I did a particularly important mod this afternoon. We have always carried a fire extinguisher in our truck. I could kick myself for not putting one in the MINI sooner. Read why here. But.... better later than never. Here's an easy mod anyone can do.



I installed a fire extinguisher in the boot of my MINI. I know the best place to install an extinguisher is within arm's length of the driver, but the MINI doesn't lend itself to too many options as far as optimal installation. You can get fixtures for mounting the fire extinguisher to the passenger seat, and you can get fancy chrome extinguisher that won't ruin your interior if you end up having to use it on your car, but I didn't have $150 to spend on the perfect installation at this time.

Anything is better than nothing!



I bought the extinguisher at Wal-Mart. I had the proper sized metal screws in my screw drawer. I simply drilled two holes through the plastic side wall in the boot into the metal under it. This is very securely fastened. Total cost of this project: $10.00.

Since the extinguisher is mounted in the back boot, and I always leave my rear seats up, IF I were to get in an accident, and the plastic bracket happened to failed for some reason, the extinguisher shouldn't become a dangerous projectile.



I measured where the bracket needed to be by laying the extinguisher on the floor of the boot. This way, when installed, the weight of the extinguisher is shared by the floor, taking some stress off the mounted bracket.


Bracket secured with metal screws

I used sheet metal screws that were the correct size for the bracket. I drilled through the plastic panel and into the metal of the car body. I did manage to brake a drill bit drilling the first hole, which I made too small to begin with. Once I found the proper sized bit, everything went a lot smoother.

Everyone should carry a fire extinguisher in their car, and this is a good, relatively safe option if you are on a budget.

 

Very cool attachement...
I did a quick search and srated a thread a little while ago about installing the extinguisher... PCA Driver's Ed requires one attached to metal, within arms reach while belted in... (don't know about BMWCCA)
and it looks like something might fit under the seat, but it will take awhile to fab something to work nicely...

For the short term, I really like your solution!

 

I had one in my last car and put out an engine for someone stopped at the side of the road before it took over the whole car.

Why I haven't added one to present car I don't know...

Thanks for the reminder!

 

Check it out. Pricey, but nice.

http://www.livermoreperformance.com/...#Brey%20Krause