New Project

[maulreize]

I have been reading these forums for about 3 weeks now; ever since I saw the new fanetech wheel on some gaming news site. I had never really been that into the idea of owning a wheel. The last time I saw wheel technology and I was into racing games, I was in college (over 5 years ago) and I didn't have the money to buy food, let alone a racing add-on. Since then the console racing world has changed quite a bit. After seeing the new fanetech wheel and the G25 I knew I had to have one (or the other). I also knew I had no suitable place to mount the wheel...

Since my "John the Baptist" moment I have immersed myself into the world sim racers and I have decided to build my own. I looked at a lot of different building materials, but then I remembered that I had no metal working tools or welding skills and that my woodworking abilities leave much to be desired. Subsequently I have decided to use 2"ABS piping. I don't plan on having this officially finished until sometime around the release of GT5. I could have everything together by next month if I wanted, but I haven't decided on which wheel I want to buy. There are only 2 affordable options with clutch pedals and they both have their respective drawbacks (from what I've been able to gather). I want to wait until the g27 is released before I make my decision.

I ordered all the ABS piping online (they just don't sell it in upstate NY), as well as the fittings, pipe cutter, glue, Summit Racing Seat & cover--sliders included. So far I have only received the seat and sliders. The seat covers are on backorder until 9/7:tdown:. I plan on using an old dresser top as my playing surface. In total this is going to cost me about $200-$300 to build from scratch (including new tools). I know I can buy setups for near this cost, but I like the design and implementation of DIY. I will finish (most of) the rig before I buy the wheel and Ill use this thread to keep you all updated with pictures. I should be starting this next weekend (8/8).

 

[Jordan]

Hi there, welcome to GTPlanet! You've found the right place to discuss a project like this - good luck and please keep us updated. 👍

 

[maulreize]

Thanks for the welcome. Ive been drawing out some models (by hand) in order to get a better idea of a final materials list. I'll save them and maybe post them if you all like the final product.<--Ive been having some trouble drawing 3D models w/o CAD, but Im doing this in my free time at work so "it is what it is". At this point all the drawings are 2D "top downs" and profiles. Here is my preliminary costs list. This includes shipping and tax charges. All prices are in USD.

ABS Pipe fittings and Glue= $108.32
Based on my drawings Ill need about 42 pipe fittings (tees, 90 degrees and 45 degrees). I decided to get 2 extras of all three types in case something unexpected happens during construction

ABS Pipe= $56.69
I decided to buy four 10foot lengths of ABS. I think 3 will be enough, but I dont want to run short and Ive never used/manipulated the material before. Extra isnt a bad thing...

Summit Racing Seat/Cover/Rails= $127.90
This part hurt a little. I really wanted to go down to the local pay and pluck and get something nice (and cheap). I made this purchase on a whim and it probably cost me $75-$100 more going online rather than local. I'd say buying this online was/is more convenient, but the seat cover is on backorder for about 6 weeks. Ahh well....

ButtKicker Gamer II= $99 even
When I originally placed my order, it was got the ButtKicker Gamer I. At the time I didnt know that it was on backorder from the producer. The guy I was dealing with was nice enough to upgrade my model to the new ButtKicker at no additional cost and gave me free shipping for waiting over 3 months for my bass transducer.

Logitech G27 $299
I got this for free as a birthday/Christmas gift from my girlfriend. However, if I had paid for it, it would have cost me $299 even.

That puts the total at $392.91. Others can save about $100-$125 with measurements, a complete plan, and a local junkyard.
If I had bought the wheel, the total would have been $681.91. My goal was not to save money, but to spend about the same money as it would have cost me to buy a WheelStand Pro or some other pre-made cockpit as a project. Thus far I have very happy with the results!

 

[TB]

Ive been having some trouble drawing 3D models w/o CAD, but Im doing this in my free time at work so "it is what it is". At this point all the drawings are 2D "top downs" and profiles.

I have AutoCAD at work and at home. If you're interested, I can see what I can work up for you.

 

[maulreize]

I have AutoCAD at work and at home. If you're interested, I can see what I can work up for you.

Rather than have you draw up plans that people might night like, I think Ill build it first and submit my best drawings to you if that comes up in the future. I have a good idea of what I want to do on paper/in my head. The 3D images will help others save some money. I like to play around a bit. I do appreciate the offer and I may take you up, depending on how this goes.

 

[TB]

No problem, maulreize. If you do decide to have me work something up (or at least attempt ) shoot me a PM. I'll likely forget and to be honest, I hardly ever come in the Wheels and Cockpits section in the first place.

Good luck with the build!

 

[maulreize]

So I had some time to look at the assembly of the brackets and the chair. I got the chair/brackets/dual locking sliders kit for $99 plus tax and shipping (127 and change total). The brackets for the chair work in C or Z formation and mount to the sliders

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/sum-g1150.pdf

The sliders hook to the chair and voila, sliding seats.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/sum-g1152.pdf

This is a little trivial, but the sliders dont have holes for the chair, or the frame. My issue with this is that I bought this as a kit. That means I also need to buy some bits to drill metal. Instead, I think Ill just throw the mounting brackets to the side. I may be able to retrofit them later in some other capacity. I am pretty sure I can mount the sliders directly to the seats (with some longer bolts). The kit is $99, but you arent saving any money by buying separately. Well, you save like 3 dollars or something. If you really want to save on a seat, go craigslist or junkyard. You can see in the instructions for the sliders where it talks about "mounting the crossbar." There are no picture instructions, but Im including some pictures which should show you how to do it, Also, the pipe cutter I bought from Amazon is definitely no larger than 1 1/4 inch (unless I am misunderstanding something about how this works). I watched some usage videos on youtube and Im pretty sure they're smaller than advertised. I'll start the exchange process tomorrow morning. I have also included a picture of a mounting hole. In order to screw the sliders down you need to pull the arm so that the slider will move and reveal the holes. This goes in two directions (for two holes). More when I have more....

 

[maulreize]

And here is the plastic "pipe cutter size" pic Someone please tell me if I am wrong but I think this cutter maxes out at 1 1/4 inch.

 

[maulreize]

noob move.

 

[maulreize]

Just a small update here: I have received the ABS piping and fittings in the mail. It ended up costing me more than it should have because I was a little impatient (I'll updated the cost list when I get closer to a finished product). The pipe cutter I received was indeed too small to cut 2" abs--I shoulda known cause it was much less expensive than comparable items. I sent the original back to Amazon and they sent me a replacement that was the same size!! False advertising really grinds my gears Im going to use a hacksaw instead.

Also, the racing seat comes with 2 bolt sizes for mounting. On size fits the chair, the other fits the sliders. This means Ill have to buy a drill bit to expand the mounting holes. While this adjustment is manageable, I bought this as a kit. I dont think that its unreasonable for the pieces in the kit to fit each other without adjustment. Whatever. Enough moaning. Im going to start building tomorrow (8/13). Ill post some pics later tonight or tomorrow of my design drawings and the parts (pre assembly).

 

[maulreize]

Here are the pictures I promised all of you. I was going to post some of the raw materials but that is boring. I'll let you know I bought 40 feet of ABS and 42 assorted fittings. I have about 14 feet of extra ABS and 5 extra fittings. Ill post a complete materials list so that anyone else that wants to build something like this will know what to buy. I don't remember how I was able to attach the pictures (in my earlier posts) so I apologize for the size of these images. Below are direct links to the picture (which will probably be re-sized by you browser).

**This is a work in progress. Viewers will notice some irregularities and a general asymmetrical nature of the project. Most of this will be fixed during the next phase of the project (glue and screw).**

On to the Pictures! First is the frame itself without a gaming surface or seat.

framewhole
frameback
seatplatform
framefront

Next is a picture of the seat and slider mounted on a piece of wood. This was one of the bigger challenges. As I have posted before, this came as a kit. Sadly it was not really designed to all fit together. This took some real rigging to work properly.


seatslidermounted

The last set of pictures are representative of what the cockpit will probably look like after the next phase. I have decided to hold off on gluing and screwing until I have purchased the G(xx) wheel in order to ensure I get the right look and feel for the final build. You will also notice there currently isn't a place to mount a shifter. I am currently thinking about solutions for mounting that; I don't thing the clamp can close around the 2 inch pipe itself. Please let me know if I am wrong. Otherwise I ill figure it out when I buy the wheel.


frameseattable
frontwtable
backwseat


Any and all input is welcome.

 

[Darkdog786]

All i can say is Thumbs Up mate

 

[maulreize]

All i can say is Thumbs Up mate

Thanks alot.

 

[calaby01]

If the shelf can be mounted to where there is about two inches away from the pvc you shouldn't have any problems mounting the wheel.

 

[maulreize]

If the shelf can be mounted to where there is about two inches away from the pvc you shouldn't have any problems mounting the wheel.

Im not sure I follow you. Can you clarify?

I was planning on mounting the wheel to the black tabletop.

 

[calaby01]

Im not sure I follow you. Can you clarify?

I was planning on mounting the wheel to the black tabletop.

Sit down in the seat the edge of the shelf that is closest to you needs to be mounted to where there is enough of a lip to mount your steering wheel. If this doesn't clear it up I will try to take a pic of my setup, I'm just trying to avoid it as I am technically challenged.

 

[01GTP]

With the pictures added this project is a bit easier to help with.
Looks good so far. Looks really good with the seat mounted.

Im not sure I follow you. Can you clarify?

I was planning on mounting the wheel to the black tabletop.

I have both the DFP and DFGT wheels and you need approximatly 24cm clearance between the tubing so you can clamp your wheel. You also need almost 4cm deep, which looks like no problem.
Someone who has an G25 may know if the clamps are also the same as the DFP/DFGT's.

As for the shifter, make another platform like the wheel platform/tabletop and attach it to another stand made of ABS.
You just need to figure out where to locate it in relation to sitting down and driving. You don't really need the shifter to know where to put it.
As before, just don't glue it if you are unsure.

Keep us updated.

 

[maulreize]

I've been away on vacation. Its nice to see some new comments.

With the pictures added this project is a bit easier to help with.
Looks good so far. Looks really good with the seat mounted.

I have both the DFP and DFGT wheels and you need approximately 24cm clearance between the tubing so you can clamp your wheel. You also need almost 4cm deep, which looks like no problem.
Someone who has an G25 may know if the clamps are also the same as the DFP/DFGT's.

As for the shifter, make another platform like the wheel platform/tabletop and attach it to another stand made of ABS.
You just need to figure out where to locate it in relation to sitting down and driving. You don't really need the shifter to know where to put it.
As before, just don't glue it if you are unsure.

Keep us updated.

Thanks for the advice. The question of how much space I needed in order to mount the wheel itself was one I had thought about, but I figured I would have to do some searching to get an answer. I checked the distance and it was a little bit tight (about 20-22 cm) so Ill need to make sure I pay careful attention to that when I move into phase 2.

I think that I've decided that I am going to buy the G27. I know it doesn't have a sequential shifter, but I hadn't really planned on using that anyway (or the paddles unless Im in a Lambo or something). I'm sold on the Helical gears and slightly stiffer, clack-less shifter. The adjustable pedals are a bonus too. I probably wouldn't switch over if I already had the G25, but if I'm choosing between the two, I'm going with the newer sku. The best price I've seen on a G25 is $214. I think the helical gears will help with the longevity of the wheel. If so, $85 is beans compared to buying a new wheel sooner. I know about Fanatic's new wheels, but I don't plan on buying a 360 anytime soon and I haven't heard the greatest reviews of their service. I would like to hear from forum members about wheel selection in general, though.

 

[maulreize]

My original stated goal was to have my cockpit finished in time for the release of GT5. Seeing as how the game now has a tentitive release date of 3/2010, I now have more time to make my wheel decision. The cockpit is all but done. I am waiting for the G27 to be release do I can see how it affects the pricing of the G25 and make a decison on a wheel then. I contacted the guys that manufacture the ButtKicker Gamer and they said they wont have shipments leaving the warehouse until sometime in Novemeber. I'll update with pics when I buy a wheel.

 

[01GTP]

Yeah, well we have some time before GT5 is released.

I can't give you any advice on those wheels as I only tried a G25 for about 10 minutes.
It felt good. The G27 should be as good and/or better than the 25 and they are both quality products.
The Porsche wheel may have the same quality but at a premium price.

I'm sure someone with one can chime in here.

I think it all depends what you want to spend.

Thanks for the update.

 

[maulreize]

Quick update:

I will finally be getting my ButtKicker Gamer II on Monday (Only 3 months and 5 days after I ordered it). I'll have the cockpit finished (for now) and have new pics up buy Friday. Thanks for all the support!