Need help with some cockpit-ideas

[haubi]

Hey guys,
I'm planning on redoing my current cockpit setup and just wanted to ask for some help to get good ideas ;]

This is how my current setup looks like:

So basically it's just my recaro seat on the floor in front of a very small table where the g25 and shifter is fitted, with the pedals on the floor under the table.
The good thing is that I can remove the wheel and I can use it as a regular table but the pedals are always in the way when not driving and I always have to completely remove the shifter and wheel from the table, which is very very annoying since I'm lazy


For my new setup, I want to take chilicokes cockpit for some inspiration.
I want to do a similar shifter-placement and I am planning on doing the same handbreak-mod as him, as well as mounting the pedals upside-down. Hopefully I can steel-frame the whole thing too, Wood would only be my 2nd choice because of rigidity.
Also I would like to fit my seat to some rails so that I can adjust it and all the measurements will be based off of a real car. (wheel, seat,pedals, shifter and e-brake position)
The only problem is that I want to be able to quickly remove my wheel so that I can use my keyboard and mouse to surf around the internet or to play some call of duty once in a while. The change from racing-cockpit to "office-table" should only take a few seconds, BUT I want to be able to have the wheel at the exact same position every time I drive.

I don't just want a racing-cockpit but want to be able to use my pc and play other games in the same position as well.
This is pretty much where I don't know exactly how I could accomplish that....

So if anyone has any ideas on how to make my new setup racing and pc-friendly, help a brother out



I apologize in advance for any mistakes (English isn't my 1st language ;] )


oh and yeah I'm broke so everything will have to be on a fairly tight budget

 

[Bugman]

I too am in the process of editing chili's idea and making it my own. Check out my thread (it's 3 or 4 before yours) for my example. I think it would be VERY easy to mount a retractable keyboard plate under the upper shelf (just like a desk). This would allow it to be stowed out of the way when racing. Considering that these are easily obtained, it wouldn't cost much to do. As for the mouse, the arm rest to the side would provice plenty of space for you mouse. You could even widen an area on you arm rest to allow extra space to throw that little bad-boy around!

 

[wayside]

I have been working on a replica of chili's rig as well. Here is the SketchUp that got me rolling:



So far using 2X4s is working out great. The base, seat mount and dash are done and the rig tested out well. I was counting on the center console assembly to support the dash but it is stiff enough without it which will allow me to redesign the center section.

-wayside

 

[Bugman]

I like the design, well done with the wood. I have to ask though, what does that thing weigh? I imagine you added the 3" to total height for rollers on the bottom, right? Just kidding, it does look like a good platform though.

I may as well post mine on this thread too, it's getting far more attention.

I am looking for ideas that YOU would do if you had both the resources (welder) and the know-how. I can't say that money is no issue but, there's not much I'm not willing to invest to make this awesome. I will not be putting a motion plate under it though, screw that.

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.