In need of metal fab help

[TouringBubble]

I've been planning to build a racing sim chassis for several months. Until recently, I had access to a welder for the project, but never had time to work on it. Now, with time to work on it, I have no welder. =(

I already have my seat, casters, solution for the keyboard, the wheel/pedals/shifter and the design and plans for it ... I just need the metal and the tools to make it happen. Tools would include a MIG welder, a way to cut 1" steel pipe and thin steel plate, and possibly a brake (not necessary, but would help).

Would anyone be willing to help me out? I'm willing to pay (I can't afford much honestly, but will do whatever is necessary) or help with tuning a car, turning some wrenches, moving, arranging your garage ... anything really. I've just been sitting on the parts for this for a while and would like to make it happen.

Thanks for any help guys ...

[jatow]

Have you considered wood? I used 2x3's, glue and wood screws then painted it piano black. Light and easy to move or change. Easier to set afire too after a bad crash for the ultimate in realism! Email for pics if interested.

If you go with steel you're welcome to borrow my metal chopsaw, it will cure your metal cutting concerns.

Andy

[TouringBubble]

I have considered wood, and will go that route if needed. I'm slightly worried about stability with my design with wood. I can brace it, but I'm just not certain it would be enough. Steel would have much better rigidity and also let me make it a little narrower and get it closer to the ground, which is a concern as well.

[bimmertech]

I have a mig welder and oxy-acetelene torches at my home in Pell City. I also have access to a 30" brake at my dad's hangar (also in Pell City) The brake is for light gauge materials (sheet metal, aluminum). All told, I should have what you need. You're welcome to come borrow the tools, or I can help. I've been toying with a very similar idea so I'd like to see the process. lmk.

[zukitek]

Matt I also have a 110 gas mig you can use as well as a reciprocating saw(sawzall).

[TouringBubble]

Casey, if you would like to work on it with me and get some ideas for your own, that would be great. I'm sure we'll learn some things to not do while building mine. I will get with you sometime soon to talk about it. I appreciate it.

Thanks Ricky! I may need to use that at some point as well. We'll see how things go.

I guess I need my final measurements and to get all of my small design elements brought together so I can have some solid plans to work from ... then, it's off to the metal yard. Hooray!

Maybe I can use this thread as a status update too. Anyone care?

[bimmertech]

Cool. I just hope you've picked a lightweight seat. I was planning on using an old Honda or Mazda manual seat, or an ebay cheapo. If you need to borrow my truck for collecting materials, bringing them to the house, etc. let me know.

[TouringBubble]

It's an FC RX-7 seat. Not ideal, but pretty good.

[Cholewa]

you could always make a "mock" in wood, to get the measurements right and make sure it's going to fit the way you think it will. And then, sell the wood and make one with metal.

[TouringBubble]

Casey, what do you have for cutting said metal? I've gotten a few lines on metal suppliers, but one will only sell me the full 20' sticks, which I'll need help hauling and will require more cutting.

[jatow]

Try Econosteel on 1st Ave. South, they have remnant and partial tubing as well as new stuff in various lengths. Very nice folks.

[bimmertech]

Casey, what do you have for cutting said metal? I've gotten a few lines on metal suppliers, but one will only sell me the full 20' sticks, which I'll need help hauling and will require more cutting.

Well, I have a reciprocating saw, shop air w/ cut off tool and grinders, or aformentioned oxy/acetylene torch depending on what kind of cutting we really need to do. Should have it covered.

[nicktcr]

Anything new on this? Mine I built out of wood and have had it a little over a year now and it has held up wonderfully. A couple months ago me and a friend built one for him out of metal.

I must say, the metal is nice as it's much lighter since we went with 1" square tubing versus mine being made primarily out of 3/4" MDF board.

The metal is also quite sturdy, however a bit more costly. His is fairly basic, yet I'm sure we spent at least $325+ on his and he didn't even have to purchase a seat. I built mine for under $200 and that includes the cost of a seat.

If you're still looking for a hand in designs/working/tools I can help as I'm a huge sim racer lol.

[TouringBubble]

I actually opted to build one from wood. I used 2x4s and 2x2s for the frame and used finished glued panels for the flat surfaces. It's a bit lighter than a solid MDF build. I've got it on 6 heavy duty casters for mobility.









Since these pics I've added a keyboard tray to the left side mounted on a swing arm. It's spent most of it's time running GT5 as that's been my racer of choice lately.

[nicktcr]

Looks nice! I've been debating on doing the "inverted" pedal mounts with my G27 since it's out of warranty now. How well is that working out for you?