Seat Back Brace

You could also try looking in your scrap metal bin and make one along with a U clamp. I used two 1/2" solid stock pieces welded to 1 1/2" plate, to accept the U clamp. The other ends I bent out and welded pieces of anle iron on to match the contour of my seat, and that is what I attached to the seat back. Kinda looks like a big Y. If you would like, I'll send you a picture of mine.

[email protected]
 
Originally posted by Scott Nutter:
You could also try looking in your scrap metal bin and make one along with a U clamp. I used two 1/2" solid stock pieces welded to 1 1/2" plate, to accept the U clamp. The other ends I bent out and welded pieces of anle iron on to match the contour of my seat, and that is what I attached to the seat back. Kinda looks like a big Y. If you would like, I'll send you a picture of mine.

[email protected]
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I welded one up.. Then I was told Ididnt need it...
 
Everyone with a seat brace should picture what would happen if the seat that it is bolted to should fail at that joint...

Is it something that you would want pointing at your spine?

Kirk (who thinks SCCA seat braces are a case of scarey unintended consequences looking for a place to happen)
 
Originally posted by Knestis:
(who thinks SCCA seat braces are a case of scarey unintended consequences looking for a place to happen)
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I do agree with this sentament. It's a scary thought, so I suggest a big backing plate.

Alan
 
It is that reason that led me to my design of a Y, so if my seat does move toward the roll cage at least I'll only destroy both my shoulders instead of my spine.
 
Originally posted by apr67:
I do agree with this sentament. It's a scary thought, so I suggest a big backing plate.

Alan
Click to expand...

I agree! Thats why I made one with 150sqr inches of contact. So basically I am dead or its done its job..

I understand where the idea is valid. If your seat moves and puts slack in the belts you would have mroe velocity when you hit them, if you hit them. But I think it should be a case of a better seat being made and better mounting ideas..

Its somewhat of a bandaid for the problem
 
In reality, our seats should mount only to the cage and nothing else. That is how a lot of big 'real' race cars do it. Keeping the seat totally attached to the saftey cage is the best way to ensure that the cage and seat and ergo, driver can all move the same way at the same time.

But it would be expensive and difficult to do in most of our race cars. Look at the cockpit of many IT cars and you just don't have room. And our rules wouldn't really allow it anyway, unless you are VERY creative.

Alan
 
IIRC the rule came about as a result of a driver in a Porsche club event spinning and hitting a wall backwards, whereupon his seat bracket failed in the front, leaning his seat back dramaticaly. He died of neck injuries due to the seats movement, but his heads restriction (the roll bar).

It would seem that the new rule is the result of a lesser of two evils...

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Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]
 
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