Landracing Forum

Tech Information => Safety => Topic started by: flatman on February 26, 2015, 07:23:29 PM

Title: Seat padding
Post by: flatman on February 26, 2015, 07:23:29 PM
I see that a seat can have 1 inch of padding. Does the padding need to be made of fire retardant material?
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Glen on February 26, 2015, 07:42:19 PM
YES.
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: ronnieroadster on February 26, 2015, 08:32:00 PM
I see that a seat can have 1 inch of padding. Does the padding need to be made of fire retardant material?

YES.

 Question where exactly is it written in the rule book the padding is to be fire retardant?  :?
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on February 26, 2015, 11:32:21 PM
Better question -

Why would you want to run with flammable foam under your arse?

 :roll:
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: olepaw on February 27, 2015, 08:36:26 AM
Good answer
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Peter Jack on February 27, 2015, 11:33:56 AM
Better question -

Why would you want to run with flammable foam under your arse?

 :roll:

Actually I think you'll find that most seat foams are at least somewhat flammable. The general procedure for cutting down the flammability for a poured seat, as used in most serious race cars is to pour the seat to fit the driver. When it's set the seat is trimmed and checked for fit. It's then taped up with gaffers tape and taken out testing. When it's confirmed that no more modifications are required the final product is covered in a fire resistant material such as Nomex. The Nomex covering could be used for upholstery type seat pads as well.

Personally I'd stay away from anything but a poured seat or no upholstery at all with a tight fitting seat. Anything else allows too much movement when things get exciting and there's a better chance of getting at least partially out of the restraining harness or moving within the harness such that further unnecessary injury occurs.

Pete
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Glen on February 27, 2015, 12:02:31 PM
Many Bonneville  and lakes vehicles run only a alum seat.[/u] both of the Vesco liners are alum.
These are usually custom made to fit the driver and car / chassis.Any composit seats require SCTA-BNI prior approval
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on February 27, 2015, 12:44:17 PM
Many Bonneville  and lakes vehicles run only a alum seat.[/u] both of the Vesco liners are alum.

That's what I run.  I've got a SF-15 suit which pads my kiester just fine - and besides - we're only going 5 miles.
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Stan Back on February 27, 2015, 12:46:38 PM
Aluminum seats, when designed/constructed sensibly, can be quite comfortable for the short time you are in them.  Most "name brand" racing seats come in a variety of widths and seat angles.  They may not "bolt in" directly without modifications for belts and access to head restraints, but they can usually be modified easily without starting from scratch.  A lot depends on the vehicle you're building.

And it's most advisable to have the driving suit you'll be using on, when considering what you're going to buy or modify.  A –20 suit has some padding built into it -- it's not like sitting on hard aluminum.
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Elmo Rodge on February 27, 2015, 01:58:37 PM
I have a home built aluminum seat and a -20 suit. Quite comfortable.  :lol: Wayno
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: ronnieroadster on February 27, 2015, 09:26:46 PM
Better question -

Why would you want to run with flammable foam under your arse?

 :roll:
  Still not an answer to the question.  Is it written in the rule book anyplace?  Seems to me theres many other items in the drivers compartmnet that are flammable maybe your arse is not sitting on them but theres  lots more around you.  :roll:
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Elmo Rodge on February 27, 2015, 10:10:25 PM
Stiiiiiiiiiiiiill not an answer to the question but I consider myself to be the first level of inspection and the last. As has been stated numerous times, The rule book offers up minimums. You shouldn't be shy about going beyond.  :wink: Wayno
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on February 27, 2015, 10:19:09 PM
Ronnie, unless I missed something, you appear to be right.

I looked in the rule book and did not see a rule requiring a fire suppressed padding for the seat.

Headrest padding needs to be SFI cert.

And yes, there are many things that, if ignited in a car, could burn.

Foam seat padding, potentially flammable types or others, is one of them.

But my question remains unanswered as well . . .


Why would you want to run with flammable foam under your arse?

 :roll:



 
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Stainless1 on February 27, 2015, 10:39:13 PM
If you decide to put in something that might be flammable, be sure it is not toxic when it burns...  :|
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: jimmy six on February 27, 2015, 11:16:48 PM
I have red 1" simulated vinyl tuck and roll about 3/8" thick over my aluminum seat. It's snaped in like old sprinters, midgets, and champ cars of the 50's & 60's. My choice because I liked that style. I'll leave it in until I'm told to take it out....JD
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: olepaw on February 28, 2015, 04:38:47 PM
I don't like being burnt ,so my seat is just aluminum . I often bruise  , but better than blisters
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: ronnieroadster on February 28, 2015, 04:52:18 PM
Wayno I agree with you the rule book offers up minimums. You shouldn't be shy about going beyond.   
 What do you think about the following?

HIGH RESILIENT (HR) is a foam material that is produced to offer a longer useful life than non-HR foam. HR foam is often also rated as fire resistant (FR). Tell your Upholsterer that you are concerned about fire safety and long life of your new foam and ask him to verify that your new foam is rated both HR and FR. Most States have Furniture Flamibility Laws that will require the use HR-FR foam materials.
  Some foams contain Fire retardant additives I also found theres fire retardant classifications for the various types of foams. The denser foams like the HR seem to have the FR clasification and the added benifit of a longer life span for deteriation.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Peter Jack on February 28, 2015, 05:07:21 PM
There's a reason that helmet liners are made from non resilient (NR) foam. Resilient foam transfers the force of a blow with very little dissipation of the force. Seat liners are made with non resilient materials. Just something to think about.

Pete
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: dw230 on March 01, 2015, 03:27:28 PM
Peter Jack's post is the reason that the padding was set to 1" max. thickness. Thanks to the inputs I have added fire resistant padding to my list of 2016 rule proposals.

DW
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: Dr Goggles on March 01, 2015, 04:23:52 PM
Better question -

Why would you want to run with flammable foam under your arse?

 :roll:

Love yer spellin'...

If you've ever had a broken coccyx you'll feel every one of those five miles.... :oops:
Title: Re: Seat padding
Post by: tauruck on April 11, 2015, 12:07:35 AM
I suppose I'm dealing with a bunch of non ex kart racers. :-D :-D :-D