PVC cockpit based on SIMUL8R's design.

[Sintek]

Edit: now finished, kind of.

Original SIMUL8R thread: http://lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28016&st=0

Quite a project, especially for me since I've never made anything like this before. Using 2" SCH40 PVC. Seems really sturdy even before cementing.

Test-fitting mockup of the original design:

Still have to mount the seat rails and wheel stand, and I'm going to add another support on the right side for a monitor stand. I've received 3 scars in the making of this but it's still been a lot of fun. My GT3 arrives Monday so I'm in a rush to get everything cemented and painted.

Anyone else made or making one based on SIM's design?

Price list for those interested in making one of this design:

3 10' Pipes and fittings: ~$60
PVC primer and cement: $6
Bucket seat: $25 (probably cheaper for others since the scrapyards here are all ripoffs, but it is in excellent condition and has rails so I can't complain.)
Gash on forehead from flying PVC debris: Priceless.

 

[Jav]

Looking good! I love that design!

 

[iGuitar93]

I made one based on sim's design. It work great! I found that adding an extra support on the right side dramatically increases stability

 

[Sintek]

Forgot about this thread. I'm semi-finished, just have to paint and organize a little. But it's nice to finally have a rig dedicated to just racing. My muscles are aching from working on this 20 hours straight just to get it finished but it's been worth it, despite a faulty wheel.

Forgive the standard pedals . CSPs will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine.

 

[Jdmyo93]

I've always wondered, is it easily able to be dragged around, or is it too heavy to be able to pick up?

 

[Sintek]

The frame itself is quite light - about 15 pounds. There are also some diagrams in the original thread for models that can be disassembled.

Edit: Almost done. Painted and added some pedal supports:

The paint turned out rather strange. I hit it with flat black lacquer primer, and it looked great. But then, like the moron that I am, I did an experiment by going over that with lacquer clearcoat, and it created a sort of metallic look. I just hope the paint's not too hot for the PVC.

 

[Jdmyo93]

15 lbs, thats not too bad =)
Since I need to store it in my room whenever its not used since I have to play in the living room to share the PS3 with my brother and sister. -__-

Not too sure about paint. But Im positive that with all the paint it shouldnt mess up with the layering of the PVC pipes.

Keep posting them. Definetely a watcher here 👍

 

[Jav]

Lol! The color turned out pretty cool! Looks bad ass!

 

[Sintek]

The paint is pretty bad, and I know I'll have to fix it sometime as looking at the spots where I missed with the clearcoat will bug me to no end, but for now I'm working just to get it comfortable.

Basically, and big revelation I know, the standard Fanatec pedals suck. They suck, suck, suck, suck and then blow. The throttle is too close to the brake, which is good for heel-toe, but I've always braked with the left foot. Plus, any experienced heel-toe driver wouldn't have bought the standards to begin with. Finding a comfortable angle for them is an ongoing process, and hopefully I can get the Clubsports before I get carpal tunnel in my ankles.

Also a tip for anyone over 6'1 building one of the same design: Raise the seat and wheel platforms. I'm 6'5 so I have a choice between a comfortable leg distance and stretched arms, or great arms position and legs knocking the underside of the wheel tray. Inverted CSPs would probably help that though.

 

[AaronCarlsonGt5]

looks pretty good man, i still like mine better. but props

 

[Sintek]

Added a mouse platform until I get my Fanatec shifter (never.) Not at all elegant, but it works for now. Still need to sand the edges and paint the wood and supports. This sucker's going to get over-engineered to the extreme. Still needs a monitor stand and keyboard rails.

 

[Jav]

I got an extra fanatec shifter!

 

[Jdmyo93]

That is sick!
Good job Sintek, I really do like it really.

 

[Sintek]

I think I have more fun working on this than actually racing. Still have work to do, cleaning up wires obviously, and deuglifying the mouse platform. Once my CSPs arrive I can get rid of that horrible plywood on the floor and invert those puppies.