VXR GamePod GTX

  • Thread starter Thread starter kris8583
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Hey phil, pleased you got your seat and your happy with it. Could you not brace the existing Gamepod seat brackets with a cross section? Seems a shame to have to do away with the proper mounts because they look so good.
 
kris8583
Hey phil, pleased you got your seat and your happy with it. Could you not brace the existing Gamepod seat brackets with a cross section? Seems a shame to have to do away with the proper mounts because they look so good.
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Funnily enough, I was thinking that this morning!! So I'd just still mount the seat to a rectangle of 20mm MDF and I can bolt that to the existing seat supports just to see how it is.

My doubts are that it'll be a little on the high side, since the runner/slide mechanism is quite bulky on a car seat and the 20mm MDF won't help, but I guess it won't harm to check..

I could as you say brace the existing supports, I could shape 2 pieces of wood to go between the frame legs front/back of the existing seat brackets to make a box with the two original metal brackets left and right, and substantial wood bracing front and back!

At least if it is too high, I have an easy diy solution to getting it lower and bracing it for the extra weight without having to modify and ruin the existing seat brackets..

I'll probably make the wooden frame up as well to compare, and see which will look better, as it's a car seat, the lower plastics don't cover much and don't look that neat, not like a nice Bucket seat which is all scuplted nicely down to it's mounting points!

Oh, and the monitor turned up at work, it should be easy to fit, it comes with small bolts for the vesa mount holes, the stand mechanism simply unscrews and the connections are downward facing and high enough inset such that the cables should be easily hidden! The funny thing is, I had it delivered to work (always someone in to sign for deliveries), but I forgot that I was on the push bike this morning, so had to talking nicely to the missus to come and pick it up..

If the cables turn up at home today, then I should have everything I need to get the rig up and running! Maybe just need some bolts to secure the seat to the MDF and MDF to the gamepod seat brackets, but B&W do packs of 10 for £3-£4 worse case..


I'm lucky that I've been able to just order and get everything in a couple of days, normally it'd have been done over a few months due to finances!!!

What's your rough outline of what bits you need/when you'll be able to complete the rig?
 
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Just an idea, if your going to spend £20-£30 or so doing your own d.i.y mount for the seats id recommend getting the "Butkicker Plate" as it would only cost about £50.

It works well with the tactile units/Buttkickers giving your seat a solid tactile feedback. I have 4 Buttkickers attached to below my own. Also has mounts for future shifter attachments etc.

If interested check with them as they do two different versions for different seats.
(Those that attach underneath and those that have mounts wider apart and need seat brackets)
See Link
 
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Mr Latte
Just an idea, if your going to spend £20-£30 or so doing your own d.i.y mount for the seats id recommend getting the "Butkicker Plate" as it would only cost about £50.
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I was going to suggest the same at least then you have the option.
 
phil-t
I'm lucky that I've been able to just order and get everything in a couple of days, normally it'd have been done over a few months due to finances!!!

What's your rough outline of what bits you need/when you'll be able to complete the rig?
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Well the bucket is coming Monday, hopefully get a monitor over the weekend. Id like your opinion on the viewsonic as the updated version of that monitor does not come with VESA, otherwise I would go for that as it does not have the curved bottom edge.

After that is all in place and wires are fed through the frame, I need to sort the surround sound and then its almost there.

UPDATE: Castors and 3m power cable for PS3 arrived this morning, need to wait for HDMI cable then I can strip the RHS of the frame down and get the wiring in place.
 
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OK since its a VXR BTCC themed frame would it be suitable to go for a VXR livery over the frame? It would have to be done properly so as to not look tacky:

2008-Vauxhall-Vectra-VXR-BTCC-1.jpg


Let me know your thoughts.....
 
kris8583
Well the bucket is coming Monday, hopefully get a monitor over the weekend. Id like your opinion on the viewsonic as the updated version of that monitor does not come with VESA, otherwise I would go for that as it does not have the curved bottom edge.

After that is all in place and wires are fed through the frame, I need to sort the surround sound and then its almost there.
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kris8583
OK since its a VXR BTCC themed frame would it be suitable to go for a VXR livery over the frame? It would have to be done properly so as to not look tacky:

2008-Vauxhall-Vectra-VXR-BTCC-1.jpg


Let me know your thoughts.....
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Wow, we should both be up and running very quickly then!

I like the VXR Idea, I'm a bit of a Vx Fan (ever since I had an Astra GTE 16V), and did look at getting a VxR Seat, but they are all to expensive!!

I think a theme like that would look really good if done tastefully, the plain red/black does look a little bare, it needs something to make it look more sporty!
 
Mr Latte
Nice, though just type in "VXR Badge" into ebay search :)
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I've had a quick look but we have loads of vinyl sign makers around here to get some of the sponsors logos made up. Still undecided as to whether I will go down this path, but it will definitely be a few months down the road.

I have enlarged the hole I cut in the side of the frame for all the cables to pass through and started getting them in place, I started with the USB DS3 charging lead. The hole is big enough for the HDMI connector to fit through and the hole is low enough to have the cable come out from under the seat mounting bracket.

I fitted the castors and will take some pics over the weekend when all the cables are in place, then I will be ready to install my bucket on Monday and order a red acrylic shelf custom cut to fit under the bucket.

Plenty of tinkering lies ahead!
 
Hey all, got a small update. I have decided to follow in phils footsteps and ordered a Viewsonic VX2439WM monitor for my rig. From what phil has said about it and the reviews I have read its supposed to be a great monitor for the money.

The rest of the cables I needed have turned up and I have managed to get them all in place. My bucket should be getting fitted on Monday after it arrives and I am hoping the monitor will also turn up, if not that should be here Tuesday.

I will wait until its all here and post a few pics.
 
kris8583
Hey all, got a small update. I have decided to follow in phils footsteps and ordered a Viewsonic VX2439WM monitor for my rig. From what phil has said about it and the reviews I have read its supposed to be a great monitor for the money.

The rest of the cables I needed have turned up and I have managed to get them all in place. My bucket should be getting fitted on Monday after it arrives and I am hoping the monitor will also turn up, if not that should be here Tuesday.

I will wait until its all here and post a few pics.
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Excelllent news!

Your work on getting the cabling sorted first is defo the way to go, Its a lot easier to do this when the frame is bare!

I'm going to fit the surround sound system before stripping it down to allow me to hide all the cables and paint the custom bits I've had to add.

Get some pics up when you can, it helps others (like me) to get inspiration on doing these things!
 
I found that getting the cables through the frame and around the bottom angle was a little tricky (especially the HDMI). By threading some strong string through I could use the existing holes to pull it through, tie it to each cable and pull them along the frame. The hole I had to make under the seat is a little messy but wont be seen when the seat mount is put back in place and it brings all the cables required for the PS3 out in one convenient place for me to connect up.

Like Phil says, its alot easier to do all this before adding the components but I had to mount my wheel to install the USB feed for the PS3.

After the bucket and screen are fitted I will have to fab up a bracket for the gear shift and then strip the shifter. I have to remove the wiring to feed that through the other side of the frame to where it will mount beside the seat, rather than have the small shelf mounted by the wheel.

If I get chance today I will add pics of this stage and show all the wiring in place before the seat and monitor arrive.
 
Ok as promised a couple of pics to show the rig as it is up to now;

IMG_8124.jpg

Managed to get the cables in and tidy, there is a hole on the left of the plugs and I threaded through the side of the frame to under the bucket.

IMG_8118.jpg

Heres the other end all taped up to stop the cables cutting on the edges of the hole I made

IMG_8120.jpg

As you can see with the seat mount fitted it looks quite neat, so we have HDMI, Power and G27 USB cables all in place. I was going to route the USB charger too but its just as easy to have it come up the side of the bucket. Need to get my shelf ordered now for the PS3 to sit on and tidy it all up a bit.

IMG_8128.jpg

Heres the frame ready for the monitor and bucket, cant wait to get them here now and get it moving along. Castors have replaced the front adjustable legs to make it loads easier to move around.

Sorry its only a small update, more soon!
 
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Matches the wallpaper, see thinking of the wife already.
Huh and they say us men can be selfish or dont try to please our women!
 
Mr Latte
Matches the wallpaper, see thinking of the wife already.
Huh and they say us men can be selfish or dont try to please our women!
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Haha, well I was clearly thinking of her when I ordered the red bucket!

Speaking of which waiting for a knock at the door this morning, I hate waiting....................
 
ozone
phew, clean cable management!
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Cheers mate, the bucket has arrived and has been fitted. I havent had chance to get some pics up and im now at work so I will post them tomorrow. Had confirmation for monitor delivery in the morning so will be already to go tomorrow night!
 
phil-t
Superb news Kris!

Can't wait to see your pics, and await your initial impressions!
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i finish work at 9 in the morning i hope the monitor does not turn up before then! i have noticed that even with the seat as far back as it will go that the pedals are still a bit close so may have to mod it a bit
 
kris8583
i finish work at 9 in the morning i hope the monitor does not turn up before then! i have noticed that even with the seat as far back as it will go that the pedals are still a bit close so may have to mod it a bit
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Yeah, as you can see by mine, I just temporarily moved the pedal tray forward by a 'hole'.. when I've sussed out the maximum I need them to go forward, I'm going to drill some new holes to ensure the overhang is only as much as is required..
 
Ok guys and gals so here is pretty much the finished rig. I have really enjoyed the build process and I would like to thank everyone for their kind words.

So......here it is:

IMG_8187.jpg


IMG_8189.jpg

After reviewing loads of monitors within my budget and partly thanks to Phil-t the Viewsonic got the thumbs up.

IMG_8190.jpg

My bucket was a bargain thanks to ebay and is fully adjustable.

IMG_8192.jpg

Ok so this is my last job I have to complete for the frame, I need to order an acrylic shelf to mount the PS3.

IMG_8193.jpg

Plenty of room for the PS3 and for adding a Buttkicker, maybe at a later date.

IMG_8195.jpg

Im 5` 9" and despite the fact the bucket is on runners I still dont have enough leg room, similar to Phil-t. So I have had to extend the pedals out around 6cm over the edge of the chequer plating.

IMG_8201.jpg

Yes your perfectly right that is a Nissan GTR sideways around the Ring.

My first impressions are that I doubt I could find a better base frame, GamePod are known for their build quality and the GTX is the flagship model. I am sure Phil-t will agree with me there. The autostyle bucket is spot on and can be reclined for COD days or a lazy Sunday drive. Games and Bluerays on the Viewsonic are great, but the sound quality (for now) is not the best. Now the pedals have been repositioned the whole thing feels more natural and can get my laptimes down some more. I am contemplating reverse mounting the pedals at some stage but I dont want too many holes drilled all over and for it to look a mess. Plus the kids would be pulling at the wires and my G27 is not going to be bricked by the little ones just yet!

So here is an equipment run-down of the rig so far;

320gb Sony PS3
Logitech G27
GamePod GTX VXR
Viewsonic VX2439WM
Autostyle Eco T Reclining Bucket Seat

The only other items I need to add are a surround sound system and a Buttkicker, will keep trawling ebay until I find "the one" and then post an update of it. I think that will be after Christmas though due to kids birthdays, Santa coming to visit etc.

Hope you have enjoyed the build as much as I have.
 
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Ahh that's mint man.

Enjoy it.
I wouldnt recommend having the PS3 close to a Buttkicker though.
May be possible to add a bracket/shelf for the PS3 behind the monitor and have it upright?
 
Thanks for the opinions guys, yeah I might have to rethink the Buttkicker then but not too concerned for now.

So I have a rig but still cant win the pissing FGT Championship on GT5! Its the only races I need to do apart from a few of the enduros but waiting for in game save before I tackle them!
 
Very slick rig... oh and some pretty stylish wallpaper to match:sly:
Are you keeping the shifter up beside the wheel or are you planing on mounting it in the ergonomically correct location? I like the GT sticker!
 
kris8583
Thanks for the opinions guys, yeah I might have to rethink the Buttkicker then but not too concerned for now.

So I have a rig but still cant win the pissing FGT Championship on GT5! Its the only races I need to do apart from a few of the enduros but waiting for in game save before I tackle them!
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Nicesetup.

Throw 60 ballast all the way back in the fgt.
 
occasionalracer
Very slick rig... oh and some pretty stylish wallpaper to match:sly:
Are you keeping the shifter up beside the wheel or are you planing on mounting it in the ergonomically correct location? I like the GT sticker!
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I was going to move the shifter to beside the seat but for now I have drilled a couple of holes and mounted the shelf at an angle and more forward than its original position. It feels loads better and I will see how it goes but may still move it in the future.

I will try the 60kg ballast in the FGT and let you know how I get on!
 
Managed to get my hands on a surround sound system. Now I have to find places to mount the speakers and where to put the head unit. I have a few ideas of where to mount the front 3 speakers and im thinking of mounting the rears into my bucket seat under the cloth. Going to do a bit of research and see what info I can find.

The speakers when removed from the housing have holes for mounting 7cm apart, does anyone know where I could get some cheap adaptors/mounts for them to sit in with new speaker grilles. The grilles are grey and want to replace with black and make them a bit smaller
 
Hey guys, got a question for you all.

Where my seat is fitted it has flexed out the sides of the GTX frame a little (about 6-8mm each side) this is because the mounts for the seat dont exactly mirror the fitments on the seat mounts.

I would like to fit a threaded bar across the frame under the seat and adjust it to pull the frame back into alignment. There are spare M6 threaded holes in the frame and wanted to use these.

If i bought a threaded M6 rod and screwed it into one end, it counteracts the other end (as I side tightens clockwise it reverses the other side and will untighten). So how could I overcome this, can I buy a tube with opposite threads each end and attach a bar to each side of this and the frame?

I need the frame square so a shelf can be fitted, I know its not far out but want it to right.
 

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