Would you believe it!

Almost finished fitting the extinguisher system today - I say almost because there wasn't quite enough pipework!!

Here's what it looks like under the bonnet though.

You can see two blue nozzles with the rear one next to the coil. The front one is positioned on the expansion tank.

With the engine canted over all the electrics/ignition and fuel systems/connections are on the same side and will be well covered by the nozzles.

BRP goes into my local auotelectrician tomorrow for the electrical cut off switch to be wired up. When this is done it will shut the engine down completely when operated and isolate all the car's electrics.

All in all the car is very nearly ready for the MSA scrutineer to see if it is worthy of a log book,

On plan for our first stage rally in April.

Fettling!

Not easy to see here but I have fastened a cargo net behind the seats to carry the first aid kit, the "OK" board and hold other bits and pirces like maps etc.

I need someone with more of a domestic touch tho I think cos there's a pouch in the net which holds the first aid kit etc but could do with some kind of fastener to hold the top closed whilst still being easy to open.

I'll give it some thought.

This afternoon was a general tidy up with me "fitting" a couple of grommetts in holes in the floor pan and restraining the wiring loom along the nearside inner sill.

That's another thing that needs more thought!

Finally got the column switchgear cover back on though - had to find a spare as one half had broke.

And also - the outer extinguisher switch was a bit vulnerable and could have been activated by anyone or anything brushing against it. Searching around I found something that will sit over it and give it some protection so it was araldited in place (seen in the pic as a black raised circle around the switch).

All in all - a "bitty" 2 1/2 hours but worthwhile.

Next will be finishing the extinguisher system, wiring the cut out switch, having a good walk round the car and check it against the "blue Book" followed by an appointment with an MSA scrutineer so BRP can get it's rally log book.

Extinguisher wiring

3 flipping hours to wire up 2 switches - would you believe it!

Still, here's the result. The extinguisher power pack is above the glove box and the internal switch is on the lower dashboard bottom right of the "E" sticker.

It was quite a relief when we tested the circuit and the correct green light came up.

Now it's "just" a question of the plumbing - the pipework and nozzles. Next week's thrilling installment!

Extinguisher system

One hour this week - and that was just enough to site and mount the plumbed in extinguisher. I have bolted it in the boot where the battery is usually re-located in V8 cars.











Here's where the external button will go - probably next week although I am planning to collect another TR7 so we'll have to see.

Where's the logic?

After the roll cage the next bit will be the plumbed in fire extinguisher.

I had already bought one to meet the MSA rally specs, electric activation and plumbed in etc etc with all the kit to be fitted so as it "fires" into the engine bay and cockpit.

On reading the instructions it says that the nozzles for the interior should be aimed at the crew's feet - OK, fair enough but -

There's only two nozzles provided, one for the engine bay and one for the cockpit.

Well, if it's ever going to be needed then who do I choose to protect then? That can't be right can it? It's certainly not acceptable to me as I have a strong sense of self preservation but I am certainly not going to leave Sarah at more risk than me.

Having checked this out I found that the spec was right but the FIA system is double the size with four nozzles, not two. So, I contacted Lifeline the manufacturer and Demon Tweeks the retailer and between them they agreed to take my system back and exchange it for a new FIA system.

All credit to them, I had had my system for 5 months and they are time sensitive but they were OK about all this and I got the better system for an extra £120.

At the end of it I have an over spec system as far as national MSA regs are concerned but much better protection should it ever be needed (god knows I hope it never is) and am lighter to the tune of £120, money which could be spent on more performance but that's not my priority.

Fitting it will be interesting but that will have to wait just a little while as the project Manx team are autotesting this weekend.