THSCC Forums

Hi All,
I'm installing some Kirkeys in a 944 Turbo. I need to floor mount to get headroom. I'd like to use the stock floor mount holes but the Kirkey aluminum side mounts would position the seat too far back. I'm going to try and drill some new holes further forward in the Kirkey side mounts but I'm not sure I'll get enough. I may need to make longer mounts. I saw 1/8 inch aluminum brackets at Lowes that look like they would work. Is aluminum aluminum or are there various grades? Where is a good source to get aluminum or steel L brackets to make side mounts for seats?

Thanks,
Mark

I was able to get the Kirkey side mounts to work. Harnesses need to be installed then good to go for VIR Sth.

Mark

Aluminum is not aluminum. There are many alloys.

The strong stuff used for racing is generally 6061-T6. (This is specifying both the type of alloy, and its treatment). What you find at Lowes is aluminum for architectural stuff, which is generally 6063, and non treated.

Here's a breakdown:
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=310

For something at serious as a seat mount, I would use steel unless I was very sure about the alloy, the *shape* of the metal (architetural extrusions like those found at Lowes/Home Depot/Ace have right angles on the inside corners, "structural" aluminum radiuses those corners.), and the fabrication methods I was going to use.

Go to http://onlinemetals.com for small quantities of real aluminum.

I never worry about an extra five pounds of metal in my safety gear.

Cheers,
ANders

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Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio

Thanks, great info and important to make clear. What type of metal would you use? The stainless steel is pretty expensive. I noticed that there is A36 Hot Roll Angle. Would you use this or stainless steel?

I could not tell from you comments if you thought 6061-T6 Aluminum was OK. I understand that the 6063 is inadequate (likely what a home improvement store would sell). Would you advice against all aluminum or just the 6063 type?

The Kirkey brackets work OK but leave no room for trying other positions. It's close enough but could be better.

Thanks,
Mark

"They" sell aluminum seat brackets, and I assume that those are 6061-T6. So somebody thinks it's ok.

My mounts are just regular, mild steel. 1/8th? Remember, steel will bend and twist... aluminum will bend, fracture, and crack. That's why they got outlawed aluminum roll cages. Yeah! Can you believe they used to do that!!!! I can't imagine such a thing being legal!

I would use mild over stainless: stainless is going to be a pain to cut or drill or weld.

Anders

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Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio