Seat Bracket - Steel or Aluminum (FIA/Rules)?

[Hindsight]

Is there any rule I would likely encounter a track that prevents my seat brackets from being made of aluminum instead of steel? If it's ok to use aluminum, what thickness would I need to use to be in compliance?

Thanks.

[Mechie3]

I made mine from aluminum. I think 5mm is the minimum thickness for FIA. Don't recall 100%.

[FFRSpec72]

In all the leagues I race in the material requirement (type material or thickness) for the brace never comes up, I use steel (only because it's easier to get and weld), you have to make sure that the brace is attached to the main hoop or one of the cross bars or the main hoop also the back brace mounting points (use a plate here) should be spread across the shoulder area so on impact the load is spread and not concentrated in the neck/spine area. Also with an FIA seat you will most likely not need a seat brace if mounted according to FIA rules. Also note that in most leagues you don't have to bolt the seat back brace plate to the actual seat if you use a plate to spread the load, the objective is stop the seat from going back, not forward.

[D Clary]

The Kirkey seat mounts are 1/8 aluminum. I think how they are made is more important than what they are made of. I was doing tech for an autocross, the guy made his seat mount out of 3/16 steel. I failed him because the seat was held to the mount by one 1/4 in clevis pin. We argued and in the end they let him run, I don't do tech for them anymore.

[pwnoz]

As far as just the thickness of the seat support is concerned, FIA says (for production derived vehicles any way) 3mm for steel and 5mm for aluminum

Article 253-16-5
The minimum thickness of the supports and counterplates is 3 mm for steel and 5 mm for light alloy materials.
http://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/regulation/file/253%20%2814-15%29_12.09.2014.pdf

[Hindsight]

Thank you!

[FFRSpec72]

As far as just the thickness of the seat support is concerned, FIA says (for production derived vehicles any way) 3mm for steel and 5mm for aluminum

Article 253-16-5
The minimum thickness of the supports and counterplates is 3 mm for steel and 5 mm for light alloy materials.
http://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/regulation/file/253%20%2814-15%29_12.09.2014.pdf

Just to be clear, that is for the seat mount not back brace.

[coloskydiver]

I used Summit racings aluminum seat brackets and go for $18 a pair. They are designed to be cut down if needed and alowed me to put some rake in the seat and worked very well. Bolted right up yo my Corbeau seats and bolted the brackets right through the frame.

[Hindsight]

I take it those were bottom mount brackets right? I'm going to need side mount. I purposely got a side mount seat because of my height. I'll need to use something more like this:
36457

[FFRSpec72]

I'm using the offset side mount Planted version with Sparco slider (since I'm 6.1 and my daughter is 5.4)

36458

[Hindsight]

Where did you find them?

[FFRSpec72]

Where did you find them?

I got mine form here http://www.amazon.com/Planted-PAOSSM-G-Aluminum-Universal-Mount/dp/B00890FHCE/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1418324363&sr=1-5&keywords=planted+seat+side+mount&pebp=1418324373220

[Hindsight]

Nice, I like it.... looks tall. I think I'm going to need one pretty tall in order to get the seat layback angle I need. Do you happen to know off hand how high the highest bolt holes are on the front and back?

[metros]

I have the same seat brackets (although not the offset version). I can measure for you tomorrow unless he beats me to the punch.

[Hindsight]

Thanks Metros!