Administrators E. Tyler Pedersen Posted May 7, 2017 Administrators Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 So I am a bigger guy 6' 200#s. It seems like I get rental drivers that are shorter and skinnier. it really is a pain in the arse to move the seat when the slider is difficult. I would like to have something I can make at the track for drivers to use as an insert so get them more snug for the skinner guys and closer to the wheel for the short guys. I am looking at what some of the best techniques you all use for this small project Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvumtnbkr Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 A bunch of cheeseburgers would work if you have time. We use a cotton towel for Jeff, cause he is wee. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 34 minutes ago, Crank Yankers Racing said: So I am a bigger guy 6' 200#s. It seems like I get rental drivers that are shorter and skinnier. it really is a pain in the arse to move the seat when the slider is difficult. I would like to have something I can make at the track for drivers to use as an insert so get them more snug for the skinner guys and closer to the wheel for the short guys. I am looking at what some of the best techniques you all use for this small project https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/document.asp?DocID=TECH00005 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoachMK21 Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 13 minutes ago, Doc said: https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/document.asp?DocID=TECH00005 This is basically what we use for all of our drivers. Make sure you trim the holes for the belts to be big enough to quickly slide them through. We covered them in gaffers tape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators E. Tyler Pedersen Posted May 7, 2017 Author Administrators Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 1 hour ago, Doc said: https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/document.asp?DocID=TECH00005 1 hour ago, CoachMK21 said: This is basically what we use for all of our drivers. Make sure you trim the holes for the belts to be big enough to quickly slide them through. We covered them in gaffers tape. Since you all have used this, how hard is this process? Can it be duplicated at the track the night before the race? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvumtnbkr Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 I've seen it done. It is somewhat complicated, but if you prep well (cover EVERYTHING INCLUDING DRIVER) it makes a good insert. I still think cheeseburgers and car bombs are the more fun way to go. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEE DEE Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 I used a lot of this in the formula cars I drove. Can be done the night before if your night starts early if you have multiple drivers. There is a cure time of hrs and of course you have to trim and tape. We use to make inserts trim it and then upholster it. Keep in mind that no other body will fit properly in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eman911 Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 Foam pads of various thickness are available cheap from fabric stores. Cut to fit the seatback, cut slots for the harness. Install at driver change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogtired Posted May 7, 2017 Report Share Posted May 7, 2017 The two part foam is a royal PITA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr1vlet Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 (edited) On 5/7/2017 at 8:35 AM, Crank Yankers Racing said: I would like to have something I can make at the track for drivers to use as an insert so get them more snug for the skinner guys and closer to the wheel for the short guys. I'm no safety expert but I'd be cautious trying to move the driver forward with padding as im sure it would reduce the effectiveness of the seat/belts in a collision. I tried running a cushion behind me once early on (only about 1.5-2" thick) and I was flopping around in the seat as I was 1/2 out if the bolsters. It also made me nervous as my head was off the seatback and had more range of motion than it probably should if things went wrong. I could be totally wrong but I didn't like it and just got used to sitting a bit further back. Edit: I'm sure the insert would help keep the driver in place side to side more than a cushion would. Edited May 8, 2017 by gr1vlet 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racer28173 Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 3 hours ago, gr1vlet said: I'm no safety expert but I'd be cautious trying to move the driver forward with padding as im sure it would reduce the effectiveness of the seat/belts in a collision. I tried running a cushion behind me once early on (only about 1.5-2" thick) and I was flopping around in the seat as I was 1/2 out if the bolsters. It also made me nervous as my head was off the seatback and had more range of motion than it probably should if things went wrong. I could be totally wrong but I didn't like it and just got used to sitting a bit further back. Edit: I'm sure the insert would help keep the driver in place side to side more than a cushion would. Building on this point, I would think that whatever you use should not be compressible for the reasons given above. I assume the stuff they use in IMSA doesn't compress at all so you don't have worry about bouncing inside the belts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bremsen Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 The A/B foam is fairly rigid. We used it to get the shorter drivers' seat height up and to move legs forward (insert came up to around the mid-back) so they were a bit more laid back in the seat. Then we used a steering wheel spacer to find a happy medium for reach for all drivers. I'm over 6' and had more of a "NASCAR" driving position, while the shorter drivers (5'6"ish) arms were a bit more extended, but it worked pretty well for such a big disparity in driver height. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators E. Tyler Pedersen Posted May 8, 2017 Author Administrators Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 14 minutes ago, Bremsen said: The A/B foam is fairly rigid. We used it to get the shorter drivers' seat height up and to move legs forward (insert came up to around the mid-back) so they were a bit more laid back in the seat. Then we used a steering wheel spacer to find a happy medium for reach for all drivers. I'm over 6' and had more of a "NASCAR" driving position, while the shorter drivers (5'6"ish) arms were a bit more extended, but it worked pretty well for such a big disparity in driver height. Where did you get your foam from if you don't mind me asking @Bremsen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gr1vlet Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 21 minutes ago, Bremsen said: The A/B foam is fairly rigid. We used it to get the shorter drivers' seat height up and to move legs forward (insert came up to around the mid-back) so they were a bit more laid back in the seat. Then we used a steering wheel spacer to find a happy medium for reach for all drivers. I'm over 6' and had more of a "NASCAR" driving position, while the shorter drivers (5'6"ish) arms were a bit more extended, but it worked pretty well for such a big disparity in driver height. Okay I didn't think of it that way. I suppose if the shoulders stay as close to the seatback as possible and the sub belt is at a good angle you'd be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bremsen Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 1 hour ago, Crank Yankers Racing said: Where did you get your foam from if you don't mind me asking @Bremsen My employer, but its the exact same stuff that Pegasus sells. 1 hour ago, gr1vlet said: Okay I didn't think of it that way. I suppose if the shoulders stay as close to the seatback as possible and the sub belt is at a good angle you'd be good to go. Exactly, I didn't want to move their shoulders off the seat back (seemed like a bad idea), just get their legs forward for better pedal reach and torso higher for better sight lines. Here is the difference in video: This is the 5'6" (maybe) driver: https://youtu.be/C8vYy_g5pWk My brother (5'10"): https://youtu.be/kJ-3dgm_u5k 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEE DEE Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 The bead seat is better. Second post states where to buy, Pegasus. Great people who have been around for yrs & yrs. Hard core race stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xph Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 1 minute ago, DEE DEE said: The bead seat is better. Second post states where to buy, Pegasus. Great people who have been around for yrs & yrs. Hard core race stuff. Yes, way nicer than expanding foam... a bag of beads (like bean bag chair), you add some glue and sit in it, you dont have to hover... you sit and shift down a bit, and it takes the set... We were looking into how tub seats (like F1 work) considering not buying a seat at all just creating an area to accept a seat insert... the chassis generally just has a general seat shape and they use the foam to hold the driver in driving position, belts hold the driver and foam in place... the only thing it doesn't do well is head restraint, which for a single seater is handled by the chassis. The up side of this, is it allows you to change your layback for short drivers who have the head clearance to sit up more. The down side I can see would be head, neck, and somewhat rib protection; since you could make a "bad" insert, which would not offer enough support... and we probably arent competent enough to judge what is "enough" support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bremsen Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 27 minutes ago, DEE DEE said: The bead seat is better. Second post states where to buy, Pegasus. Great people who have been around for yrs & yrs. Hard core race stuff. Yes it is, but its also $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. If I was driving a FF, FM or Atlantic car I could see going that route, but its a bit pricey for what is basically just a booster seat. I can build 2-4 inserts with the A/B foam, or about $20 per insert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xph Posted May 8, 2017 Report Share Posted May 8, 2017 Garbage bag, bean bag chair fill kit, vacuum cleaner to DIY vacuum bag... Use a marine epoxy like you would for carbon fiber... not a polyester resin like fiberglass... probably have to make a few tries to get the ratio of epoxy to foam correct... At least thats what I was thinking... the epoxy is the most expensive part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcwilliams00 Posted May 9, 2017 Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 Tyler, talk to Troy. He uses the two part foam, and it takes a b out 30 minutes to do. I watched him make one the night before Sebring for a driver. Super easy. Just have to be careful and not spill it everywhere. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Technical Advisory Committee hornerevan Posted May 9, 2017 Technical Advisory Committee Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 If you're trying to accommodate us little guys without moving the seat, I potentially would try to build a single butt-booster for your tall and skinny drivers, and then have a second booster for your butt-booster for vertically challenged folks like myself, Misha, Troy, etc. Feel free to bug me whenever as well if you would like me to clarify further or walk you through anything. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoachMK21 Posted May 9, 2017 Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 We didn't use the bean bag filler stuff. We used varying thicknesses of styrofoam insulation board that we had in the shop. We still had to hold ourself up for a little while, but it wasn't an issue at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 9, 2017 Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 Might be a bit messy, but what about the expandable insulation foam you can buy at Home Depot/Lowes? Shoot it in to those clothes storage bags, vacuum or trim out the excess. Then cover in gaffers tape...I know you have gaffers tape...LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi_Im_Will Posted May 9, 2017 Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 45 minutes ago, Doc said: Might be a bit messy, but what about the expandable insulation foam you can buy at Home Depot/Lowes? Shoot it in to those clothes storage bags, vacuum or trim out the excess. Then cover in gaffers tape...I know you have gaffers tape...LOL Looked into this a while ago, was more expensive than the 2 part foam kit, and not as strong. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoachMK21 Posted May 9, 2017 Report Share Posted May 9, 2017 Yea, the "Great Stuff" expandable form isn't very hard, so it would probably compress more than desired from constant use and on impact. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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