Build: G25ARC - G25 Aluminum Racing Cockpit: Launch Day Update!!! - 11/24/10

[2JZFAN]

Well the seat arrived today!!! It's in perfect condition, I'm very pleased with this purchase.

My only concern now are the rails and how to mount this thing..

One of the rear tabs is made to bolt to the tunnel not a flat surface.. I don't know what would be easier but unfortunately it will involve some form of fabrication to be done right. Another option would be to ditch the OE rails and use some profile along with a few corner brackets. The seat has some mounting points that are pretty easy to access. What do you guys think?

Sketch is looking good man! Can't wait to see the final product!

Thanks, I'm working on it. I decided to put the rear section out further so I can add an arm rest on the right side later on. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the pedal area, I put an e-mail out to 8020 for some advise. I'm trying to figure out if the swivel stuff is strong enough to support the wheel in the way I'm planning on doing this. I may just end up getting small angled pieces cut instead of trying to make things so adjustable.

Are you hanging your pedals while in their original case? From the looks of it, you'll want to have them more upright than 45*. I originally designed mine at 45* and found it to not be enough of an angle to be comfortable for my feet. Those seats look amazing.

No but thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind as I continue to work on it. My pedals are coming out of the case.. Other then that I need roughly 18" from the pedals to the seat.

 

[Jav]

Seat is looking great!! Yoo could fabricate something out of aluminum angles I guess... Hope you find a solution and get everything ready for GT5!!

 

[2JZFAN]

I've put an e-mail out to 8020 for some info on a few of their components. I'm trying to decide on what to do for the pedals or steering. I've got a few ideas from other rigs I've seen but I need to finally decide if this thing will be collapsible or just conveniently small. I always wanted to make the thing go flat but I'm not sure if the hinge assemblies will be strong enough. I'm willing to do some minor disassembly but I don't know enough about the components to be sure. If anyone has any insight, please feel free. 👍

Seat is looking great!! Yoo could fabricate something out of aluminum angles I guess... Hope you find a solution and get everything ready for GT5!!

I'm going to order some extra bits from 8020 and see what I can make work.. I put it on a flat surface and all things considered it is true so I'm pretty sure I can make it work.

 

[Jav]

I like the concept! That sketch looks awsome, gives you a lot of options astetically wise! Keep it up!

 

[2JZFAN]

I like the concept! That sketch looks awsome, gives you a lot of options astetically wise! Keep it up!

Well today was a loss of a day, I was a little too busy for my own good. I heard back from 8020 and two local distributors.. Nobody was really able to aid me with anything but I was directed to someone at 8020 who might be able to help me finalize this thing.

 

[Jav]

Don't know if they are in Miami, but you might wat to give Alro Metals a look! I've got all my sheet aluminum from them for cheap...

 

[G27]

is it a sketchup model? if so can you upload the file, was looking into building a cockpit and i am looking into alternatives from my ideas..

 

[2JZFAN]

Don't know if they are in Miami, but you might wat to give Alro Metals a look! I've got all my sheet aluminum from them for cheap...

South Florida isn't just Miami I'm in Palm Beach County 👍 It looks like they have a corporate office in Boca. I'll look into them, the 8020 isn't very expensive it is the joining plates and other parts that add up quickly.

is it a sketchup model? if so can you upload the file, was looking into building a cockpit and i am looking into alternatives from my ideas..

Attached is v2, the difference is the front section is outside the seating portion. The reason I've decided to make the rear larger in v3 is that I may choose to add arm rests later on. Enjoy & make sure to post pictures! 👍

*Edit - I've also attached are some builds by others I'm using for inspiration. Check them out, let me know what you think..

 

[G27]

Would the HT Series Tube work or is that too thin?

 

[2JZFAN]

I got another package today! It turned out to be everything I was hoping and more I couldn't be more pleased with this upgrade.

Would the HT Series Tube work or is that too thin?

I'll be posting a review of both the chilicoke components and the MOMO 350mm wheel after the cockpit is completed.

I would contact 8020 and ask them directly, I think it would work but I wouldn't suggest using the HT series profile. The profile itself isn't the expense IMO, the dollars add up on the brackets & gussets. Considering the HT series utilizes the same bracketry you made save a few dollars but you sacrifice true modularity.

*Edit - Found someone who went that route http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=2695

 

[Jav]

Man that wheel looks awsome and the padles are just perfect! Looking great so far!

 

[MMeglen]

I'm really thinking about ordering that wheel for my g27. It looks WAY more comfortable in that material compared to the cheap leather/vinyl on my wheel at the moment.

 

[G27]

I'll be posting a review of both the chilicoke components and the MOMO 350mm wheel after the cockpit is completed.

I would contact 8020 and ask them directly, I think it would work but I wouldn't suggest using the HT series profile. The profile itself isn't the expense IMO, the dollars add up on the brackets & gussets. Considering the HT series utilizes the same bracketry you made save a few dollars but you sacrifice true modularity.

*Edit - Found someone who went that route http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=2695

What do you mean by modularity? Also the HT series seems to be easier to connect (considering it has holes in it already)

 

[2JZFAN]

I'm still having trouble with the geometry of the cockpit.. I've been in touch with 8020 but so far I think I've been sent in the wrong direction. I'm going to try to lock it down today.. I'm running out of time.

Man that wheel looks awsome and the padles are just perfect! Looking great so far!

Honestly I don't think the photos do the combo justice.. I keep walking by it and can't help but stare. It's a much more positive feeling over the OE wheel. I was also very surprised how light the wheel turned out to be compared to the OE.

I'm really thinking about ordering that wheel for my g27. It looks WAY more comfortable in that material compared to the cheap leather/vinyl on my wheel at the moment.

Very comfortable and it provides a very solid feeling in your hands. The material wan't stand up to time as well as leather or vinyl but I knew that going in.

What do you mean by modularity? Also the HT series seems to be easier to connect (considering it has holes in it already)

The aluminum profiles allow you to connect things anywhere and in turn provide more adjustment. The HT series comes with holes in it so every change would be limited by those holes VS the rail like system the aluminum profile provides. I think it'd still be fine for the application but your measurements & geometry would need to be dead on as the HT would be less forgiving. If you plan the cockpit right it should require minimal cuts and you could even get away without drilling.. In the end, it's all in the design.

 

[2JZFAN]

Geometry problems are done with, I just submitted my design to 8020! I should have a call to go over the fine details but we're almost there. As you can see I ended up re-designing a few times (5 total).

In the end I sacrificed the ability to tilt the wheel so that we could add more strength & rigidity. There are two main sections to the base the front and rear which can slide forward & back. I provisioned room for arm rests but I decided to mount the shifter temporarily as you see. The way shifter is I can make minor adjusts side-to-side and slide it forward or back on the outside rail of the rear section. I've also made it so the pedals could be raised or lowered. In short everything that can be adjusted can be corrected with another adjustment.

The geometry is based on my car with a few tweaks for comfort (ie. shifter location).

 

[G27]

cool (keep us updated if 80/20 accepts the design...and how much is it?) I would like a cockpit like this....

How do the pieces connect together though?

 

[2JZFAN]

cool (keep us updated if 80/20 accepts the design...and how much is it?) I would like a cockpit like this....

How do the pieces connect together though?

Thanks, I'll definitely let you guys know.. I will say 8020 isn't THAT expensive an option when compared to retail cockpits. I overbuilt this a bit compared to some I've seen but I also wanted to be able to enclose the pedal area later on.

The 45 degree angles are drilled through the center, some corners will get inner connectors, some connections will be gusseted. I've designed the cockpit with an 8020 catalog in hand so I did my best to keep connections in mind. 8020 wanted a chance to rough it out and then they will collaborate with me on the details to wrap it all up.

 

[Jav]

Final design is looking great man! Hope it comes together in time for the release!

 

[2JZFAN]

Final design is looking great man! Hope it comes together in time for the release!

Thanks, I hope so but I don't think it will make it. They've been working on it today but my representative is going to be out of the office Monday. As of right now I've been guaranteed an approved & completed model by Tuesday end of day. That would mean at best it could ship out Wednesday.. Honestly though it isn't the end of the world.. I waited this long already I can wait a couple more days.

Not unrelated to this project some home stereo components have come in! PS, I'm taking over the living room!

 

[G27]

do you have an estimate of the price?

 

[2JZFAN]

do you have an estimate of the price?

I've got an estimate started but I'm just planning on letting them tell me when they complete the first pass.. I know that in aluminum profile at full MSRP it's just north of $250 right now. They're going to make suggestions on how to make it stronger, lighter, and most importantly more cost effective. The loads we're going to introduce aren't much compared to what aluminum profile can handle but good connections are key. They know their product so I'll leave the final decisions to them, I just wanted to put the project in a direction.

I feel I may have overbuilt this revision a bit compared to what I've seen out there. I'm going to try and make another design just in case this one is to expensive. 👍

 

[G27]

-

 

[2JZFAN]

Here is what i came up with

I like both of those, the HT is really intriguing.. Have you thought about how you're going to connect them? What about those angeled pieces? How will you secure them? What are you planning to use to pivot the steering assembly with the aluminum profile?

This is my most cost effective design.. I was able to drop roughly $50 dollars in aluminum profile alone. I'd like to be able to tilt the steering wheel but I don't know if the parts available will hold under load.. My lack of experience with this stuff is what is limiting me in design..

 

[RTSandel23]

Looks incredible...be sure to keep us posted and I can't wait to see final pics of this thing.

 

[G27]

I like both of those, the HT is really intriguing.. Have you thought about how you're going to connect them? What about those angeled pieces? How will you secure them? What are you planning to use to pivot the steering assembly with the aluminum profile?

This is my most cost effective design.. I was able to drop roughly $50 dollars in aluminum profile alone. I'd like to be able to tilt the steering wheel but I don't know if the parts available will hold under load.. My lack of experience with this stuff is what is limiting me in design..

Can you upload the file for that design?

 

[2JZFAN]

Launch Day Update


Like many of you I received my copy of GT5 CE today

As an update on hardware I completed the modifications to my shifter. I added the o-ring to stiffen reverse, used a motherboard standoff as a spacer to stiffen shifting, and applied tape over the shift holes to quiet down the clicking.

As for the cockpit, I received my first drawing from 80/20 yesterday. My 80/20 representative called today and there are a few changes to be made so I'm currently awaiting the next draft. Overall I'm very pleased with my dealings with FOMOCO and 80/20 Inc, very professional & talented people. I don't have any final figures yet but things are looking good budget wise. I'll keep you guys posted as things progress.

For now I'm going to enjoy some GT5.. but not too much. I hope you all will do the same & have a Happy Thanksgiving! 👍

 

[Jav]

How is this coming along man? Don't get to distracted by GT5!! I did!

 

[8800's@over]

Launch Day Update

(...)

The Clicking Mod is for the G25?

I say because the G27 also makes some noise when the ball moves, the tape can withstand without tearing?

 

[Rusty*]

The Clicking Mod is for the G25?

I say because the G27 also makes some noise when the ball moves, the tape can withstand without tearing?

Probably Electrical tape...well at least that's what I used and it has all but completely removed the 'clicking sound'. Although to much tape and not clearly defined enough gear shift holes will cancel out any changes to firm up the shifter unit.👍
R*

 

[nicka117]

Well, your design is very sturdy but you haven't left much in the way of adjustability. Here is a link to one of the many 8020 cockpits I've built. I don't want to get you sideways but it's just some more ideas to kick around.
The design is very sturdy and adjustable in every way imaginable.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=129230