It all nearly went up in smoke!

[Jon Darlington]

Hello all

Long time and no posts, I have been working on the car since Dec 2006 to turn in from a solid but ratty looking 12 to a nice clean looking car set-up for fast road and the odd track day.

Just got the car fully back together yesterday, charged the battery over night, turn the engine over a few times this morning to try the new starter motor and move some oil around the engine. All was working well then the dash started smoking and flames started to pop out from around the steering column.....[8|] I grabed the fire extinguisher (handily under the dash) jumped out of the car disconnected the battery (handy cut of switch) went back to the inside to see the flames had gone but still loads of smoke.[&:] Not wanting to cover my nearly trimmed interior with foam, I held back to see what happen........luckily nothing [8|]

To add extra pain to the situation I broke the glass in my new exterior mirror when jumping out of the car to disconnect the battery.[]

Couple of pics of how the car has changed:

 

[Jon Darlington]

How the car is now, not quite sure what to do next ref the elec issue!

 

[Jon Darlington]

Another pic!

 

[Jon Darlington]

!

 

[Jon Darlington]

Back in 2005

 

[GeoffB]

Love the colour, hope the damage is minor after all that effort

 

[Jon Darlington]

Thanks I am pleased with the results, Oxford Beigie Grey, orginal colour, I wasn't sure if it was a good plan but now more then happy.[]

Only damage seems to be a burnt out wiper stork, still can't get over the amount of smoke.[&:]

 

[peanut]

30 amps in some batteries that is a huge amount of power if drawn through a direct short. I've seen some impressive welds made through a car battery . Looks like you were lucky to have that cut-off.