BOXER Destruction | FerrariChat

BOXER Destruction

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by RP, Aug 19, 2007.

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  1. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
    17,667
    Bocahuahua, Florxico
    Full Name:
    Tone Def
    #1 RP, Aug 19, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Background:

    Thinking I had a rear flat, as I was in the left HOV lane, I pulled into the center median emergency lane. I got out, checked tires, realized that I drove through 3" of water on the road. Got back in, buckled, while still stationary suddenly felt an impact and instant flames all around the car. Surrealistic, could even see flames from behind in mirror. Car was now pushed up against median wall, so I could no longer exit from driver's side. Climbed over console, right door handle felt hot, knew I had to get out, jumped through flames onto ground. Someone then pulled me away from the car.

    Impact came when a BMW hydroplaned into a Nissan, the BMW then spinning into Boxer. Damage on left side came from being pushed against median wall.

    Question, relative to the damage, should the car caught fire? It was on the lift two days earlier, no fuel leaks.
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  2. J.P.Sarti

    J.P.Sarti Guest

    May 23, 2005
    2,426
    Wow worse than I thought, car is definately not rebuildable

    Looks like the impact hit right in the pass fuel tank area, rupturing the tank or severing fuel lines, fire was enevitable, can't really blame the car its just where the tanks were located for a mid engine Ferrari and the impact
     
  3. Argento839

    Argento839 F1 Veteran

    Oct 21, 2005
    9,103
  4. GaryReed

    GaryReed F1 Rookie

    Feb 9, 2002
    3,127
    Seattle
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    Gary
    #4 GaryReed, Aug 19, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    Yes, my thoughts too. The main impact was right at the passenger fuel tank location. Combine that with hot headers and the high voltage ignition box in same area, probably didn't help matters. Here's a shot of my tank (silver) location for comparision.

    Ron- I hope you have a complete and speedy recovery from your injuries.
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  5. buzzm2005

    buzzm2005 Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,739
    NYC
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    Buzz
    How are your paws? Heard they took some heat... Hope your recovery is progressing well.

    Those photos just pained me.
     
  6. JTR

    JTR Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 26, 2005
    1,502
    in a house
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    John
    I’m almost speechless! Ron you were very lucky!
    I wonder if it would be possible to insert a bladder in the tanks, or coat the interiors with a substance that would prevent leakage if the tanks were ruptured?
    I also wonder if braided SS fuel lines might not be a good idea in place of the rubber ones. It wouldn’t take a collision to start a fire, if any of the rubber fuel lines burst while driving.
    BBi fuel pumps evidently stop once the engine stalls out. BB pumps keep running as long as the ignition key is ‘On’.
    Scary stuff!
    John
     
  7. PWehmer

    PWehmer Formula 3

    Oct 15, 2002
    1,733
    Surrounded by Water
    Yikes! No racing fuel cell in these cars.
    Brings back memories of the GM pick-up that had the fuel tank right behind the cab. In side collisions it was bad news.

    Get well soon.
     
  8. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,469
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    Ron, you are lucky to be alive!! That was way worse than I thought it was. I see Martin is trying to scavenge your tools while you're not looking!
     
  9. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,448
    Canada
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    Newman
    Thanks for posting the pics, a real eye opener and glad you're ok and still around.

    P.
     
  10. PINNIN512

    PINNIN512 Formula 3

    Aug 30, 2002
    1,014
    California
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    David
    Painfull to look at. Wish you well.
     
  11. ASG 86TR

    ASG 86TR Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2001
    1,474
    New Jersey
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    Adam G
    Best of luck....and glad you are ok. Sorry to hear the car is totaled...however... you may want to grab those knockoffs / wheels as the knockoffs don't look damaged and a few of the wheels look repairable. They are a ***** to find, esp the spline attachment on the inside of the wheel.
    Adam
     
  12. MS250

    MS250 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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    Truly amazing you are able to tell us all about it.

    Thank goodness you are still with your loved ones and us on fchat to share. My deepest apologizes to your delimena, but cars can always be rebuilt.

    From what i see, it is a rebuildable car still.

    Godspeed to a full recovery !!!
     
  13. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
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    Jerry Wiersma
    RUFKM??
     
  14. MS250

    MS250 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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    There have been many a cars my friend in worse fire condition than this.

    it can be restored...it has been done. Do some research mate !! I am not kidding you.

    Do we really need to go into the whole JG P3 story again ? There is alot more left in this car than that car

    I would bet the VIN is there on the chasis.
     
  15. ferraripete

    ferraripete F1 World Champ

    +1!!!!

    ron, these pictures are far worse than i had anticipated. i was honestly not prepared for them.

    thank goodness that your are recovering.

    best to you ron,

    pcb
     
  16. Dave Bendl

    Dave Bendl Formula Junior

    Dec 7, 2003
    806
    Chicagoland
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    Dave Bendl
    What a shame. At least your alive. Cars can be replaced people can't. I'd agree. The side impact behind the door is a bad spot to be hit.
    Dave
     
  17. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,379
    Houston, Texas
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    Bubba
    I have to go cry...now.......


    Get well soon, my brudda!!
     
  18. Hawaii

    Hawaii Formula Junior

    Jan 28, 2007
    847
    Maui
    Full Name:
    Emery
    Yikes!! I'm very glad you are alive. It could of been alot worst. Gotta make the best of it and go shopping for a new car. How is the Insurance company treating you? Were you able to buy the car back?
     
  19. abolfaz

    abolfaz Formula Junior

    Feb 1, 2005
    439
    Coral Gables
    So sorry to see your car like that, I've seen and admired it several times around town, more importantly thank god you're alright.
     
  20. J Ingram

    J Ingram Formula Junior

    Aug 12, 2006
    443
    Moreno Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    Jesse Ingram
    My God, Ron! I wasn't aware how horrific this accident really was. Man, the grace of God has kept you with us. I do feel bad about the loss of the car, but looking at those pics makes me appreciate your life much more. Cars truly can be replaced even if it's with another model. But, good people like yourself can't be replaced. I'm glad you are recovering despite your daily discomfort. Get well soon. I'll take a spin in my car in your honor!
     
  21. steveirl

    steveirl Formula 3

    Dec 29, 2003
    1,163
    ireland
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    steve
    Seeing the pictures of the car really brings home how bad this episode in your life has been, but more importantly Ron how much more horrific it could have been. I really feel for you. But Im so glad you are on the recovery path. Sincere best wishes.
    Steve
     
  22. msdesignltd

    msdesignltd Two Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 17, 2003
    20,282
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    Michael
    WHOA!!!!
    The 1980's in Italian car building was not about crash saftey.....Thank God you made it out....
    Makes you wonder how other vintage cars would Fare....Kind of like those shots of Lemans...on the Mulsanne and cars Exploding off in the Woods..
    People should think about Nomex now on Sunday outings!!!!!!


    This Is A REALITY check for all...

    All you need to rebuild a car is the Chassis and the Title.
     
  23. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
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    Newman
    Would you be first in line to buy it for top dollar? It would be a labour of love only, a very costly one at that. Saving the car is a noble idea, its a shame to see one get destroyed.
     
  24. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,448
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    Looking at the images you can see what is steel and what isnt on a boxer. I knew the inner door shells we steel with aluminum skins but never knew the window frames were steel as well. My 308 frames are aluminum. You can see the roof and cabin are steel as well. I need that RR spinner Ron, mine is peeling on one ear.
     
  25. CornersWell

    CornersWell F1 Rookie

    Nov 24, 2004
    4,896
    Any thoughts on fire bottles? Just how effective could one have been in this instance?

    I don't have bottles installed in my street cars (although the BBi had a hand-operated one). Same with the Barchetta and the Stradale. Maybe it's time to consider adding supression systems, though.

    CW
     

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