Installed the Robert Garven Extinguisher mount in my 308 GTS | FerrariChat
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Installed the Robert Garven Extinguisher mount in my 308 GTS

Discussion in '308/328' started by GordonC, Jun 6, 2015.

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  1. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    #1 GordonC, Jun 6, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hi gang, I wanted to post a write-up about my experience buying and installing a Robert Garven fire extinguisher mount. I took advantage of Rob's re-manufacture of his 308 GT4 fire extinguisher mounting bracket, listed in the Classifieds here http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-parts-collectibles/489379-308-fire-extinguisher-brackets-sale.html and on eBay here Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 308 GTB GTS 328 Stainless Steel Fire Extinguisher Bracket | eBay . It's pricier than the Charness Harness DIY mount, but much more convenient to just bolt it up rather than having to cut out the bracket, with welding, drilling, etc. that making my own bracket to the Charness design spec would have required.

    The bracket arrived from Rob in a well-packed box, with instructions and photos provided of the 308 GT4 installation. At the time of my purchase, Robert didn't have any 308 GTB/GTS photos, so I'll provide some - unfortunately, just crappy cell phone pictures so far.

    The bracket is just a bracket, of course - Rob references an AMEREX Halon 2.5 lb fire extinguisher, but I had already purchased a H3R HalGuard HG250R 2.5 lb halotron fire extinguisher (see http://www.h3rperformance.com/products.htm ). It looks like the HalGuard unit comes with the exact same bracket as the Amerex unit, so the extinguisher bracket bolted to the Garvin Ferrari mounting bracket directly. As Rob notes, and as I've read in almost every thread discussing fire extinguishers for automotive use, you really want a Halon extinguisher - very effective, but much less messy than the chemical extinguishers to clean up afterwards if you have to use it.
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  2. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    #2 GordonC, Jun 6, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The seat rail brackets are a sturdy, thick gauge steel bracket, very well made, that mount under the seat rail front bolts. On the 308 GT4 the brackets angle down - on the GTB/GTS, they angle up - see the photo of the black interior GT4, then my GTS photos. The thumb screws allow the extinguisher and it's main bracket to be easily removed if desired - however, the seat rail brackets are unobtrusive on the GT4, but are a bit more in-the-way on the lower GTB/GTS seats in the oppositve orientation. I knew about this before ordering, and had already decided that I was unlikely to be driving around with a passenger with the extinguisher removed.
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  3. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    #3 GordonC, Jun 6, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The ONLY caution I'd offer about using this bracket is that it does limit the forward seat travel, as the adjuster handle will hit the head of the extinguisher unit if the seat were moved forward very far. The seat is restricted to the rearmost 3 positions with this bracket. Again, Rob had suggested there would likely be a seat travel restriction at the forward end of the range, so I had considered this and am willing to live with it. Nobody so far has wanted to move the passenger seat further forward anyway!

    This photo shows the seat travel adjustment handle with the extinguisher mounted, in the most forward position allowed.
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  4. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    #4 GordonC, Jun 6, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. robertgarven

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    #5 robertgarven, Jun 6, 2015
    Thanks Gordon,

    I am glad it worked out. I am not making excuses for the bracket as my only reason for doing it was to get one for myself, but when I get in a car I always move the seat all the back, that is unless I am driving and can't reach the pedals or in a sedan and dont want to crush those in back! The 308 seats mount much lower on the floor. It is still easy to take out to vacuum behind the seat!

    I just had another 20 made, not looking forward to the two hours it takes to clean each one up but hoping maybe I can be the fire extinguisher bracket guy like Bob (who is very missed) was the plate clip guy! I talked to the original guy who designed these in the early nineties and they were made for the 308 GTB/S, just by a coincidence they fit in the GT4 a bit better, as we all know, know one really cared about us back then either! HA
     
  6. piezo

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    #6 piezo, Jun 6, 2015
    I'm glad I bought a set too. Just have to wait for the package to travel all the way round the globe. Can't wait no longer!
     
  7. piezo

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    #7 piezo, Jun 10, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2015
    Well the package arrived yesterday in a nice package with instruction, photos and everything.
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    It took me about 20 mins to get it done as I need to remove my old chemical fire extinguisher from behind passenger seat to the new position. The studs provided are exactly what you need to mount the fire extinguisher bracket to the stainless steel truss member.
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    In my case the carpet needs to be adjusted a bit so the bracket can fit in properly.
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    The rest is easy. Just attach everything and you're set!
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    Will push the fire extinguisher about 1 to 1 and 1/2 inch inward when I get my new halon fire extinguisher later.

    Get a set before too late!
     
  8. VEEP

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    #8 VEEP, Jun 10, 2015
    I think its a small extinguisher...is empty in no time, only will work if very eraly at a small fire. A bigger fire which is the result of bursting petrolhose will not be put out bij this I am afraid.

    Put a bigger one in, better a fixed system with outlets in the enginebay, or let it burn...(with good valuation and insurance)
     
  9. URAS

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    #9 URAS, Jun 10, 2015
    Robert, looks top quality.
    Veep....glass is half full.
     
  10. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
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    #10 GordonC, Jun 10, 2015
    Veep, Steven did indicate that he will be changing to a larger extinguisher soon (see quote above from his post).

    Sure, a fixed system with larger capacity and several nozzles in the engine bay would be the ultimate desirable extinguisher system, but a 2.5 lb cockpit mounted portable halon extinguisher is a proven worthwhile solution - more than enough people have posted about small fires that they did successfully put out and keep from spreading with a handheld extinguisher like these.
     
  11. piezo

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    #11 piezo, Jun 10, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2015
    I wasn't even bothered to respond to VEEP, but... one man's meat is another man's poison. To stuck a fixed system in a non-racing road car? Nice try but no thanks! Perhaps a 5kg CO2 in the trunk, it will fit ;-)

    Not to OT too much, Rob's kit is of really high quality and I think the important thing is that you can use different brands of fire extinguishers as it comes with a number of mounting holes to fit different brackets. For those with engine bay fixed system fitted, you can still use a fire extinguisher in the cockpit to put out small cabin fires or the likes and save the hassle of recharging the fixed system!
     
  12. robertgarven

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    #12 robertgarven, Jun 10, 2015
    Friends,

    Once again I only made these to get one for myself and having anther batch made for those who want one. I only can say this a Halon 2.5 is equilivent to a 5 lb Halotro extinguisher and i I know someone who used their Ferrari extinguisher to help another motorist put out their engine fire!

    Not sure it will work in all cases but a small fire if the engine is off could be caught early enough. I assume most fires are the carb line are fuel filler hose leaking onto hot exhaust.

    I am not making any money on these unwound rather work on my car but had several people so happy just wanted to share some more since I have the pattern and all the parts now.

    Rob
     
  13. Labman

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    #13 Labman, Jun 11, 2015
    Ordered mine. Looking forward to getting it. I too have the smaller Halon extinguisher but will be purchasing the larger one ASAP. Who has good deals on these? Amazon?
     
  14. electrogunner

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    #14 electrogunner, Jun 11, 2015
    Best price I have found is on eBay $99 and free shipping for a halotron 2 1/2 lb unit. That's the buy it now price
     
  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #15 Rifledriver, Jun 11, 2015
    Often required for track events and some types of shows and for that it is a nice piece. I will say however for track events, all of the requirements I am familiar with require metal attachment, not plastic as shown in post 7.

    Otherwise I agree. I do not get emotionally attached and the cars are well insured. In the event of fire I am off to get some hotdogs and marshmallows.
     
  16. Labman

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    #16 Labman, Jun 11, 2015

    For my 308 I want to be able to extinguish a small fire. This car is a keeper and good ones are hard to find.

    For my 430 I agree with the marshmallow roast :)
     
  17. scudF1

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    #17 scudF1, Jun 11, 2015
    +1 For the 430, a bottle of gasoline instead of an extinguisher. Just in case...
     
  18. Todd308TR

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    #18 Todd308TR, Jun 12, 2015
    I want please.
     
  19. Todd308TR

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    #19 Todd308TR, Jun 14, 2015
    The vast majority of us will not install that system in a street car. This 2.5 is a great comprise between nothing and the best system. It's called risk reduction, not elimination. I have ordered the mount and the halotron.
     
  20. Labman

    Labman F1 Rookie
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    #20 Labman, Jun 14, 2015
    Done. 1983 308 GTS. Very simple install although it does limit forward movement of the seat. All good though because that seat stays put anyhow. Now I have to order the 2.5lb halon extinguisher.

    [​IMG]
     
  21. Lowell

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    #21 Lowell, Jun 14, 2015
    Nice looking bracket.

    Can you really buy real Halon extinguishers?

    If so, Where???
     
  22. robertgarven

    robertgarven F1 Veteran
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    #22 robertgarven, Jun 14, 2015
  23. robertgarven

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    #23 robertgarven, Jun 19, 2015
    Friends,

    I have more now and if anyone is interested email me.

    Rob
     
  24. Labman

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    #24 Labman, Jun 19, 2015
    Installed the bigger 2.5lb extinguisher.
    I like the chrome :)

    [​IMG]
     
  25. robertgarven

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    #25 robertgarven, Jul 18, 2015
    I have a few more left! :)
     
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