Let's talk about seat mounting

kendirt · 12/24/15, 6:10 PM

Working on moving the seat in my chain drive car today.

What's the minimum measurement that the helmet should be below the cage?

I have the seat as low as it can go. My head's 4 3/4" below the top of the cage. That seems ok until put a helmet on, then it's less than 2".

I say no cool.

dirtrack · 12/24/15, 6:24 PM

Rule books that specify usually say 3" min, with your helmet on. I try to get mine to 4" or more. Feels a lot better to not look up and see the cage close to my head. Belts can stretch and objects can enter the cage.

on_the_edge · 12/24/15, 6:58 PM

If you have room I have seen guys cut the seat bar out and put one that dips down which allows you to mount it lower. But with a chain drive car not sure how much room you have to work with and what the configuration looks like.

cmiracingvids · 12/24/15, 10:28 PM

Could always add a halo to the top of the roll cage. That should add another inch.

Jonr · 12/24/15, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmiracingvids

Could always add a halo to the top of the roll cage. That should add another inch.

You mentioned a chain drive car, but did not mention if it was a 600 or Lightning Sprint. Both are small cars, (600 being much smaller), You need to think about getting in and out of the car. I would be very hesitant to put a halo on a small car. Definitely limits your options to get out of the car.

CRA91 · 12/24/15, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmiracingvids

Could always add a halo to the top of the roll cage. That should add another inch.

That isn't going to keep you from bouncing your head off of the side bars of the cage though.You need to be 3 to 4 inches lower than the side bars are not just that low at the A frame part of the cage.

treecitytornado · 12/24/15, 11:34 PM

I understand the halo's purpose, but that has always been my concern. Getting in and out of the car or what if you're knocked out and the track workers are trying to get you out?

kendirt · 12/24/15, 11:36 PM

Thanks guys.

I'm down as low as I can go for legroom. Actually would have to take the heal risers out of it as it is now.

Right now I'm thinking of either raising the cage or finding a different car.

Lesson learned...

PatrickMead#13 · 12/25/15, 8:42 PM

Had the same issue with my car a few years ago. I moved the seat around and added a halo thanks to Johnny Murdock at ZERO Motorsports. I caught a bunch of grief for the halo because of getting me out of the car in the event I'm injured. I figured if I'm hurt, cut the cage off because at that point, my well being was more important than a chassis that could be replaced. My containment seat keeps me from hitting my head off the bars.

xoxide · 12/25/15, 9:02 PM

Not going to solve your problem in whole but anybody building their car for 2016 should check into the SCI/kaeding seat mount kit. It's not cheap, however it is an extremely nice and safe piece that is leaps and bounds better and safer than the traditional washers or delrin spacers.

I picked one up last year and will never use anything else.

12/24/15, 6:10 PM	#1 Let's talk about seat mounting
kendirt Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 559	Working on moving the seat in my chain drive car today. What's the minimum measurement that the helmet should be below the cage? I have the seat as low as it can go. My head's 4 3/4" below the top of the cage. That seems ok until put a helmet on, then it's less than 2". I say no cool.

12/24/15, 6:58 PM	#3
on_the_edge Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 330	If you have room I have seen guys cut the seat bar out and put one that dips down which allows you to mount it lower. But with a chain drive car not sure how much room you have to work with and what the configuration looks like.

12/24/15, 11:34 PM	#7
treecitytornado Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,019	I understand the halo's purpose, but that has always been my concern. Getting in and out of the car or what if you're knocked out and the track workers are trying to get you out?

12/24/15, 11:36 PM	#8
kendirt Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 559	Thanks guys. I'm down as low as I can go for legroom. Actually would have to take the heal risers out of it as it is now. Right now I'm thinking of either raising the cage or finding a different car. Lesson learned...

12/25/15, 9:02 PM	#10
xoxide Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 569	Not going to solve your problem in whole but anybody building their car for 2016 should check into the SCI/kaeding seat mount kit. It's not cheap, however it is an extremely nice and safe piece that is leaps and bounds better and safer than the traditional washers or delrin spacers. I picked one up last year and will never use anything else.