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Old 10-09-2006
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Seat Inserts and Airplanes

Today I finally got a seat insert (thanks Arturo!), and I am now wondering whether these things will survive airplane travel. I have a Sparco big bag, and the seat insert could be packed among layers of clothes for cushioning. On the other hand, baggage handlers have a habit of throwing bags around, and a couple of tosses at the wrong angle could flex or break the insert.

Anybody have any thoughts or experiences about keeping a seat insert intact?
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Old 10-09-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

My seat did just fine in my big Sparco bag for the last year and a half. I packed it on the flat bottom of the bag, tucked under the helmet pouch to make the most of the space.
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Old 10-09-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

Mine has survived in the bottom of my rolling duffle for two years, no problem.
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Old 10-09-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

Do the seats that the mechanics offer to "pour" for you really work? Do they really make you feel more secure in the car, or is it the angle at which the seat leaves you sitting that is the benefit? It seemed like most of the regular guys had them.
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Old 10-09-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

The insert keeps your hips and and back tightly anchored in the seat so that all of your attention can go to driving. You have no idea how much arm and leg energy is used to position your body in the car until you no longer have to expend that energy to stay in place.

Another ancillary benefit is that you have more sensitivity to car placement and movement because your body is no longer sliding around in the seat.

If you are going to do more than one race weekend it is an inexpensive and wise investment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by chsutherland
Do the seats that the mechanics offer to "pour" for you really work? Do they really make you feel more secure in the car, or is it the angle at which the seat leaves you sitting that is the benefit? It seemed like most of the regular guys had them.
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Old 10-09-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

Quote:
Originally Posted by chsutherland
Do the seats that the mechanics offer to "pour" for you really work? Do they really make you feel more secure in the car, or is it the angle at which the seat leaves you sitting that is the benefit? It seemed like most of the regular guys had them.
They aren't really an option... you have to have one. Use someone that knows what they are doing to help you. Gerardo is a master.
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Old 10-10-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

I ran my first race without a seat insert and felt as though I was bracing myself with my legs as well as my arms as opposed to driving the car. Afterwards, I had a seat poured and it was a night and day difference.

Ted: I have the same Sparco bag (probably) that you have. I pack clothes etc. ~ half way and then place the insert and then pack the rest of my clothes etc. on top if it. I make sure to create layers of clothing around the rib/lateral support area of the insert such that it never takes a direct hit from the top of the rib support area during baggage handling. What I am worried about here is that it takes an impact from from the top and there is no support under and around it such that it cracks at the junction of the rib support area and the back area. This is less of an issue for thinner guys as this area of their insert tends to be quite robust.
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Old 10-10-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

What Michael said x 100, yes, must have, they make a big difference in comfort and seat of the pants feel.

WTN, I assume you have reinforced your insert with corrugated cardboard on the big flat side (under your back) and duct tape right? I have been abusing mine for 4 years and it just keeps on tickin'.

BTW, a couple years ago I found out my insert is very aerodynamic, that baby likes to fly! I discovered this little known feature after an incredibly stupid (and expensive) crash in the Downhill. My short temper being what it is, I let it fly on my walk back to the tower. Me and Slonaker watched wide-eyed and slack-jawed as it soared away, it just kept gaining altitude, all the while assuming a gentle bank towards the snack bar, wow! Better than any friz I have thrown.

Maybe our RC fliers can install a few servos, receiver and control surfaces, weirder things have been done.....like this .....
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Old 10-10-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdh
WTN, I assume you have reinforced your insert with corrugated cardboard on the big flat side (under your back) and duct tape right? I have been abusing mine for 4 years and it just keeps on tickin'.
Hi Doug,
Yep, Arturo installed the cardboard reinforcing unit as part of his craftwork. He also gave me a roll of racer tape (supposedly a thicker version of duct tape) to finish off taping the entire insert, and he told me which way to position the tape for maximum strength.

In addition to keeping my back muscles from having to work so hard, I also could sense where the car was going, and that is perhaps the real benefit of the seat insert.

One thing I had to do was get an adjustable head cushion, however, because the insert moved my torso forward a bit. I typically rest my HANS against the back of the seat/rollbar, but being forward, I found that my neck was being used much more.
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Old 10-10-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

I was going to ask Joe G. to help me with same, however i understand he's leaving for greener pastures. Anyone recommend anybody else in particular to work with to get a seat made?

Also, I noticed Murray Marden, one of the experienced Nationals guys, and a former airline pilot, cut his seat in two lengthwise. I think he velcros the thing together and places it in the car and it all works OK, but you might drop him a line and see what he says.
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Old 10-10-2006
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Re: Seat Inserts and Airplanes

'Experienced' is a good way to describe Murray!
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