 GM Taillights are on sale untill 5 p.m. on Dec 15th, with Guaranteed Christmas delivery! joel.mcwaters@jmcled.com |
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#22 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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When the fire is electical in nature, i.e., a short to ground from the battery, a fire extinguisher is of no use until the short is eliminated. THEN, use the fire extinguisher to put out whatever is still smoldering.
I burned three of my fingers when I pulled the wire from the battery to the alternator, a couple of years ago. I had already emptied the fire extinguisher. All it took was a couple of wiring harnesses, and some repainting, to make everything all better. Yep, disconnecting the battery is a good idea. Now, if I can just remember to do it!
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#23 |
Just an Old Mr Goodwrench
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Green Ridge, MO USA
Posts: 259
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One day when I was still in college, my instructor was showing us the "proper" way to clean a battery . . . he poured a baking soda/water mixture on the top to start the chemical cleaning process, then took an air hose & started blowing across the top of the batery - BOOM! The battery exploded - fortunatley, no one was injured (other than the instructor's confidence) It seems that on a dry, cool day, the static electricity is greater than normal, & the air created enough of a spark to ignite the battery. We all learned a lesson that day - respect the battery at all times, and always disconnect it for ANY repair work.
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1969 CST 20 Longhorn 1970 CST 20 Fleetside 1991 Jaguar Sovereign 1992 Mazda Miata |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: South Deerfield, MA
Posts: 162
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Ever since me and a buddy set his jeep on fire changing the fuel pump I always have an extinguisher on hand, boy I can still see those flames licking away at the engine.
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1967 GMC Custom 8ft Fleetside 292 L6, 4spd. 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Convertible 455, TH 400 1969 F#$% Bronco 302, 3spd 4.11's 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta Wagon |
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#25 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Anyone else ever adjust the valves with the engine running and the covers off? If so, have a fire ext handy...wer had the oil ignite on the headers once, and no one had a fire ext there. Took 3 of us to blow it out,a nd once it was out, I passed out from blowing so hard and one of the others fell over almost passed out.
NOT FUN. |
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