Help Co in Ford Fiesta hatchback

[Freedomatlast24]

Hey all,

I'm new here! I find this site pretty overwhelming & can spend hours scrolling not really achieving a great deal.

So I am thinking of CTB with CO in my small Ford fiesta. I'm already overwhelmed at the prospect.

My main questions so far are:

1. If you run tests in the car beforehand, aren't you making it unsafe to drive in the interim, as the CO will build up on the car surface fabrics etc.?

2. Most CO ppm meters I've looked at include an alarm that goes off... isn't this going to draw attention to the practices/method?

3. How do I work out how much coal I need in relation to the size of the car???... I've read some threads but just get overwhelmed.

4. How can you prevent your car from accidental fire, combustion, too much heat from the glowing coals...

5. Is tape enough to block air vents in the car etc. is there other areas that are less obvious...

God it's my first car, haven't had the it for long but needs must... I'm not pitching a tent.

 

[LilysAngel]

2- I've been told that the alarm is rather quiet on the TPI 707. Someone equated it to the alarm of a watch.

3-The calculate the minimum required amount of charcoal which is 0.135 kg/m³ and double that amount.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

Have you considered a small tent instead of your car?

 

[locked*n*loaded]

A CO "detector" won't do it. You need an analyzer capable of measuring and reporting levels of CO. Tape or seal under doors too. Just air the car out if you "practice" in it. The amount of charcoal reported previously is correct. Can't go wrong using more than necessary, but you can go wrong not using enough - big time wrong. You really need to find the energy and drive to study this method and what it entails before even trying it.

 

[Aprilfarewell4]

patio bricks under metal buckets filled with coals, or if the grill is portable with short legs, direct transfer to a backseat or cargo area of the vehicle cabin onto bricks is possible too.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

A CO "detector" won't do it. You need an analyzer capable of measuring and reporting levels of CO. Tape or seal under doors too. Just air the car out if you "practice" in it. The amount of charcoal reported previously is correct. Can't go wrong using more than necessary, but you can go wrong not using enough - big time wrong. You really need to find the energy and drive to study this method and what it entails before even trying it.

Sorry I did mean a CO ppm meter, my bad, I'll edit it!

Have you considered a small tent instead of your car?

Yes I thought about it, never pitched a tent alone and would have no-where to hid it. In the UK pitching a tent without paying for a campsite is out of the question & you have to book way in advance (bar Scotland).

 

[sash]

Hiya
Please be aware that there are so very many places in a car where theres air leakage, places many people dont think of, that need to be covered. Lot of prep.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

Hiya
Please be aware that there are so very many places in a car where theres air leakage, places many people dont think of, that need to be covered. Lot of prep.

My hope just shattered

 

[LilysAngel]

My hope just shattered

Is a tent a viable option? CO+tent is my chosen method. Idk how to pitch a tent but they take pop up tents that will set up on their own pretty much.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

Is a tent a viable option? CO+tent is my chosen method. Idk how to pitch a tent but they take pop up tents that will set up on their own pretty much.

I know it could be, I don't think the pop-ups are ever as good quality though...

Hiya
Please be aware that there are so very many places in a car where theres air leakage, places many people dont think of, that need to be covered. Lot of prep.

I've also seen your description, can we chat?

Also I just want to say sorry it I've seemed dismissive thus far to everyone's help/replies. It's just where I'm at with the overwhelm, frustration of it all. I do appreciate it!

 

[locked*n*loaded]

Many have ctb in a car with no problems. Just need to produce CO at a faster rate than any leakage. Plus you'd be sealing 90% or better where there is leakage. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

Many have ctb in a car with no problems. Just need to produce CO at a faster rate than any leakage. Plus you'd be sealing 90% or better where there is leakage. Shouldn't be an issue.

Where are the main leakages bar the air vents. I think I've realized the whole behind the dash feeds back to the bonnet which is completely open in terms of the underneath it that makes sense? Terrible at explaining these things...

 

[LilysAngel]

I know it could be, I don't think the pop-ups are ever as good quality though...

Genuine question, have you taken time to read through the CO megathread and other members threads? I think that you may find the answer to a lot of your questions there.

The most reccomended tent to use in conjunction with CO on this website is a pop up, so.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

Where are the main leakages bar the air vents. I think I've realized the whole behind the dash feeds back to the bonnet which is completely open in terms of the underneath it that makes sense? Terrible at explaining these things...

Under and around the doors maybe. The "firewall" separates the area behind the dash to the engine compartment, or the area inside the bonnet, as you call it. There are only small openings going through the firewall where wires and hoses pass through, and they are already somewhat sealed. Yeah, all the vents, including the defroster vents on top of the dash. Maybe a little around the doors. It doesn't need to be hermetically sealed. It's not a large space and CO from burning charcoal is going to rapidly fill the volume of the space. You can do some searches on SS and find more info on the CO method, and even info on using cars for the enclosure. I encourage you to read everything you possibly can before attempting this method.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

I

Genuine question, have you taken time to read through the CO megathread and other members threads? I think that you may find the answer to a lot of your questions there.

The most reccomended tent to use in conjunction with CO on this website is a pop up, so.

I have, I do get very easily overwhelmed though!

I started looking at tents, now I have a whole other bunch of questions but yeah...

Under and around the doors maybe. The "firewall" separates the area behind the dash to the engine compartment, or the area inside the bonnet, as you call it. There are only small openings going through the firewall where wires and hoses pass through, and they are already somewhat sealed. Yeah, all the vents, including the defroster vents on top of the dash. Maybe a little around the doors. It doesn't need to be hermetically sealed. It's not a large space and CO from burning charcoal is going to rapidly fill the volume of the space. You can do some searches on SS and find more info on the CO method, and even info on using cars for the enclosure. I encourage you to read everything you possibly can before attempting this method.

Thank you, sorry I didn't know the specific terminology! I have read quite a few threads, not many exist regarding cars though, I swear...

 

[LilysAngel]

I

I have, I do get very easily overwhelmed though!

I started looking at tents, now I have a whole other bunch of questions but

I feel ya lol. This method seems like a dream, but there is a lot to learn. I literally had to ask questions about what specific type of brick to use in the tent to put the metal pales on a few weeks ago, I knew nothing. Everyone kept telling me "read the mega thread" or "read zannyys post" and then I did and literally everything (almost) I needed to know was there.

A run down on tents, from what is recommended on the website:
*waterproof, 3000mm rating
*attached ground sheet
*as few windows/doors as you can find
*seal the seams and doors and windows. Some people opt for tape (hvac, gorilla, etc) and some opt for sealant (flex seal, etc). I would, hypothetically, use both. Overkill? Probably.
*the most talked about tent on here is the Malawi regatta 2 pop up tent.

I am not trying to persuade you in any direction at all. This 100% is your choice and nobody can tell you what to do. I don't know anything about CO in a car. But I have some knowledge on CO in a tent & am just sharing my knowledge.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

I feel ya lol. This method seems like a dream, but there is a lot to learn. I literally had to ask questions about what specific type of brick to use in the tent to put the metal pales on a few weeks ago, I knew nothing. Everyone kept telling me "read the mega thread" or "read zannyys post" and then I did and literally everything (almost) I needed to know was there.

A run down on tents, from what is recommended on the website:
*waterproof, 3000mm rating
*attached ground sheet
*as few windows/doors as you can find
*seal the seams and doors and windows. Some people opt for tape (hvac, gorilla, etc) and some opt for sealant (flex seal, etc). I would, hypothetically, use both. Overkill? Probably.
*the most talked about tent on here is the Malawi regatta 2 pop up tent.

I am not trying to persuade you in any direction at all. This 100% is your choice and nobody can tell you what to do. I don't know anything about CO in a car. But I have some knowledge on CO in a tent & am just sharing my knowledge.

I appreciate this so so much! Yep I'm overwhelmed, I'd have nowhere to get out the tent, practice, seal it, without suspicions. I'm on high watch after a suicidal visit to some famous UK cliffs. My parents are on red alert for anything suspicious which sucks.

Even booking to camp, suddenly, they'd be like urm, what....you can't even get out of bed & shower. Now I'm just venting but yeah...

I did know a lot of that about the tent just don't think it's an option... I read your method though!

 

[sash]

My hope just shattered

Swap it for a transit?
Put a tent in it?

 

[Freedomatlast24]

Swap it for a transit?
Put a tent in it?

Not an option I'm afraid, cool idea though...

 

[helllcreator]

I did attempt this method in citroen C3 but sadly had to abort just before loading the car as someone was awake at 3am to see my text to them...

However realistically yes you should be fine taping the vents and such. Don't forget about under vents below usually the drivers or passenger feet area, there might also be some from the centre hump that vent to the rear passenger area.
While the tent might work for some It's not the best for you it sounds. Realistically as long as you get in and such when the coals are kicking out the max CO and such you should have no issues with loss of the gas via the Minor leaks. Once the car is full to a level that is enough to knock you out the coals are Still gonna continue to emit CO for sometime afterwards and it's unlikely to be able to leak out a significant amount before you're gone.

Depending where you live obviously location is always gonna be difficult especially as the weather gets better on an evening finding somewhere quiet late on is gonna be difficult but I'm sure there will be somewhere within a reasonable distance that will be perfect. Spend some time scanning Google maps for local nature areas that are well out of the way. Likely to be nobody around at midnight and such.


Edit.
Also yea I recommend going through the mega thread, there's a hell of a lot covered in it but it's also one hell of a task to read through it all but for the most part it's all in there. Some of it conflicts but within reason.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

2- I've been told that the alarm is rather quiet on the TPI 707. Someone equated it to the alarm of a watch.

3-The calculate the minimum required amount of charcoal which is 0.135 kg/m³ and double that amount.

Idk how I work (3) out still, supposedly most hatchbacks are 3m³... here's the measurements for my exact model...

 

[cowboypants]

Hey all,

I'm new here! I find this site pretty overwhelming & can spend hours scrolling not really achieving a great deal.

So I am thinking of CTB with CO in my small Ford fiesta. I'm already overwhelmed at the prospect.

My main questions so far are:

1. If you run tests in the car beforehand, aren't you making it unsafe to drive in the interim, as the CO will build up on the car surface fabrics etc.?

2. Most CO ppm meters I've looked at include an alarm that goes off... isn't this going to draw attention to the practices/method?

3. How do I work out how much coal I need in relation to the size of the car???... I've read some threads but just get overwhelmed.

4. How can you prevent your car from accidental fire, combustion, too much heat from the glowing coals...

5. Is tape enough to block air vents in the car etc. is there other areas that are less obvious...

God it's my first car, haven't had the it for long but needs must... I'm not pitching a tent.

I might be wrong but think it would be hard to do in newer cars cause of the emission norms

 

[Placo]

But don't catalytic converters make this method useless nowadays? More than useless, painful and long I would say.

 

[DeathWish3301]

Hey all,

I'm new here! I find this site pretty overwhelming & can spend hours scrolling not really achieving a great deal.

So I am thinking of CTB with CO in my small Ford fiesta. I'm already overwhelmed at the prospect.

My main questions so far are:

1. If you run tests in the car beforehand, aren't you making it unsafe to drive in the interim, as the CO will build up on the car surface fabrics etc.?

2. Most CO ppm meters I've looked at include an alarm that goes off... isn't this going to draw attention to the practices/method?

3. How do I work out how much coal I need in relation to the size of the car???... I've read some threads but just get overwhelmed.

4. How can you prevent your car from accidental fire, combustion, too much heat from the glowing coals...

5. Is tape enough to block air vents in the car etc. is there other areas that are less obvious...

God it's my first car, haven't had the it for long but needs must... I'm not pitching a tent.

Hello. I made multiple attempts with charcoal in my personal vehicle in the past. I'll just give you my experience and do what you will with it.

Didn't have any issues with the car's function or performance after the fact, but it will leave a very, very strong smell on the inside. It'll also leave a grainy and thick yellow dusting buildup on the upholstery and fabrics. You'd need professional level detailing to get it back to normal if it doesn't work.

I didn't use a CO alarm any of the times I tried. Can't speak to that question other than I would guess it would draw attention.

I used an entire bag of name brand charcoal that I'd buy from brick and mortar retailers.

I would light the charcoal and make sure it was burning before putting it inside. Used something big enough to hold all the charcoal that can retain the heat without transferring it to the surface it was on. I also put it on a paver (flat stone) to be extra sure.

I used duct tape on all the vents as well as around the creases of the windows. It's tedious and time consuming but it did seem to keep it all in.

Tried this many times and obviously failed. Got the cops called on me first time because I was stupid and did it in my driveway, neighbors saw the fire lighting up the charcoal. A private location is very important.

The other times, I don't know what I did wrong. Whether I let the CO buildup too much first or not enough, didn't do a good job of being tired beforehand, etc. But basically everything ended up with me ill from CO poisoning, headache, severe nasuea and a lot of vomiting.

I can definitely tell you the timing seems to be crucial with this method.

Hopefully you can learn from my failures.

 

[Aprilfarewell4]

Idk how I work (3) out still, supposedly most hatchbacks are 3m³... here's the measurements for my exact model...View attachment 140346

15 lb would be more than enough and then some. I wouldn't get too hung up on trying to decipher the bare minimum.

might also want to look into a gas powered generator. Just run that inside the vehicle. I have one.

 

[Freedomatlast24]

But don't catalytic converters make this method useless nowadays? More than useless, painful and long I would say.

I talking about burning charcoal to produce CO here not the old school exhaust method. That died in the 80s or whenever...

Hello. I made multiple attempts with charcoal in my personal vehicle in the past. I'll just give you my experience and do what you will with it.

Didn't have any issues with the car's function or performance after the fact, but it will leave a very, very strong smell on the inside. It'll also leave a grainy and thick yellow dusting buildup on the upholstery and fabrics. You'd need professional level detailing to get it back to normal if it doesn't work.

I didn't use a CO alarm any of the times I tried. Can't speak to that question other than I would guess it would draw attention.

I used an entire bag of name brand charcoal that I'd buy from brick and mortar retailers.

I would light the charcoal and make sure it was burning before putting it inside. Used something big enough to hold all the charcoal that can retain the heat without transferring it to the surface it was on. I also put it on a paver (flat stone) to be extra sure.

I used duct tape on all the vents as well as around the creases of the windows. It's tedious and time consuming but it did seem to keep it all in.

Tried this many times and obviously failed. Got the cops called on me first time because I was stupid and did it in my driveway, neighbors saw the fire lighting up the charcoal. A private location is very important.

The other times, I don't know what I did wrong. Whether I let the CO buildup too much first or not enough, didn't do a good job of being tired beforehand, etc. But basically everything ended up with me ill from CO poisoning, headache, severe nasuea and a lot of vomiting.

I can definitely tell you the timing seems to be crucial with this method.

Hopefully you can learn from my failures.

I'm so sorry you've been through this, sounds so incredibly tough. Thank you for sharing it with me.

The private location is really something I keep racking my brains about, if only I had a garage....

I also don't want to ruin my car interior if I survive, omg

 

[LilysAngel]

Idk how I work (3) out still, supposedly most hatchbacks are 3m³... here's the measurements for my exact model...View attachment 140346

I don't know either. Someone else on SaSu calculated mine for me.