Modifying Seat Brackets... Is it okay?

[nperkins]

We had Cobra Suzukas, with Cobra brackets. We just purchased Cobra Evolutions with the head wings, and are reusing the cobra brackets we already have. I would like to mount the navigator seat lower and farther back than the side mounts allow. Would there be any sort of tech issues if i drill new holes into the Cobra brackets to allow the seat to sit lower than with the factory holes? I dont see any reason why not, but I don't have a scrutineer's phone number handy and just want to make sure.

I can use it the way it is, but the seat is farther forward than I would like, and is too close to the cage with the head wings... But if i can lower it the inch or two i want to, i can slide the seat back and clear the cage without issue.

And if drilling new holes is legal, can I cut the tops off of the brackets to shorten them to clear the lap belt holes a little better too?

[Miotch]

It's been done to a few cars around here and there hasn't been a problem with it yet. I'm not an official. Just be smart about it I guess.

[nperkins]

Yeah... I was able to change it around some and it got better without modifying the brackets...

[C_Eixen]

Since you don't even have to use mfr. seat brackets, I can't see why they'd have an issue with modifying store bought brackets rather than making your own.

[nperkins]

oh, i wasn't sure because the seats came with a note that said its not FIA approved unless you use the same brackets.

[UP2MTNS]

seats don't have to be FIA (in the US, not sure about Canada). I'm making my own brackets...just need to use minimum required hardware. (and I'm using 3/16" AL plates to be safe)

[Rallycat66]

seats don't have to be FIA (in the US, not sure about Canada). I'm making my own brackets...just need to use minimum required hardware. (and I'm using 3/16" AL plates to be safe)

Better check your rulebooks again Jon... ;)

NASA:

3.6.11 Seats
Seats shall be of one-piece construction, and shall be firmly
mounted to the floor of the vehicle in such a manner as to prevent
the movement of the seat in case of an accident. Aluminum seats
(e.g. Butler Built, Kirkey) are banned as of 3/1/05. Use of FIA
certified/homologated seats is required.


Rally-America:

5.4. SEATS
A. Driver and co-driver seats shall be firmly mounted to the structure of the
vehicle and be installed per the manufacturer's recommendations.
It is recommended the seats be mounted to the roll cage where practical. Seat
mounts require the same strength as occupant restraints (3500 lbs.).
B. The use of hinged-back seats in rally vehicles is prohibited.
C. Seats designed by the manufacturer to be mounted with a back support
brace shall be mounted accordingly. Seats not designed to be mounted
with a back support may have one added. Back supports shall be
designed and constructed in such a manner as to spread the load over
as large an area of the seat back as practical.
D. Competitors shall retain manufacturer installation recommendations with
the rally vehicle’s logbook for review at scrutineering.
E. The use of an FIA approved seat that includes side head restraints is
strongly recommended. The use of SFI licensed seats may be
recommended in the future, pending the review of the SFI standard and
available products.


CARS:

Part B.II.C.12. Seats and seat mountings.
Seats:
(a) The use of hinged-back and OEM seats is prohibited
(b) Effective July 1st. 2010, the use of seats meeting FIA standard #8855-1999 will be mandatory
(c) It is highly recommended that the seats not be more than 5 years old.


And to the OP's point, use of a non-FIA homologated bracket could be considered as nullifying the FIA homologation on the seat if the tech inspector wants to get really picky. R-A could also pull the "per manufacturer's recommendations" card on you if you make your own brackets. All of the manufacturer's instructions that I've seen tell you to use their brackets for installation.

Tim

[UP2MTNS]

Better check your rulebooks again Jon... ;)

NASA:

3.6.11 Seats
Seats shall be of one-piece construction, and shall be firmly
mounted to the floor of the vehicle in such a manner as to prevent
the movement of the seat in case of an accident. Aluminum seats
(e.g. Butler Built, Kirkey) are banned as of 3/1/05. Use of FIA
certified/homologated seats is required.


Rally-America:

5.4. SEATS
A. Driver and co-driver seats shall be firmly mounted to the structure of the
vehicle and be installed per the manufacturer's recommendations.
It is recommended the seats be mounted to the roll cage where practical. Seat
mounts require the same strength as occupant restraints (3500 lbs.).
B. The use of hinged-back seats in rally vehicles is prohibited.
C. Seats designed by the manufacturer to be mounted with a back support
brace shall be mounted accordingly. Seats not designed to be mounted
with a back support may have one added. Back supports shall be
designed and constructed in such a manner as to spread the load over
as large an area of the seat back as practical.
D. Competitors shall retain manufacturer installation recommendations with
the rally vehicle’s logbook for review at scrutineering.
E. The use of an FIA approved seat that includes side head restraints is
strongly recommended. The use of SFI licensed seats may be
recommended in the future, pending the review of the SFI standard and
available products.




whoops, mixing up my rule books again......OK, so NASA requires it, Rally America doesn't, but highly recommends them, Canada requires them in '10, so might as well get them.


thx Tim ;)

[Miotch]

Thanks for the leg work Tim. Good to know.