I admit I have had a long hiatus (did I spell that right?) from the forums, but that is because I have been occupied with many other issues.

BUT, I got back into my Chevelle this weekend with my son and we decided to install the center console and bucket seat brackets in my 69. I had all the parts and we were doing great, but the mistake I admit making is not removing the rear seat.

I did remove the rest of the interior; front bench (of course), carpet, padding, sound deadener, etc. We were welding the last bucket seat bracket and.....FIRE!!!!!

A welding spark got in between the rear seat and the side panel and we had full on flames! I thought I was going to lose my car there for a bit. Full on flames shooting out! But we hit it with the hose and i literally ripped out the back seat and chucked it on the driveway. I don't think I did the seat framework any favors but trust me, you don't remember the rear seat removal process under stress!!

Anyway, all that upholstery has to be redone anyway. So, I learned my lesson, always strip the interior before doing any welding. :thumbsup:

Wow,things happen fast,don't they? Glad it wasn't worse for you guys.:thumbsup:

They sure do, you are right Gary, it could have been way worse!

I have some pictures of the back seat brackets for my 69 in case you need them, good work on getting the fire out.:thumbsup:

Rob

I have some pictures of the back seat brackets for my 69 in case you need them, good work on getting the fire out.:thumbsup:

Rob

Sure Rob, they may be helpful, I know I have to literally bend some of the seat framework back into place, I kind of used that panic strength that you get when you are faced with disaster:eek:

Glad to hear you got it snuffed out Gary.....It is amazing that unknown strength we all have at times like this..........:yes:

http://www.1969supersport.com/rseatbrack.html

http://www.1969supersport.com/urseatbrack.html

Sometimes projects make projects.
Sure glad to hear it was a minor incident and everyone is OK.
I hate uncontrolled fire!

Dan

Wow, lucky you saw what was going on.

Thanks for the pictures Rob, gonna try to do some work on the interior this Friday afternoon. Dan, you are right, for me it is often that projects make projects - but I figure that is just part of hot-rodding - just glad I didn't lose my car.

My hope is someone reads this that is thinking of doing some welding on their baby and will take extra precautions. I know I will next time.

If this thread is still alive this Friday I will put up some pics of the damage.

Wow, nothing like fire to get the adrenaline pumping. Glad it didn't turn out worse than it was.

Glad everything will be ok. :yes:
1st time I cranked mine, I pulled it out of the garage and turned it off. Smoke was boiling out from under the hood. The T400 vent tube had dirt dobber nest in it and the tranny fluid came out the filler tube and caught fire on top of the header collector.
I freaked! Had a extinguisher right close. Lots of smoke smut but it cleaned up, thankfully.
You'll be ok...hang in there.

Here is the damage

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/gfsmith/DSC01678.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/gfsmith/DSC01679.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/gfsmith/DSC01680.jpg
[/EMAIL]
The finished brackets

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/gfsmith/DSC01681.jpg

The install, all this is coming back out for new vinyl, carpet, panels, etc. when she goes in for paint

[EMAIL="amccustomerservice@rainbow-media.com"]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/gfsmith/DSC01682.jpg
(amccustomerservice@rainbow-media.com)