Hey Guys,
Not knowing much about Classic Mustangs, I have to ask, What are the main reasons/faults that cause Mustangs to catch on fire? Anything new owners should worry about?

thanks

 

Any of the circuits could potentially start a fire. I carry a fire extinguisher in the trunk just in case.

 

40 year old wiring.

Old fuel hoses and rusty tubing.

Poor repairs to wires and fuel systems.

Poorly done/thought out modifications.

If running stock wiring, a fusible link and/or a "master fuse" installed just off the solenoid is a good idea.

Go over the wires and hoses.

We installed an aftermarket wire harness for protection and to allow for additional electrical load associated with modern accessories, but with a good going over, (and/or replacement if needed) the stock wiring can be safe enough.

 

I failed to seat the transfer tube on a Holley carb after a jet swap which resulted in fuel leaking onto the intake, which apparently gets hot enough to cause ignition. The resulting fire torched everthing under the hood, the paint on the hood, most of my wiring, and the heater core. I had a fire extinguisher in the trunk, but it was a broken piece of crap. I now keep a very, very nice fire extinguisher in the back seat.

 

I keep a nice little extinguisher under the passenger seat. Fits nicely and the rear carpet piece keeps it from rolling back.

 

I always keep a fire extinguisher in every car or truck i own.Jmd hit the nail on the head for most reasons of car has a fire.

 

just to add to the list. fella here in ireland torched the engine bay because he didn't have an aircleaner. car backfired, ignited under the bonnet. wouldn't have happened with aircleaner. of course an engine shouldn't backfire in the first place.

 

Had my engine backfire badly when timing was messed up. Glad I had my air cleaner on

 

As mentioned replace all the fuel hoses, all the way back to the tank where there is a short piece. Follow your fuel line from the carb. back to the tank. Most years tanks have a drain screw in the front right corner.

Make sure the battery is well secured, read a few posts were the tray rusts out or batt. isn't secured and it falls over into the fan grounding and spraying acid = fire.

I'd keep the fire ext. in the car in arms reach, does no good in the trunk if the fire starts on the inside and may be too late to get to. Doesn't hurt to have a bigger spare ext. in the trunk (they're cheap) but a small one inside the car to protect yourself at min., halon would be nice so it doesn't ruin the int. if sprayed.
Jon

 

All of the above is true for any classic, not just the stangs...