Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Fiberglass race seat

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic13275.aspx

By paul position - 10/14/2014 5:47:32 PM

Hi everyone,
I would like to make a race seat for my car that will match my body shape - after my leg surgery I have wide hips, but I am pretty slim for my height, and cannot fit comfortably into any bucket seat I've tried so far. So I decided to learn the black magic of composites and make my own seat based on a seat I fit in best. It will be a single-piece bucket seat with holes cut out for a safety harness.

My question is: what materials should I use to maintain safety and light weight at the same time? I would prefer not to use carbon fiber due to its cost, but any recommendation or opinion is welcome.

It will not be used in professional motorsport, it is just for fun days at the track/spirited driving.

Regards,
Paul
By ajb100 - 10/14/2014 8:42:44 PM

As Warren said, an insert would be a much better idea, cheaper and safer.

I still use two part foam in a couple of bin bags in customer formula cars. I tried one of the bean bag ones once, and it was great to use and mould to the driver, but the trimming of it meant I was hoovering up polystyrene balls for months

I've never made an upright bucket seats but I have made a few sports car ones and as a basic guide, polyester resin, some chopped strand mat and some woven 200g glass would see you through.

I would still think very carefully about making your own seat with the dangers involved. If you do decide to go ahead with it, forget about weight. It would be much better to have a heavy and secure one than a light sketchy one