New to FFF...and a question

[aknapp]

Hi, I'm relatively new to the forum, and I've joined the group of "anxious but patient" a couple of months ago after showing a co-worker the other FF kits. I realized it had been quite a while since I visited FF website, so after seeing project 818, I was hooked!

Being "borderline wookie" status (6'2", 205 lbs.), I'm curious if I'll be able to fit. Speculation seems to be that with aftermarket seats (lower that stock Subie seats), I should be able to fit. *fingers crossed*

I used to have a stripped NX2000 w/Corbeau FX1 seats. Because I have a semi-long torso, the shoulder strap holes were slightly lower than the top of my shoulders. This put slight but noticeable compression forces on my back, which I did not enjoy.

Questions:
1. Should the shoulder holes be higher than the top of my shoulders?
2. If so, are there any seats that might have taller shoulder holes?
3. Is there a racing supplier in the Chicagoland area that has seats that I can try.

TIA,

al

[David Hodgkins]

Al, welcome to the forum!

1A: Yes; ideally the shoulder straps should not be able to compress the spine. Some of us taller drivers utilize a harness bar, which raises the shoulder straps.
2A: Yes, there are some seats that have strap holes. I don't have any links handy, but they're out there. Also see 1A.
3A: No Clue! :)

I'm hoping, based on the 818 mockup I got to sit in, that the shoulder harnesses with have a much higher attachment point than the roadster. Remember, since you are building the car, you can always figure out a solution that works for you (if the factory position doesn't suit you) and either fab something yourself, buy a vendor solution, or have something made that works. Hard to know what is needed at this point though until we get a chance to see the actual car...

HTH,

:)

[aknapp]

Thanx for the info, Dave.

Anyone on the Chicagoland race shops w/seats? Anyone? Bueller?

[Oppenheimer]

I'm in the same boat as you, long torso. Too many cars I like that I could never fit into. Like was mentioned, you can build different than 'stock' in areas that don't fit (your size or taste). For the seats, don't get hung up on belt holes. No reason the belts have to go through the seat holes (should you choose seats with belt holes). You could mount the belts higher than FFR proposes, and have the straps come over the top of the seats. If that ends up being necessary, you'd probably want to choose seats that don't have belt holes.

On the other FFR kits, you have different seat options, including none (you supply). Its probably a safe bet that the 818 will be similar, with the stock Subie seats as the default option (no seats provided by FFR, so you either reuse WRX or supply your own).

I don't think you need to test fit seats just yet.

[skullandbones]

The belt bar is a good suggestion see below:

http://www.dragonfireracing.com/kawasaki-teryx-harness-bar-and-belt-kit.aspx

It would give you several adjustment choices. It's hard to say exactly where it would be comfortable for you on any given situation. I think you could fab one pretty easily, as well for the custom 818 project. Good luck, WEK.

[aknapp]

Never heard of the belt bar before - looks a bit like safety equipment on a theme park ride (no that that's a bad thing!).

Good to have options to put on the list - Thanx, All!

[StatGSR]

Its just a bar to mount your harness to if you don't have a cage or roll bar. They are more commonly called harness bars.

[flytosail]

Important safety factor about the spine compression.