260z Brake Failure - Jump, Roll & Fire

[djhedges]

Once my neck isn't so sore I plan to part out the car and try to find all of the spare parts and wheels a new good home.  I think I'm going to move on to something with fuel injection and no drum brakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeqNnZbC1Z0

[SteveJ]

It's good to see you got out of that one without much in the way of injuries. Was there enough left over after the fire for a post mortem?

[djhedges]

The brake pedal still has pressure despite the crash and the front fluid reservoir being ripped off.  But my neck is too sore for me to be wrenching on the car to dive deeper.

[Patcon]

It sounded like the fuel pump kept running? No connection to the oil pressure I assume? Would like to see what the car looks like from the outside. Especially after the launch over the hill.

[beermanpete]

Scary! I am glad you were not hurt and made it out of the car quickly. Too bad about your car.

[djhedges]

The fuel pump was wired by a previous owner and something I had never considered.

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/electric-fuel-pump.html

[John Coffey]

Glad you made it out OK.  Next time, two kill switches, one within very easy reach of the driver.  

[Zed Head]

I've never raced, but it seems like a fuel pump kill switch would be a track requirement.  Is this not the case everywhere or does it vary?

[Kurbycar32]

I've never raced, but it seems like a fuel pump kill switch would be a track requirement.  Is this not the case everywhere or does it vary?

It depends on the event and track.  Open track day for "stock" style cars can be as simple as taping anything glass, rolling down the windows and wearing a helmet 

[djhedges]

There is a switch in the car which I should've hit on my way out.  Race cars are required to have a master kill switch for the safety crew.   On this car the kill switch was located on right side.  Right where the wind was blowing the fire which is why it took them so long to kill the pump.

 

Here are some photos of the car after the crash.

https://plus.google.com/photos/112123514603850174327/albums/6153338453838253233?authkey=CJCcwvv_sOCdLg

[Patcon]

Doug,

How is the neck? I saw the xrays which is never a good sign. It's too bad about the car. It looks like you made quite the jump judging by the pictures. I am surprised the car isn't more heavily damaged than it is from both the fire and the jump.

[djhedges]

The neck is sore but getting better.  I didn't have any pain until the first night which made it difficult to sleep.  X rays were done 2 days after the crash just to be safe.  Doctor confirmed that it's likely only sore muscles because the pain didn't come until later.

 

The ground was super soft.  I think it gets flooded in that area when it rains.  My wife would probably kill me if I got into that car again but everytime I look at in the garage it doesn't look too bad.  I haven't had the car in the air yet but it would need.  All the safety stuff is one time use.

• radiator
• engine mounts
• front left suspension is gone
• left fender bodywork & possibly the hood
• hood and front fenders would need painting
• battery
• hoses
• airbox
• carb plungers
• redo the melted wiring
• clutch line
• fuel connector
• belts
• seat
• helmet
• neck restraint
• windshield

The strut bar snapped which leads me to believe the chassis is twisted.  I know nothing about straightening a car.

Edited May 29, 2015 by djhedges