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Is it safe to trim a fiberglass seat at the shoulders?
Hi Guys,
Strange question -- I am trying to fit a comfortable racing seat into my dual duty track/street car. I know many people will suggest I just get a real track car, but right now it's just not in the cards for me. Hopefully soon.
Anyway, the seat I really want to use is about 1cm too wide in the shoulders. The halo and thighs fit fine but the door either wouldn't close or would leave a nasty imprint/witness mark right at the widest part of the shoulders.
The seat I'm interested in is a Racetech 4009WHR (yes, wide).
I don't really want to 'destroy' a $1600 seat, but if it would be just as safe with some minor trimming, that would be huge for me. I'm no where near an expert but I'm not sure how the shape around the shoulders would add strength.
I use the 4119WHR. It was pretty wide, but I got it to fit by lowering it and mounting to the floor. Would that help?
I don't think so - it's a corvette and the doors are very tight around the shoulders. Raising it would help more. Here's what a 4009W looks like, the 4009whr is a bit wider.
No, you shouldn't just go hacking at the fiberglass. Call Racetech to get some advice on this. Are you mounting it as far right as you can?
Also, are you sure you want to use a halo seat like that is a car that will be used on the street? Or is the plan to take it out when not on the track?
No, you shouldn't just go hacking at the fiberglass. Call Racetech to get some advice on this. Are you mounting it as far right as you can?
Also, are you sure you want to use a halo seat like that is a car that will be used on the street? Or is the plan to take it out when not on the track?
Yes it will be swapped in and out. I am planning to call Racetech on Monday but I am not sure how motivated they would be to condone modifications on "safety equipment". With the litigious society, I just don't see what's in it for them.
Modifying the shell will most likely void the SFI/FIA rating. Racetech will be able to tell you that. If the planned modification voids the SFI/FIA rating, is it something you really want to do??
Modifying the shell will most likely void the SFI/FIA rating. Racetech will be able to tell you that. If the planned modification voids the SFI/FIA rating, is it something you really want to do??
I don't care about the SFI/FIA rating as it relates to the equipment being authorized for use in racing or by a governing body. I do care about the safety as the top priority, hence the original post being concerned about any reduction in the protection provided due to a shell modification.
I don't care about the SFI/FIA rating as it relates to the equipment being authorized for use in racing or by a governing body. I do care about the safety as the top priority, hence the original post being concerned about any reduction in the protection provided due to a shell modification.
Hence me telling you Racetech would be able to tell you about it. Jeez....
Have you seen the dual purpose seat from Sparco that has the removable Halo? It seems like a good choice for a street/track driven car without having to swap your seat each time.
Do not compromise or confuse street safety with track safety. On the street a raceseat if belted properly is fine but the 2 things I tell customers is never have a full cage (the bar going next to your head, without a helmet is CRAZY) and on street visibilty is key so no HALO seats. Just asking for issues.
03-26-2016, 10:20 PM
Is it safe to trim a fiberglass seat at the shoulders?
