F**king hell, Spanish Fly's nova/engine bay in flames

[Adam]

Hoped it was a wind up, but obviously not.
Gutted for Rob :( :(
http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/car-talk/367606-spanishs-nova-caught-fire-today.html

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/9308/spanishwf4.jpg

[Mike]

Fook me!

[General Baxter]

i still think phill wins the car fire on road lol

[Nick J]

Unfortunatly its no wind up.. saw it at totb earlier, gutted for the guy as the bay and everything within it looked destroyed. I was really looking forward to seeing it run too! At least the guys in the car go out unscathed,Hopefully the car will come back even better.

[adam c]

yeah the bag of charcoal that had been placed in the engine bay made me laugh!lol it seems he is keeping upbeat about it all and hopefully it will come back better than before:thumb:

[John]

Glad he's ok, gutted for him about the car.

[Philsutton]

Not good, but at least he didnt lose the whole car like I did :( . Last year he kept bursting water pipes and over heating only to realise he hadnt plugged the fan in or something?

[fearless]

Absoluted gutted for you Rob - couldn't believe it when I saw it - although you seemed to be in high spirits about the whole situation :thumb:



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/fearlessmotorsport/TOTB_2008009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/fearlessmotorsport/TOTB_2008008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/fearlessmotorsport/TOTB_2008007.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/fearlessmotorsport/TOTB_2008010.jpg

[novashed]

****ting hell, glad no one was hurt. wonder what caused it

[Paul]

oh no, not good!

[Riggy]

gutted fella

[AlexW]

Feck, That must have been some heat! Real shame.

Edit: I keep looking at the pictures, thats a lot of money, time, effort in ashs. Whats his plans for it now?

[L14MNP]

Gutted for you pal :(

[Jonlem]

Feck, That must have been some heat! Real shame.

Edit: I keep looking at the pictures, thats a lot of money, time, effort in ashs. Whats his plans for it now?

Wild guess was a fuel line/hose or something along those lines being that it went up so quickly.

Sadly he couldn't get the bonnet open so it did burn for a while before the fire brigade could put it out :(

Mucho respect for Rob though for getting on and enjoying the weekend, if it was me I'd of gone home but he seemed to enjoy the weekend and not once did I see him looking unhappy.

I'd imagine he'll just sort the shell out, until its stripped no one knows what damage its done.

IMO a reshell would maybe be easier but to fix that or build another is a similar amount of work.

The main thing is that they both got out ok, cars are replacable, people are not.

[spanishfly]

What I posted on MIG.
Just got in! I would like to say a MASSIVE THANKS TO THE WHOLE VAUXHALL SCENE! I seriously can't believe how supportive/generous etc everyone has been! I really do mean that! I was going to list individual names but quite frankly I won't simply because I would list pretty much anyone who has my number and EVERYONE who was there.
I've had a good look around the car whilst waiting for recovery etc...
CV boots and steering rack boots are unmelted/hardly melted, so I think the main fire was high in the bay. Tiebars etc are looking fine. My n/s coilover will be checked and more than likely rebuilt, so I will send the other front one too. The TBs look to be fine, TPS has melted, and the butterflies don't open, these will need stripping and will rebuild them (which TBH needed doing) The plug leads into the head were un touched so I assume it will also be fine!
Reading the comments on this post, people may be surprised and happy to hear I WILL be stripping the car tomorrow and checking everything. I believe it will be all ok. I'm going to make a list of things I need and basically will be able to tell from that how long it will take, although IT WON'T be this season. I will also be fitting a full plumbed in extinguisher, it really did open my eyes, it was scary, was on a country lane, top end of 3rd gear at 7800rpm... and a smoke screen came up, I could not see out the windscreen so I just aimed for the side of the road while I switched of both fuel pumps and the ignition. I tried to get out but couldn't, I forgot how to take my harness off. Whacked out and rang the last number dialled (Olly H)The phone convo went like this (Olly will correct wrong bits)
Me: Olly, how you?
Olly: Ok mate you?
Me: Not great, my cars on fire and was wondering if you could get people out with an extinguisher. I'm out the gate turn left.
I said it so calmly he thought it was a joke!
The fire brigade were there in easily 10 mins (although it felt like 2 days). I think Chips idea of using the gas to cool down the panels and reduce the flame was legendry, and more than likely the reason I don't need new panels bar the bonnet (which was going to be f/glass soon anyway).

People couldn't believe how well I took it, with the most upsetting thing being I dirtied my 'ring shirt. The way I see it is, it's happened no point dwelling on it. It WILL be better than ever.

CAUSE OF FIRE: IT was the fire rats! I was told of these rare south american spiecies. Basically they slip up your tailpipe, and chill in your manifold. They then get restless and all hell breaks loose. (Jonlems mate Reg does the best explenation http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif )


yeah the bag of charcoal that had been placed in the engine bay made me laugh!lol it seems he is keeping upbeat about it all and hopefully it will come back better than before:thumb:

I did that:) Blended in well!

[spanishfly]

Wild guess was a fuel line/hose or something along those lines being that it went up so quickly.

Sadly he couldn't get the bonnet open so it did burn for a while before the fire brigade could put it out :(

Mucho respect for Rob though for getting on and enjoying the weekend, if it was me I'd of gone home but he seemed to enjoy the weekend and not once did I see him looking unhappy.

I'd imagine he'll just sort the shell out, until its stripped no one knows what damage its done.

IMO a reshell would maybe be easier but to fix that or build another is a similar amount of work.

The main thing is that they both got out ok, cars are replacable, people are not.

:beer:

This one will be rebuilt, I will strip it tomorrow and see whats what! As Jon says to prep a new shell will take the some amount of work. Also will require me finding a good shell.

[Dod]

CAUSE OF FIRE: IT was the fire rats! I was told of these rare south american spiecies. Basically they slip up your tailpipe, and chill in your manifold. They then get restless and all hell breaks loose.

Mate I'm gutted and yet glad to hear its not as bad as origionally thought. Hopefully it wont take too much to put right again. As for the Fire Rats, they're not founf in Ireland as whenever they're here, they always seem to drink too much alchol and spontaniously combust.

Good luck with the rebuild, top man!

[Mazz]

Jesus Fly, is that time you got back, 3am?! Did you get back ok?

[Adam]

Wild guess was a fuel line/hose or something along those lines being that it went up so quickly.

Fuel/Nitrous lines/solenoids could be the answer there, they were bolted pretty much where most damage has been caused(bulkhead/wiper motor/dash etc)
Guess never know for sure though with everything burned/melted.



Good to hear you stayed in good spirits Rob, on with the rebuild. :thumb:

[tom_beverley]

Gutted for you Rob, main thing is you are ok. Can't wait to see it bigger and better, chin up [although it sounds you are in good spirits anyway - I'd be crying!] :thumb:

[spanishfly]

oes.

This is what greeted me this morning... It wasn't all a bad dream!
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8303/firedamage001bb8.jpg

Look awful!
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/1781/firedamage002lv1.jpg

Although I found the culprit! Mofo!
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8440/firedamage004pk0.jpg

New t/linkage req'd, unless I can remove the spring and replace it.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1930/firedamage007we5.jpg

Bodies stripped down, cleaned with carb cleaner. Each one is FINE NO DAMAGE! TPS = Dead. Need a better clean.
http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/6271/firedamage008jk0.jpg

Arches off, all ok!!!! Coilover on passenger side seems ok! But i will remove it and inspect it properly, if in doubt rebuild!
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7581/firedamage009uv9.jpg

Seats removed and soaked with a bucket to get majority of dust off, going to hose down and then go to Traci's dad, he has a wet vac:)
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3857/firedamage013wx8.jpg

Head off due to 'might as well do it'... as you can see, no det marks no nothing, apart from it seems head to valve contact once upon a time! The gasket was starting to go between 3 and 4 and 2 and 3... It didn't look a genuine one. On the whole the engine was happy as pie! It actually said, FFS I want more nitrous and power now!
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7246/firedamage016dx3.jpg

The head came off and was perfect too! Maybe these early 13mm guided coscasts are the ones to have! It looked seductive!
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7876/firedamage015qo0.jpg

Looms all removed, it felt like it was a car in the breakers and not a beloved toy! Sort of pretending your misis is a ho!
http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/2244/firedamage021oy1.jpg

Starter to alternator wire was intact, good sign that it didn't go down the bottom of the bay.
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/8973/firedamage020ph0.jpg

Hmm luckily the chap who owns the garage opposite was a nice guy and said not to worry about going in front of his garage as he removed his car and parked it outside! lmao
http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3217/firedamage026gt8.jpg

What was left of the dash!
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/1527/firedamage024dt5.jpg

All in all I think apart from cosmetics I've got away lightly! I've had Beardy at VOX-ALL offer to JIG the car for me if needed and paint the front end! Thats the sort of scene the vauxhall scene is! Still getting texts and pms today offering help! Really am speachless by the response! I reckon the car will be up and running again quicker than first thought for this very reason! The car is obviously well known and quite respected, which makes these minor set backs a challenge. Will now comply a list of what is needed.

P.S.: Strut brace is staying like that but lacquered to remind me of the day!

[Adam]

As said on Mig, nice one for cracking on with it.
Im sure any parts you need can be easily got hold of :)

Liking the strut brace idea,Lol.


Hope to see it back out asap :cool:

[spanishfly]

Cheers bud! Was gonna text ya when I found facts out, but thought I wouldn't bother ya:)

[Adam]

Should of done mate, i was stuck bored sh**less at work anyway.

I was going txt you asking how bad the damage was when i read Chips 1st post, but didn't bother because i didn't know how f**ked off you'd be,Lol.

[trackdaynova]

hats off to you Rob, what a personality you have, took it all on the chin and continued to have a brilliant time.

i do have some photos, pre-fire, probably the last 'photo-set' it had maybe?

shall i post them up for you to see? or would you rather me not?

[shy witness]

AW MATE...THATS WILD.

gl;as itgs not just as bad as it 1st looked.

its os easy for it all to go wrong when fire takes hold.


besta luck with getting it rebuilt

[spanishfly]

Post them up Olly!!! If I was bothere dI would have hid the car, not had it bonnet open with the bag of coal on top lol

[hybridturbo]

Gutted for you

Nice to see youve jumped straight into the clean up

[Lee]

Gutted for your Rob.

Your comments about an onboard extinguisher hit me more than anything. I think I may invest in something similar to protect the bay for next season. I dont think id be as upbeat as you if it happened to me TBH. Hats off to you sir!

[spanishfly]

Well Giles has said that his plumbed in one came in under £150. My looms will cost more to make!

[Dar]

Sorry to hear about your car :( Fire is the worst!
I hope the damange is to a minimum and your back out ASAP!

EDIT: I will also be getting a plumbed in extinguisher system! Not really thought about it before, but it happens sooo fast.

[Riggy]

love the strut brace idea fella :thumb:

as most of the rest of peeps have said , dont think i would take it that well lol

[trackdaynova]

As requested pal

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan04.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan03.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan02.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan01.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan05.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan06.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan07.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan08.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan09.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan10.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan12.jpg

[Nobby]

foooking hell gutted mate, looked a real nice car glad to see it aint put you off though lol

[tony k]

sorry to hear about your car fella,atleast no one was hurt fires the worst thing. the same thing happend to my old white nova gte we found out the fault on mine was the starter motor sticking

[spanishfly]

cheers for all the kind words:)

[1.6 8v turbo nova]

EDIT: I will also be getting a plumbed in extinguisher system! Not really thought about it before, but it happens sooo fast.[/quote]

I got one in the boot, but by time i've realised theres a fire, got out, unlocked the boot, got the extinguisher out of all the brackets the car would oh blew up lol

[Riggy]

lol i have a extinguisher under my nova seat , had a quik look to check it due to this thread , 6 seconds of extinguishing power , thats really poor lol must upgrade

[spanishfly]

Finished work at 2 today, so spent a few hours before I go to JR to collect my new engine!
Bit more progress! Going to take complete engine out tomorrow. Then get the rack of and dissemble.
Random green rust gel applied! Worked well to get surface rust off!
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5241/firedamagerepairs048ov5.jpg

Gel removed.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1931/firedamagerepairs050qp5.jpg

A bit of primer... just to keep the car from rusting! Also removed some extra un-needed weight! lmao
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/spanishflymig/Firedamagerepairs056.jpg

Rumour had it that my head had been 'ported'. Now I looked into the ports, and the valve guides on the inlet have been ground away, the inlets are quite smooth. It's an early Coscast, with 13mm guides. Any gen!?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/361/firedamagerepairs061uj9.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/spanishflymig/Firedamagerepairs064.jpg

Now I need a generator that will power my Compressor, angle grinder and drill. Even better would be if it could do my MIG too! off to JR's more update soon!

[Mike]

Wasted valve seats in the head :thumb: same as mine.

[spanishfly]

Wasted valve seats in the head :thumb: same as mine.

Wasted valve seats?

I've heard of wasted valve stems (which mine hasn't got)
Or 3 angle valve (also mine hasn't got)
It's had a light porting and someone has ground the standard valve guides!

[Mike]

ground the standard valve guides!

Thats the bunny. Wasted guides.

[spanishfly]

Sure you mean bronze guides? Although mine aren't that ground down std guides. Suppose pub talk sake waisted guides could be used. lol

[Mike]

I dont mean bronze guides no, i mean waisted guides lol like my 8v...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j181/mikenova/TWOC%20Rebuild/109_0435.jpg

[tony k]

Finished work at 2 today, so spent a few hours before I go to JR to collect my new engine!
Bit more progress! Going to take complete engine out tomorrow. Then get the rack of and dissemble.
Random green rust gel applied! Worked well to get surface rust off!
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5241/firedamagerepairs048ov5.jpg

Gel removed.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1931/firedamagerepairs050qp5.jpg

A bit of primer... just to keep the car from rusting! Also removed some extra un-needed weight! lmao
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/spanishflymig/Firedamagerepairs056.jpg

Rumour had it that my head had been 'ported'. Now I looked into the ports, and the valve guides on the inlet have been ground away, the inlets are quite smooth. It's an early Coscast, with 13mm guides. Any gen!?
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/361/firedamagerepairs061uj9.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p34/spanishflymig/Firedamagerepairs064.jpg

Now I need a generator that will power my Compressor, angle grinder and drill. Even better would be if it could do my MIG too! off to JR's more update soon!

hello mate ive got a spare generator if you wanna borrow it

[spanishfly]

Have ya really! Where bouts are you? What Wattage is it?

[tony k]

yeah mate i have,im in mile end ,i know its over 2000watts its at my other garage

[Adam]

Cool, last pics of it by Olly there.
Did the cool roof vent go up too? :(


http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q161/neocapture/Mates%20Cars/ncSpan12.jpg
Whats the blue pipe/wire taped up??

[spanishfly]

Blue taped wire was because I run out of red, and it reminded me that that should be red lmao

Roof vent ok:)

[MK999]

Noob question, wheres the filter on those TB's? i've seen a few pics like that and always assumed they just took a sausage filter off for the pics or something, but unless you have a sealed entry through a similar filter for the nitrous kit I'm guessing yours is permanantly like that? :confused: Was an awesome Nova btw and glad to see you're fixing it up :thumb:

[spanishfly]

I could get my piperx filter over the injectors, I had them mounted at an angle. I took it off for racing.

[Adam]

Blue taped wire was because I run out of red, and it reminded me that that should be red lmao

Oh right lol

[MK999]

Ok, I assumed you had some sort of filter on it all the time, no filter explains it a lot easier lol

[spanishfly]

Big thanks to T novat for hopefully trhe loan of a generator! Seems to be a big boy one too!!!!

[Cle]

Gutted. brings a tears to my eyes

[spanishfly]

Just an update from the 4th.
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/6598/garageclean009hb9.jpg
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7626/garageclean007wg1.jpg


Trying to get some parts together, bought a quick rack as it's easier to do when you've taken the engine out.

[Adam]

Looking much better

[MARTIN KELSON]

Blimey you dont hang around do you!!

[Rickyb]

glad your sortin it. :thumb:

[spanishfly]

Thought I would do another quick update for those not on MIG.
Also Martin sorry I didn't get to re catch up with you at Trax:(



Salvaged top hose
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9586/inside009za2.jpg
Salvaged minimax
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/60/inside010df2.jpg
The state the was inside:
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1421/inside018bo9.jpg
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1421/inside018bo9.jpg
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2389/inside021ye9.jpg
It then went like...
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6536/inside027ok9.jpg
Drivers window before...
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/636/inside030xj3.jpg
After... also clean CF door cards. (can still get window clearer but the cloth was well dirty.
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7452/inside036tw1.jpg

Carbon fibre lushness restored... check!
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/5996/inside033mr5.jpg
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6848/inside034og3.jpg
The remains of wiring loom, bodies, faeces and god knows what else! There was quite alot!
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1373/inside040se7.jpg
Out with this heavy piece of melted and cained wiring loom.
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/986/inside025ra1.jpg
Going to make a new one up. Will only have much needed wiring. Anything else can go run and jump!
Also greased the track rods before putting the ends on, all new steering rack, check!
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4268/inside012vk6.jpg
Car sitting with no arches.
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/8008/inside016mr1.jpg



Next stage sand down and re paint.

[spanishfly]

A few pics from yesterday...
A better representation of how the orange and grey look! I love it!!!
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4528/brightorange017xe4.jpg
I painted the whole steering column, no longer a rust red.
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1566/brightorange007lg0.jpg
My tow hook...
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6936/brightorange015bx7.jpg
Coil pack mount, had lovely melted plastic everywhere, best I could get it was how it is. Looks ok though, better than before.
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5039/brightorange004ky4.jpg
'Slam panel' is now bolted in with an allen bolt and nut. Need to make a rad fixing, and get a grille to see how far faorward it can go.
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3562/brightorange005xd9.jpg

[spanishfly]

Today was a good day as for as the engine bay is concerned! I believe i'm now on the slope back down (re fitting parts:D)
So here goes with todays update:
Holes drilled ready for the pedal strenthening plate to be bolted in.
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1804/pedalbox001bi4.jpg
Loads of tiger seal to try and give a seal.
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7344/pedalbox003xd6.jpg
Then I plumped it on, bolted it up, and used more tiger seal to stop the channel. In reality I don't really use the car in the wet, but it's worth doing!
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/5512/pedalbox004gq3.jpg

Pedal box on, looking hardcore, I can't wait to drive it again!!!!!!
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3023/pedalbox005no1.jpg
Now it's time to make the brake lines and bleed etc...
Then I moved on to playing with the head. I'm going to do it myself. Used the die grinder and the drill. First things were to match the ports to the gasket/(inlet) manifold. Going up to Lee's tomorrow evening to see some of there work, and get some ideas/pointers.
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/8108/pedalbox006xw9.jpg
http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9994/pedalbox011sk6.jpg
Then I noticed this f**ker, oh it was an ugly c**t, I took this pic (check it's hair:() Unlike Lee303 who named and kept his spider, I carb cleanered it to death as <cockney accent> I f**king 'ate spiders!!! After I killed it, me and Barry kept having random attacks from other spiders and maggots, I had obviously killed the Don of the spider habitat in my garage!
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1426/pedalbox013sr8.jpg
Whilst I killed spiders, and played with things, Barry (flatout) got on with a bit of painting. We had gone to Halfords to look at a good colour combo to do the engine bay. I loved how it was before, it looked great. This time things will be a bit more subtle... or maybe not. I've had an urge to paint the mirrors etc in an illuminous colour, but we've decided it would be a bit crap looking. So although I know some people won't like it, I think it looks great.
Sand blasted L...
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/796/pedalbox014vn8.jpg
Part of the brace, notice the RAC van in the back ground... It's brighter than the van!
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3152/pedalbox020ok2.jpg
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3/pedalbox023wz9.jpg
A few bits in the bay will go this colour. The RC is still being considered but I think we have the plan. Hopefully it'll look good! If you've seen a 'Dynorod' van, it's that colour.
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/1354/pedalbox028tq5.jpg
Placed to see how the contrast is, I think I must have had the shakes, as all 3 pics i've taken are blurry! Notice the ally slam panel and rad are in! The colour represents fire lmao

We also cleaned the bodies and linkage... looking loads better, no snags and all line up perfectly! Yippee!!
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/4492/pedalbox019gu1.jpg

[spanishfly]

lol

[Adam]

:cool:

[Jeff16v]

Looking good Rob, I'll get the spanners back ASAP.

I bet you can't wait to driver her again?

[Mike.]

arggghhhhhhh i would have shat myself seeing that spider lol, hate them, cars looking good mate

[spanishfly]

Jeff let me know when your done/if ya need a hand:)

Mike I did mate, I actually screamed like a girl when I carb cleanered it and it came towards me! Seriously he was on steroids! although for all it was worth he's now dead!

[spanishfly]

http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/projects-restorations/287511-nova-1-0-build-trackday-car-99.html#post3796498

[adam c]

are you keeping the wings like that?:cool: :D

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3562/brightorange005xd9.jpg

[spanishfly]

Nope, I was going to keep the strut brace burnt, but it all rusts too much! I'm not into the rat look:)

[MC]

Good to see you getting back on track. Seems like only yesterday you were bending valve making your car backfire!

[ade]

nice on re spider death! My house is overrun with the feckers at the moment! Thank the gods for cats - they love to torment them!

Rebuild's looking superb - 10/10 for cracking on with it. keep the pics coming...

[spanishfly]

lol MC it does. Must be a good 8 years ago lol

cheers ade.