More dumb-a$$ race prep questions :-)

campbellcj · 08-09-2002, 08:04 PM

Yeah, it's me again

As one of my first actions as a junior apprentice member of the CSOBOSC, I am currently using an older Konig (P700) race seat, that I ...ahem... reupholstered in black racers tape. I got the pair of solid but cosmetically hopeless seats for really cheap and they seem to be great seats; the equivalent current Konig model is around $4-500/ea new.

Not completely taped, but basically the whole right (tunnel side) bolster.

Am I likely to get a ration of serious bull puckey from the tech inspectors about this? Or just a few chuckles? New seats are on my list, but not nearly bubbled up to the top yet.

Also, POC requires that I strap the battery down with metal-to-metal (a full strap not a wimpy stock clamp) and also add an insulating cover over the + terminal. What is commonly done on 914's in this area? Someday I will probably move the battery up to the front trunk, but probably not until/unless I make the big sixer leap in a year or more. Until then...

campbellcj · 08-09-2002, 08:06 PM

And no fair if B is the first and only guy to answer all these Q's...we need to get this board rolling somehow - so many of the 914/911/944 threads really belong over here, content-wise.

Zeke · 08-09-2002, 09:45 PM

I don't know what is *commonly* done, but I have a car (not a Porsche) that I hold the battery down with three long hose clamps joined end to end and placed arond center section of battery.

If this seems too hokey or unsafe, the auto parts place has a top hold down ring and two j-bolts with thumb screws for about $5.

campbellcj · 08-09-2002, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zeke914
I don't know what is *commonly* done, but I have a car (not a Porsche) that I hold the battery down with three long hose clamps joined end to end and placed arond center section of battery.

If this seems too hokey or unsafe, the auto parts place has a top hold down ring and two j-bolts with thumb screws for about $5.

The thing is, the POC GCR's want it to be bolted securely to the "body"...I'm not sure if just strapping it down to the infamously sketchy (not mine, but lots are) 914 battery tray and support will cut it.

It wouldn't be too hard to cobble something up but I was hoping there's an easy & cheap solution hiding out there someplace.

I guess I could ask the tech or event committee guys what they're looking for...

URY914 · URY914's Garage

I use an angle across the top and two threaded rods on each side of the battery which go thru the angle and down thru the floor. Simple/cheap/light/passes tech everytime.

Jeroen · 08-10-2002, 09:04 AM

Hey Chris,

Get yourself a decent seat, a full fibreglass shell with side mounting and FIA approval
You'll love yourself for it

Sparco, Momo, OMP, Corbeau and Cobra have very nice ones that start somewhere in the $350/400 range

Recaro's are a little priceyer (though the Pole Position model is not that much more expensive)

Lots of shapes and sizes, so best to go to a shop that has 'em so you can actually try them "on" to see what fits you best

Oh, and I'd skip one those flimsey t-frame seats, even though these might be FIA approved as well and even though they're a lot cheaper...

You might consider one of those Kirkey (aluminium?) seats as well, but I believe you need a back-brace with those
(and FIA approved fg-shells don't any more IIRC - check your rule-book)

HTH,

Jeroen

campbellcj · 08-10-2002, 01:22 PM

Yeah Jeroen, I'm gonna get some nice Kevlar or Alum. seats (I need two, cuz I will be in licensing for a year or more and have to be set up for instructors). Eventually....for now I am pinching pennies to get the rest of the car together, and at least its first 1-3 events will have to be done with this seat. The driver's side really isn't that bad. I looked into having them recovered, but it wasn't worth it.

J P Stein · 08-10-2002, 01:39 PM

Heh, heh.........

SCCA solo wanted an insulating cover over the positive terminal.....which I found out on a Saturday night bout 11 pm.....
Bottom of a plastic Penzoil can and duct tape.......they were impressed

It's still on there..........

Jeroen · 08-10-2002, 04:46 PM

Chris,

Even for a temp solution, you won't like the tape on the chairs...
Here's what's gonna happen on a warm/hot day:
From the heat, the glue on the tape will get soft
As a result, the tape will get loose and off the seat
Now all that's on the seat is the glue
Guess where it's gonna end up next

BTDT...

Get a needle, thread & some cloth and fix it (doesn't have to be pretty)
Or better, go buy your toolwench a box 'o chocolate or flowers and ask her really nicely

Cheers,

Jeroen

campbellcj · 08-10-2002, 07:12 PM

Hahahahahaha....

Sorry Jeroen, I was just trying to imagine my wife sewing.

I haven't taken the car out for a long run, but it's been about 100F here lately and the tape is holding up OK so far. It's on the bolster so doesn't get a lot of contact/rubbing. But good advice about doing something in cloth or maybe even leather as a better patch if I do a track event or two with this seat.

Battery strap and cover might be one of tomorrow's projects. Sounds like the plastic container bottom and metal strap+clamp should work fine. JP I got flak from a tech inspector once two and did the same quickie job, piece of plastic & black racers tape. Fugly, but it worked.

Brad Roberts · 08-10-2002, 08:03 PM

I have no idea what you guy's are talking about.

I dont run batteries and my cars dont have seats.

What are rules ??

I drill a single hole right above the battery and use a thin piece of steel 3inches wide and 2 holes in it. One for the new bolt hole and one for the factory bolt hole. I shape the metal to the battery. Should take 3 90deg. bends. I just use the vise and a hammer.

The POS terminal: just tape over the top of it. I steal the plastic covers from Sears display batteries and tape them on.

Theft under 20$ is just a ticket... LOL

B