geek49203 wrote:
botbasher wrote:
Some race sanctioning bodies specify a 1" structure around the shaft to prevent it from meeting the aforementioned butt and other dainty body parts, so if you intend to race with any one particular group (or multiples) check what their rules state and then design your left over space from there.
Put such a hoop structure on the OUTSIDE (on the human side, not the driveshaft side) of the tunnel. That way the rest of the tunnel is still giving you 1-2" more space?
You just left the looking cool points at the door!
How does that gain you space? 1" on the inside or 1" on the outside... it's still 1.x" thick and it's still taking away from the soft parts (humans) space. Now, if it's a race car... but then you wouldn't be worrying about a pass seat!!
It's like Driven5 said earlier. Everything is a compromise! I made a race ready car, knowing I'd be limited to my choices of seats and mandated safety needs. Many people have used Miata seats... but don't look behind them! Completely gutted and rebuilt. Everyone who has sat in the car, from wife to girlfriend, from young to old, comments on how comfortable they feel despite being quite tight (15.5" on the passenger side) and the hard as a rock appearance. Now ask me that after 1000 miles in a day and it might be different, but things can be done about that.
It seems small on paper, but I was actually surprised how much room there was between the rails after I got the frame basics in place. My twin 19.5" seats are tight, but easily doable.
Get your donor seats and frame together (even if it's in wood) and see what your really looking at before running into analysis paralysis for the tunnel. Between that and talking to a local trans shop to see just how small a shaft you can go with, you might find it a lot easier than you imagine!
Me... I'm off to redo my tunnel. Going to change it to a trapezoid and gain a few inches at the top!
Cheers!!
KS
_________________
Check out
Firearm Finishes & Coating for options to ceramic coat your Locost parts. Hundreds of stock or custom colors including Chrome and Clear Coating options now available! High Temp options for hot bits!! Plastics too!!
Never become a pessimist. A pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.-Robert A. Heinlein