Help with cockpit seat: attaching seat rails

[GTeam]

Hi, I'm new to the forums but I've been reading all the cockpit ideas and stuff for a while. I recently bought a Driving Force Pro and I've got a pretty ghetto setup in the works, involving a small table and a 1998 Honda Civic seat.

I'd like to continue making this setup, but my question is: How can you attach the stock seat rails to the wood that I intend to use as a frame? I don't have the bolts (but I could probably get them if I had to). I'm trying to keep the wood as flat as possible to keep level with the ground, but how did you guys do it? I'm not too technical when it comes to woodwork or the different kinds of bolts, washers etc.

Thanks!

 

[flat-beat-eric]

Hi

It is a bit difficult to explain. First of all I suggest you use Steel for your frame then basically all you need to do is drill holes (make sure they line up with the rails) and then bolt them on!

 

[01GTP]

I used 2x4 spruce for my base. If you attach a piece of plywood on top of the base you can attach your rails to that with hardware ( bolts,washrs, etc.) from the hardware store. My seat has no rails for adjustment so I attached it directly to the base. The top of my seat is only 7" off the floor.

 

[GTeam]

flat-beat-eric: I'd love steel, but i think its kind hard to come by compared to wood...or just more expensive.

01gtp: So you're saying I'd have to build a separate platform on top of my base in order to attach the rails, right?

 

[01GTP]

01gtp: So you're saying I'd have to build a separate platform on top of my base in order to attach the rails, right?

No. If the platform is wide enough for the rail bolts, just attach some thick (.75" to 1") plywood to the top, even 2 layers of 1/2" will work fine. That will be plenty strong. Build the inside of the platform wide enough to accommadate wrenchs/sockets to tighten the bolts with big washers from underneath. Attach the plywood on top of the platform where you want the seat to go. I would attach it with just ordinary drywall screws. Deck screws would be better but cost more if your buying them. Use screws about 1 1/2" longer than the thickness on the plywood. Drill any holes needed for your rail bolts and bolt on the seat. If the platform is built already and not wide enough you may have to build something additional.

 

[nobuffalo]

heres all i did, i just put the seat on my base where i wanted it to be, then just drilled holes that were a little smaller than the bolts i was going to use, then i just screwed the bolts into the wood. it works quite well and hasn't moved or loosened up. but im not sure what you got to bolt to, so my way may not work.