Thinking of making my own side mount brackets, good idea?

Elaphe · Dec 14, 2023

I would like to modify my seating position to something more reclined. My current side mount brackets do not allow me to do so, specially because I cannot lower the rear part any further (bass shaker mounted under the seat). So, I have considered making my own brackets with taller front columns. I know there are many models available to purchase. The problem is also that I have shakers on the sides of my seat and I need a model that does not interfere with them. Making a custom design can solve this problem. Do you think 5 mm aluminum would be fine or better use 3 mm steel? This is the design I have made after taking all sort of measurements. The model in gray is the one I currently have. The new one would get me 6 or 7 extra degrees. This would also imply moving some other parts of my cockpit for a perfect ergonomy and possibly raising my pedals.

JohnBeardmore · Dec 17, 2023

Looks fine to me for a sim rig.
I would use 5mm aluminium.

Ruttman98 · Dec 17, 2023

I also wanted more recline than many side mounts offer. If you want even more adjustability options, consider fabricating something like the Motamec adjustable sidemounts I use:

Universal Side Seat Mounts - 6 Piece Mounting Brackets

Motamec universal alloy 6 piece side mounting seat brackets - 5mm alloy. Universal fitting, fits most side mount race seats - Sparco, OMP, Cobra, MOMO, Corbeau etc. Slotted adjustment lower bracket, for fine seat adjustment Black anodized finish...

motamec.com

Elaphe · Dec 17, 2023

I already ordered them. 25€ for them laser-cut and folded in 5mm aluminium. Not bad.

stigs2cousin · Dec 17, 2023

That´s a good price.

Would the company also do powder coating?
(Sneakily asking where you ordered the parts as I plan to have my cockpit plate laser cut and powdered

)

Elaphe · Dec 17, 2023

No, it's a small Spanish company. I have already ordered other pieces to them. I never paint them, only some sanding to smooth the edges.

metalnwood · Dec 18, 2023

I needed to do the same thing and locally there was nothing about and if there was my tight wallet may have objected. In the end i just cut and drilled the ends of some 5mm aluminium bar and bolted them in to the seat and the bottom mount. Zero issues with this, it is as stable as it was before with motion, lots of tactile and pedals set to ~100kg.
Looks like you will need to click on the image to see it fully with the part.

Edit, I will admit you don't see this on mine as my seat is buried in the 200x40 frame of my p1 so your milage may vary on if this is acceptable visually.

Elaphe · Dec 18, 2023

metalnwood said:
I needed to do the same thing and locally there was nothing about and if there was my tight wallet may have objected. In the end i just cut and drilled the ends of some 5mm aluminium bar and bolted them in to the seat and the bottom mount. Zero issues with this, it is as stable as it was before with motion, lots of tactile and pedals set to ~100kg.
Looks like you will need to click on the image to see it fully with the part.

Edit, I will admit you don't see this on mine as my seat is buried in the 200x40 frame of my p1 so your milage may vary on if this is acceptable visually.

haha, yes that was my other idea (quick and easy) but it didn't look very elegant. This is a quick photo retouch I made to test the idea:

By they way, do anyone has an idea why seat mount brackets are designed like that? I mean why so many holes on the front? Who could set his seat at 90º or even less (apart from Elfyn Evans maybe)?

stigs2cousin · Dec 18, 2023

Elaphe said:
By they way, do anyone has an idea why seat mount brackets are designed like that? I mean why so many holes on the front? Who could set his seat at 90º or even less (apart from Elfyn Evans maybe)?

Me actually

Coming from irl "sporty driving" I prefer an rather upright seating postion.
In the cars I use(d) this is necessary to have complete contact to the back/headrest and still be able to handle wheel and pedals, especially when fixated by a harness.

My sim seat is slightly more reclined as I don´t have to fight of G-Forces and do other things in the rig apart from racing where relaxed sitting is necessary.

Also I brake with upper thigh and hip muscles, so the seat bottom can´t be tiltet too much.