Fabricating a new cockpit, looking for opinions, experience and ideas

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Bugman

Bugman

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GTP_Bugman
I have to admit, ChiliCoke's cockpit is by far my favorite I've seen anywhere. It wasn't without it's shortcomings (I mean this VERY loosly, that thing is a AWESOME) but, a few of us would have done a couple of things differently. So I'm looking for ideas from you guys on what YOU would have done differently.

Key points that I loved about it:

Sturdy frame
All around sleekness
The top-shelf for things to sit on
Lower shelf to hide wires, cabling, power adapter, amp, etc
Arm rest for shifting/E-brake arm

Thus far, I've only made the lower storage area a hair higher and made the top shelf level by angling the mounting area for the wheel instead of the whole shelf itself. I also added a cup holder to the far left side of the top shelf. I'm not allowed to drink and drive in real life, so, I like to have one or two every-now-and-then when racing :cheers:

All ideas are welcome (this means you too Chili)
 

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**Updated Design**
This is just the wire frame for it, it doesn't show the MDF, Diamond Plate/Rhino Plate (not sure which yet) or any add-ons. TBC
 

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SomeStrangeSin
Is there any measurements to this? Degrees? etc
Click to expand...

Yup. I used a autocad program so every line in it has both a length and degree associated with it. In essence, It's a 3D schematic. For the most part, everything is either 22.5, 50 or 90* angles.
I absolutely LOVE Chilicoke's ideas; So, I based my rig on my 350Zt. I'm going to start fabricating Tueasday and I hope to have it up and running by Saturday morning.

Goodies I'll be adding:
Buttkicker LFE
G27 (from old cockpit)
My old Bose 5.1
350Z handbrake
350Z Seat
Cup holder of course
Rhino Lining on the foot board
Non-slip "pleather" on all other surfaces
**Sunburnt Orange (same as my Z) eventually, too cold to paint right now**

What other ideas has everyone got?
 
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What about a car dash or part car dash incorporated, just for looks and style.
Triple monitors including the PS3 Eye for head tracking is a must for sheer wow factor.

And as an alternative to triple monitors or indeed an addition to be able to also play via a large 3D HDTV and headtracking.
 
I've heard a little about the head tracking of The Eye. I can't find much information on it though. Any ideas where I can get the details on this? I'd like to incorporate a mount for it into the design if it's really true. But, I need more info to know where, etc.

I was supposed to start fabbing tonight, but, an untimely cold is holding me back. Mayne in a day or two I'll get started. Until then, this is what she should look like when I'm done (it's still not a complete schematic, but it's close)
racingcockpitdesign12.jpg

By bug_man at 2010-02-23

racingcockpitdesign10.jpg

By bug_man at 2010-02-23

racingcockpitdesign11.jpg

By bug_man at 2010-02-23
 
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What do you think about TV placement? What is everyone else doing in regards to distance from the screen? I'm currently thinking about 34", the tv is a 42"... at that distance, it seems a little bit big. But, it's new to me and that could be a determining factor on my perception of it.

Thoughts?

cockpitcoveredtvmount.jpg

By bug_man at 2010-02-24
cockpitcoveredtvmount2.jpg

By bug_man at 2010-02-24
 
At that distance 32 inch will do it. I have 26 inch at arms lenght and its pretty suffiecient. I think anything over 32 is over kill at that distance. At 42 inch you might want to move the screen back about another foot or two. Some people get nauseous if a big screen is too close.
 
Radracing
At that distance 32 inch will do it. I have 26 inch at arms lenght and its pretty suffiecient. I think anything over 32 is over kill at that distance. At 42 inch you might want to move the screen back about another foot or two. Some people get nauseous if a big screen is too close.
Click to expand...

im sure gran turismo will make you more nautious
 
SomeStrangeSin
Get yourself one of these, samsung lcd/led 1080p hdtv's! http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40B7000-40-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B001UHMVEU

also dont forget 3D tvs are comming out soon.
Click to expand...

I already have the TV, it's a Samsung LCD 42". I had it wall-mounted in my game room for my last rig. Since im moving most of my gear to the bar and I'm turning my "game room" into a game room (pool table, etc), I have an extra TV. A bi-product of this is that I believe I threw the stand away so I have to mount this thing to my new cockpit. I've drawn-up 15 different ways, not sure yet which I'll use. That will be the last thing added anyway...

What my guys and I have realized though, is a ratio of .85 distance from the TV to the TV size seems to be the money; We tried three different size tvs (42, 52 and 60) that I have here at the house. It is just beyond the "headache" distance and close enough to still overwhelm your peripheral.

*on a side note, I LOVE Samsungs. They are awesome*
 
Those are some great ideas! I will definitely use some of those during this summer while i will try to build my own cockpit
 
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hi where. im new here and realy like chilicoke's design, im tryind to build the same cockpit but i realize that whitout the exact measurments its not posible. does somebody here have the specs for this amazing cockpit.
 
diamante
hi where. im new here and realy like chilicoke's design, im tryind to build the same cockpit but i realize that whitout the exact measurments its not posible. does somebody here have the specs for this amazing cockpit.
Click to expand...

Let me start by welcoming you to this amazing community of racers.
With that said, I'll speak for Chili, myself and everyone else here when I say "maybe you should try your hand at it yourself". I mean this is the most sincere way, it's just the flat truth. Myself, I spent HOURS measuring, drafting, remeasuring, redrafting, measuring again and more drafting. Chili and I have based our cockpits on our cars. If he were on this thread now, he'd encourage you to do the same, just like I am. There is an enormous amount of pride involved in having nothing in-hand (but a brain storm) and ending up with a cockpit that you'd be proud to use, show off and look at everyday. We will be here to help in anyway that we can; I'm currently active on several threads regarding custom cockpitss being built. THere is a ton of experience in this forum at your disposal, use it however you need. Just don't ask for the schematics to a cockpit that someone has spent 200 hrs on developing to date.

Slide over to the "G25 Cockpits, Let's See Them" thread. Tak e a look at the last page (currently) for an idea or reference to get you started if you need.
here - https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87508&page=18
 
tnx bugman for the good words.
you right i realy need to do it on my own so i guess i just go and start measuring my car
the only problem is that mitsubishi diamante 92 is not a race car like yours (z350 s2k)
 
diamante
tnx bugman for the good words.
you right i realy need to do it on my own so i guess i just go and start measuring my car
the only problem is that mitsubishi diamante 92 is not a race car like yours (z350 s2k)
Click to expand...

I agree, she wasn't made for speed:)
My girlfriend wants to go to the Mazda dealer and measure out the RX8 when we start to build her cockpit... Just a thought, but, I can't imagine they'd have a problem with you taking 20 minutes to get what you need. You might even get cool points if you show them what your looking to do!
 
Bugman

The design you have seems to have you sitting off centre.
Every cockpit I know of has the drivers position central to the screen.

Personally I think you should also consider more of your own design ideas than just copy chilicokes.
It looks very similar but suppose thats no bad thing neither.
 
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When I parted out my altima I kept the dash, drivers seat, middle console, driver and pass door panels to use to make mine. I was planning on building a enclosed box out of 3/8 ply to build it all inside so where you would just swing open the door and sit down and shut the door and it would be completely dark besides the tv and the dash lights. We ended up moving into an apartment so that project didn't happen because it would go in the garage, my wife wouldn't let me have that in our bedroom :) That was my plans, you could get all the parts at a junkyard for under $100.00 if you don't have a car you could pull from, I'm in Alabama so its the law to have at least one car that doesn't run in your yard so it wasn't a problem for me :)
 
Mr Latte
Bugman

The design you have seems to have you sitting off centre.
Every cockpit I know of has the drivers position central to the screen.

Personally I think you should also consider more of your own design ideas than just copy chilicokes.
It looks very similar but suppose thats no bad thing neither.
Click to expand...

Your right, it is off center by 3" on a 44" wide tv... I don't think that is a major concern. AIf using a smaller screen, sure. But, this isn’t the case with a larger tv. Unless you own a McLaren F1 and you sit in the middle, I've never seen a driver position that wasn't of to the left. Myself and a great deal of others on here race in cockpit view... It will be just fine :sly:

My own design ideas huh? So, using his as a base and changing just about everything isn't good enough for you? These changes included: how everything is attached, rolled frame instead of welded, taller, wider, attached TV, adjustable steering angle, adjustable sifter placement, adjustable height, 5.1 Dolby II surround, buttkickers... in fact, the only thing that’s same or close is the general dimensions, but, again, mine is taller and wider because my car is taller and wider. Basing a rig on your car is the way to go. Chili more than respects the idea of basing your rig on your own life style and car. Sure, it drew some visual cues from his, why the h**l not though, his looks awesome. I guess you would have all the knock-off racing seats that mimic their more expensive relatives banished too? Because they stole some design cues and look similar, that’s unacceptable? It doesn't matter that one seat is made of Carbon fiber and the other plastic... they look too similar so you don't approve... got'cha.

Well, sorry if you don't approve of my using a tested design as a platform to make it my own with my own tastes, but, that's the good part of this world and this forum, everyone is allowed an opinion.

By the way, what are you racing with?
 
All cockpit's will in the ground construction look the same ( steering wheel in front of the seat,, pedals on the ground ,... ) LOL
No , kidding but maybe youknow what i wanna say with that.

It's the mods and "bodywork" that will drasticlly change the design.

As i sayed mine will look between chilicokes, fanatec's and gt3,*new gt5* cock*haha*pit

but that doesn't mean i'm copying
Look at my momentary cockpit
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87508&page=18
I also worked hours on them (this is my 3rd), in order to get the mesurments and the feeling of the cockpit right.

@breakpoint: like your idea with the door panels, other (dash, console) i was considering too.

Bugman:
No worry I like your design.
Looks fine to me and i bet finished it will not look like chilicokes.
Like your cupholder. But remember : no alcohol behind the wheel!!
my cupholder comes within the dashbord (bmw m5 - carbon)

Now i will even consider also to not be perfectly center from the screen. Need to try that out how it feels.

What do you mean by rolled frame??
 
*ibo* S3 Racer
All cockpit's will in the ground construction look the same ( steering wheel in front of the seat,, pedals on the ground ,... ) LOL
No , kidding but maybe youknow what i wanna say with that.

It's the mods and "bodywork" that will drasticlly change the design.

As i sayed mine will look between chilicokes, fanatec's and gt3,*new gt5* cock*haha*pit

but that doesn't mean i'm copying
Look at my momentary cockpit
https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=87508&page=18
I also worked hours on them (this is my 3rd), in order to get the mesurments and the feeling of the cockpit right.

@breakpoint: like your idea with the door panels, other (dash, console) i was considering too.

Bugman:
No worry I like your design.
Looks fine to me and i bet finished it will not look like chilicokes.
Like your cupholder. But remember : no alcohol behind the wheel!!
my cupholder comes within the dashbord (bmw m5 - carbon)

Now i will even consider also to not be perfectly center from the screen. Need to try that out how it feels.

What do you mean by rolled frame??
Click to expand...

I agree bro, you said it all perfectly.

1) The off center thing; It is off center but not in a true manner. Here's the deal, the TV is approx 41" wide. The console is only approx 33" wide. So, that leaves 4" extra to hang over on each side. The driving position is apporx 3" left of center. Now, you take all that into consideration, the off center isn't really off center by much considering all of the extra TV space there is to view.

2) By "rolled", I mean "Bent/Rolled". I built a tubing bender. Bent corners are 230% stronger then welded corners... and they look better. When using the term "rolled", the tubing bender rolls around the tube while bending it (NOT refering to tubing being hot or cold rolled steel)
 
1)I will try the off center position this weekend. It's a good idea. beacause i ain't hardfixing the screen on the cockpit i could move it accordingly to the car driven.
Sure you won't be seating on the edge of the screen, just slightly. I think 3'' should be a good measurement, but i need to look in my car how much the wheel center is off the caar center.

Out of memory i would say 30cm (about 12''). bit i also think that would probably be a bit much. I guess inbetween can be good 15 cm / 6''.
I will try it out. get back to get you my experience

2) Ok i was thinking it was a fixing method, didn't realized you were talking about the corners. I will also use tubes for construction (a bit like UAEmonster has it done. thread in this section) How are you fixing it : screwing of welding??
 
*ibo* S3 Racer
1)I will try the off center position this weekend. It's a good idea. beacause i ain't hardfixing the screen on the cockpit i could move it accordingly to the car driven.
Sure you won't be seating on the edge of the screen, just slightly. I think 3'' should be a good measurement, but i need to look in my car how much the wheel center is off the caar center.

Out of memory i would say 30cm (about 12''). bit i also think that would probably be a bit much. I guess inbetween can be good 15 cm / 6''.
I will try it out. get back to get you my experience

2) Ok i was thinking it was a fixing method, didn't realized you were talking about the corners. I will also use tubes for construction (a bit like UAEmonster has it done. thread in this section) How are you fixing it : screwing of welding??
Click to expand...

1) Sweet, thanks. I'd jbe interested to know how someone else felt about this mild off-center seating position. A note on it, I wouldn't go more then 6". I second guessed the 3", 6" is probably the most. Keep me posted

2)There will be a bit of welding. For the most part though, any horizontal tubing will be bolted. This will allow it to be broken down to be moved or shipped. Secondly, the three areas of attention will be adjustable; They include the steering angle, shifter position and the seats x-y-z axis. We'll say a 50/50 between welded and bolted.
 
The point I was making Bugman was that your cockpit very much resembled Chillicokes. From the raised floor section to the gearstick mount section. It has no sides or covering like his. Indeed you have added things to make yours different but layout/style and general design seem very much the same.
As for the off centre well, again personally I think it spoils the look but thats just me. Like I said every cockpit ive seen usually centres the screen to the seating poistion.
The question should be why off centre it than have it centred dont you think?

Sure yeah its your project and its upto you how you go about it and I did say that even in copying his type of design was perhaps no bad thing.
Personally I enjoy looking at such build threads but I also enjoy seeing more ideas on the forums here, more originality.

As for my own design ideas I have a unique design planned but still making changes and its not went into actual build yet.
However for over a year Ive bought many components and the electronics for it.


My own Project is something ive discussed here in the past to some degree and it will be a high quality one.
But as you asked it will resemble something like a Rennsport/Vision Racer but with some car or arcade style unit influences:
It will however be original utlising Chrome/Black and use 3x consoles / 3x screens and likely mount the 3x PS3 with the monitors.
Its become an expensive project but one that in the end will raise a few eyebrows.

Components Being Used:
3x PS3 Consoles (1x UK 60Gb 1x UK 40GB 1x USA 80GB)
3x X360 Consoles
1x Panasonic AE2000 1080P Projector
1x 80" DRH Projection Screen
3x iiyama E2407HDS Monitors (3x 24" 1080p Native 2ms)
1x Yamaha RVX-4600 AV 7.1 Amplifer
6x Mission M51 Speakers
1x Mission Centre Speaker
1x Yamaha YST 800W Subwoofer
1x Buttkicker BKA 300W Transducer (Imported)
1x Game Pod Racing Frame (Purchased for Frame for d.i.y Project)
1x Cobra Sebring Pro FIA Approved Racing Seat
1x Fanatec Turbo S Wheel (newly ordered with dongle)
1x Fanatec GT3RS Wheel
1x Clubsport Pedals
1x Logitech G25 Steering Wheel (likely to be a reserve wheel)

Styling / Car Components (Purchased but undecided if all will be implemented)
1x Citreon Saxo VTR Car Dashboard (will be cut and modified to fit within cockpit design)
1x Citreon Saxo VTR Speedometer (non working more for looks)
1x Lexus style rear lights (working brake lights to be implemented with brake pedal)
1x Subaru Imprezza WRX STI Rear Spoiler
2x 80mm Chrome exhaust tailpipes
 
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Mr Latte
The point I was making Bugman was that your cockpit very much resembled Chillicokes. From the raised floor section to the gearstick mount section. It has no sides or covering like his. Indeed you have added things to make yours different but layout/style and general design seem very much the same.
As for the off centre well, again personally I think it spoils the look but thats just me. Like I said every cockpit ive seen usually centres the screen to the seating poistion.
The question should be why off centre it than have it centred dont you think?

Sure yeah its your project and its upto you how you go about it and I did say that even in copying his type of design was perhaps no bad thing.
Personally I enjoy looking at such build threads but I also enjoy seeing more ideas on the forums here, more originality.

As for my own design ideas I have a unique design planned but still making changes and its not went into actual build yet.
However for over a year Ive bought many components and the electronics for it.


My own Project is something ive discussed here in the past to some degree and it will be a high quality one.
But as you asked it will resemble something like a Rennsport/Vision Racer but with some car or arcade style unit influences:
It will however be original utlising Chrome/Black and use 3x consoles / 3x screens and likely mount the 3x PS3 with the monitors.
Its become an expensive project but one that in the end will raise a few eyebrows.

Components Being Used:
3x PS3 Consoles (1x UK 60Gb 1x UK 40GB 1x USA 80GB)
3x X360 Consoles
1x Panasonic AE2000 1080P Projector
1x 80" DRH Projection Screen
3x iiyama E2407HDS Monitors (3x 24" 1080p Native 2ms)
1x Yamaha RVX-4600 AV 7.1 Amplifer
6x Mission M51 Speakers
1x Mission Centre Speaker
1x Yamaha YST 800W Subwoofer
1x Buttkicker BKA 300W Transducer (Imported)
1x Game Pod Racing Frame (Purchased for Frame for d.i.y Project)
1x Cobra Sebring Pro FIA Approved Racing Seat
1x Fanatec Turbo S Wheel (newly ordered with dongle)
1x Fanatec GT3RS Wheel
1x Clubsport Pedals
1x Logitech G25 Steering Wheel (likely to be a reserve wheel)

Styling / Car Components (Purchased but undecided if all will be implemented)
1x Citreon Saxo VTR Car Dashboard (will be cut and modified to fit within cockpit design)
1x Citreon Saxo VTR Speedometer (non working more for looks)
1x Lexus style rear lights (working brake lights to be implemented with brake pedal)
1x Subaru Imprezza WRX STI Rear Spoiler
2x 80mm Chrome exhaust tailpipes
Click to expand...

Are you a member on another forum regarding this? I've read something similar... If my memery serves me correctly, you even have the Subaru wing now, it's blue. I followed the thread for a while. There was another guy that had an awesome cockpit as well. Can't remember who made it but he had to change a couple things. It was expenive and awesome, that's what I can remember
 
Yeah from gtforums.
Got 2 of those wings, front one angled back to front looks like a cool front spoiler, want to have them sparyed black though to match the chrome black theme.

Ive not fully decided on the actual frame work i want to use.
I love the VR3 chrome but...

Wanted better seat, which ive got and need to adapt it to 3x screens, however may still yet go that route and make modifications to one.
Ive emailed them to see if they are interested in selling a ex display unit etc without seat.

I have some chrome/metal shop fittings that could be incorporated for monitor supports and surround frame/work. Not certain I will use the Game Pod cockpit I have now as its become my PC seat and would be handy if racing against a friend.
 
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+1 for your design, and using 350z parts. I have a Silverstone 04' Z Track. Have you started on your project yet? I have been trying to find a cheap Z seat on my350z.com but its still kinda expensive. Did you create your design by scratch?
 

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