smithk993

Looking to get some relief this summer (certainly not now) from the southern heat by getting a cool suit. Seems like it would be pretty easy to fashion everything except the shirt itself. ...hose, 6-pack cooler, Lowes pump...anybody made their own? Suggestions?

Keith

APKhaos

Its been done. Saw a few at the NASA races last season. As you suggest, its not rocket science.
Think about the largest cooler that will fit comfortably in your car. Use a good one - Igloo or Coleman. Skip the Lowes pump - use a good quality 12V bilge pump from a marine supply store.

The fittings and hoses are avaiable from several sources. When you are next at Lowes, ask them to show you the dry break fittings for in-line icemakers. They match the shirt fittings.

GUMBALL

The simplest and cheapest..?? Buy a "cool shirt" from a distributor like Fresh Air Systems, then build your own box and pump assy. The coolant tube fittings are available from McMaster-Carr, the box is a Coleman cooler, and the pump is a bilge pump available from a boating supply house.

smithk993

Now we're talking! Anybody know the size of the tubing used in the shirt? How about sourcing for rubber insulated tubing? Not sure if they sell it that way or I buy the Plastic tubing and the rubber insulation and thread it through?

Ideas?

Keith

Geo

I can direct you do the air pump for a forced air set-up as well. I was going to make my own until I realized I'd save less than $30 when all was said and done. Maybe if I build a cool suit set-up at the same time it would be worth it.

APKhaos

I think you're gonna like this - Cool Shirt parts

There are cheaper sources, but this is the quick and easy source.

Chaos

Yeah,then I bought one !

smithk993

Thanks for the link. WOW. It certainly doesn't make sense to put one together with the OEM replacement parts! Kinda like building a 993 from the Porsche parts catalog. To save any significant $, I think I would need to build from standard Lowes/Home Depot/Walmart parts. I'll check-out the local Lowes this week on some of the plumbing parts.

Let's see:
-Coleman cooler $10
-Small 12V bilge pump $30
- Quick connect fittings $20
- PVC tubing $10
- Cool shirt $120
- DIY Excitement: PRICELESS

I'm doing the VIR NASA Comp License school in February, so I probably wont need it then, but maybe I can scope out someones setup then.

Any idea on the tubing diameter that is used from cooler to shirt?

Keith
fr

APKhaos

Keith,
Might see you at VIR.....IF I get my engine finished and reinstalled in time. Look for #11 in the 944Cup paddock area. Looking forward to seeing your project!

smithk993

Tony,

I will be in a black 89 Spec E30 BMW #60. My son ran last year and I just did HPDE's. I've got the bug to show him the old man is quicker (hahaha!). Let's hope for some awesome weather....February in Virginia.....iffy!

I haven't decide if we are doing the enduro. three hours is a lot of time early season. I would hate to wear our something at this stage of the season.

Keith

APKhaos

Keith,
You're gonna enjoy the NASA Comp License school. Best value day at the track I've ever had.
The weather last year was good - clear and crisp, but on the cold side. Not a lot of mechanical grip on the cold track, so don't expect record lap times.

944Cup is running the enduro as our second sprint race for the weekend. We will do 18 laps or so [not sure if it is laps or time based] then checker.

JackOlsen

How about someone puts together a parts list?

smithk993

Jack,

That's what I was hoping might have already been done. I will be taking a look at the real McCoy as soon as I can and then try to figure out the parts list. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see one at VIR in November.

Keith