Fire Extinguisher Installation ?

[Douglas]

Has anyone mounted a fire extinguisher on the floor of the driver's side? There's a retaining bracket of some kind from the factory there right at the base of the seat & I'd like to know how to utilize it.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[mdsalemi]

Hi Doug,

I got a simple fire extinguisher at AutoZone made for a car.  It seems to have a velcro like mounting pad with a strap; the strap holds the extinguisher and the mounting pad sits on the carpet.  For a more permanent installation you can use screws through the mounting pad.  I've placed mine right behind the driver's seat.  It has not moved at all, so the velcro like stuff is grabbing the carpet just fine.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Cees Klumper]

I mounted a fire extinguisher to the upright wall of the soft-top well. Having gone through an electrical fire in another car (Ford) I know what can happen within one minute to your car ... I recommend everyone have a good extinguisher at hand just in case!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

I have the same one as Michael, with the velcro, and put righ under the front of the passenger seat, doesn't bother the passenger and is reachable within tenths of a second.

Fabrice
Silver 1971 280 SL
New York City

[Malc]

All,
I would suggest a more secure method of mounting an extinguisher than velcro. If, and I hope it doesn't happen, you have a crash the forces involved will probably mean that a 2Kg extinguisher turns into a missile with the same force as a 2000kg extinguisher, not good when it comes into contact with a person.
this applies to lots of "stuff" people leave loose in their cars including umbrellas, boxes of tissues, pens, books, maps, mobile phones etc etc.
Having been in a couple of crashes in the rally car I know that even to hold onto a clipboard and pace notes is pretty difficult and the amount of stuff that flies around is pretty scary. Thank goodness for crash helmets.
Malc

[George Davis]

There is some sort of bracket under my driver's seat, too.  I mounted a 10BC extinguisher there with a metal strap held by the bracket screw.   The metal strap is then held to the extinguisher bracket with screws and nuts.  It's probably "reasonably" secure, but the space is narrow so the catch on the bracket doesn't release completely without a bit of extra fiddling.

Something to consider when buying an extinguisher: if it has a plastic valve assembly, it's good for about 1 year, max, and is not refillable.  Check the gauge frequently and replace it when it goes out of the green.  An all-metal valve is the way to go; they hold pressure a long time and can be refilled.  Also, it's a good idea to take it out once in a while and shake it and whack it with a rubber mallet; this keeps the powder inside from caking.

The small yet expensive halon types are probably the best if you don't mind spending the money.  Griot's Garage lists one.

Hope that's somewhat useful.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual