Yes, you could use that.  Yes, you could make your own manual system, but
if it doesn't work properly, due to improper design or materials, you only
have yourself to blame.  Some systems use aluminum tubing;

http://www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=57&cid=7

and some use stainless steel braided hose.  This AFFF system is relatively
cheap to buy, cheap and easy to refill yourself instantly, and is a bit
messy, but with easy cleanup.

  BTW, the pressure isn't that high that copper tubing would burst upon
discharge.  But, using copper tubing is probably the last resort, IMHO. I'd
choose aluminum for its strength and resistance to becoming brittle as it
ages like copper does.   I believe I've seen it at Home Depot, too.

I think I'm gonna design and build an engine bay-mounted, manually
cable-operated Halon system for my '87 Westy as an experimental homebuilt
prototype.

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Geza Polony" <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 4:41 PM
Subject: Re: Built-in Fire Extinguishers

> Maybe standard 1/2" iron plumbing pipe? You'd have to test it in a
> non-fire
> condition to be sure. Just a thought.
>