PVC Racing Simulator Pod

1st off this is my first Instructable so I hope I took enough pics and I don't do too terrible with the instructions.

2nd this is not my design, I got the plans from http://s683.photobucket.com/user/simul8r/library/?sort=6&page=1 , so credit goes to simul8r

Step 1: How to Make a Straight Freehand Cut on a Pvc Pipe

Rip a flap off of a cardboard box, make sure its long enough to wrap around the pipe 1&1/2 times. make a small mark where your cut is going, then wrap the cardboard around the pipe making sure the overlapping part of cardboard lines up with the rest of the cardboard on your measurement mark, you now have a straight line and can trace that line onto the pipe with a marker. then cut with a fine toothed hacksaw blade, when the blade breaks through to the inside of pipe start turning the pipe away from you following the line.

Step 2: Parts List and Pvc Cut Sizes

I believe I spent around $120 for PVC,MDF and plywood. I already had everything else needed (primer,glue, ect)

My wheel and pedals were around $300 new but that was years ago, depending on how realistic you want your experience to be there are lower grade wheels on Ebay used for about $50.

2" PVC parts list

T's x14 (15 if you want to add a cup holder)

45 Degree x3

90 Degree x6 (8 with the cup holder)

End Caps x2

2" to 3" adapter x1 (cup holder)

10' PVC pipe x3

Step 3: Mock Up and PVC Assembly

Mock up (pre-assembly without glue) here you need to make sure everything fits and cut lengths are correct, mark all your joints to make sure they line up while gluing. While internal wiring isn't necessary I recommend doing it, I drilled x3 3/8" holes then ovaled them out into one oval hole, though I'd recommend buying x3 2"x2"x1" T's and using those for the wire access points.

Step 4: Cut and Install Plywood And/or Mdf

I'm not going to go into much detail here since your seat and steering wheel/ pedals combo will decide what you do from here. I included the templates for my Logitech G27 setup.

Step 5: Adding a Cup Holder and Decals for PS3-PS4

Comments

[isma848]

i know it's been a while since you posted it but how did you attack the wheel? and how sturdy is it

[RobR2]

Sorry for the late reply. Yes it is sturdy. In step 4 there is a diagram for the steering wheel platform but you may need to alter dimensions, as Ive stated to others I didnt go into too much detail here on purpose as mounting really depends on your hardware. If you bought your wheel new it should have came with a template for mounting, if not you can make one from a sheet of paper or thin cardboard (soda/beer case).

[goce.gd]

what size are the pvc pipes , are they 40mm or 25 mm ?

[RobR2]

Sorry, I didnt see a notification for this comment when it was posted. pipes are 2" so about 50mm

[fruncer]

I love your cockpit, I think it's awesome. I want to build an equal one and I would like to know if you could send the photographs from Step 4 because they don't look good in the manual ...
Thank you

[RobR2]

as I said in step 4 "I'm not going to go into much detail here since your seat and steering wheel/ pedals combo will decide what you do from here." I dont know what wheel/pedals and seat you are using. So I cant give much detail on cut sizes or install instructions as I dont know what you need.

[Grucha]

what is the total length of the finished pod?

[RobR2]

4'8" long 2'4" wide.

You could trim about 6" from length and width or make it longer or wider if needed. Any adjustments to tube lengths would just change elbow angles. ALWAYS MOCK UP BEFORE GLUEING!

My biggest regret to this build was not taking the pedals apart and inverting them. I'm considering reengineering this pod over the summer. I started making tweaks to it in SketchUp already.

[tankapotamus]

I wish you had shown how you attached the wheel.

[forgotten38]

Can we get a list of cut sizes? Can't really see the picture

[RobR2]

https://cdn.instructables.com/F7Y/NRWK/I86LPBBA/F7YNRWKI86LPBBA.LARGE.jpg Does this link work? is that easier to read?

[RobR2]

If you click on the diagram picture on top of step #2 it will enlarge, I just looked, its very easy to read

[RobertR302]

Great build. I plan on making one for myself. love the idea about marking a straight line on the PVC

[MelodyC22]

Has anyone made this out of 1 1/2 pipe, seems strong enough, and would save 1/3 to 1/2 the total cost to build?

[RobertR302]

the longest piece I see is the 35" piece. According to formufit at 3' (36") the difference in load deflection (weight before it starts to "bow") is only 5 lbs(30lbs for 1 1/2" and 35 lbs for 2"). As this would be sitting on the ground I don't see any load deflection being an issue or it getting crushed unless you ran it over in a truck. So i would say you could probably do 1 1/2". I might have some extra fittings to make it from 1 1/2" i will let you know

[SmashedWord1]

gday mate, just curious if a 6'6 guy like myself would fit in this comfortably or would i need to extend it. my kids partner and i would love something like this.

[RobR2]

Im 5'10" my daughter is about 5' and we both fit it just fine so you would probably want to stretch the base a few inches, The plan was/is to install a racing seat on slides

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PVC-LEATHER-HIGH-HEAD-RED-...

which should give you all the adjustment you would need. you can also check your local junk yard for a car seat, my local yard pulls all the glass out so all the seats are moldy.

Do you use Google SketchUp? it's free. That .skp file I uploaded will give you all the measurements using the tape measure in the program

[SmashedWord1]

thanks for the feed back mate

[MiloI1]

Anyone else reading this should consider that if you used ABS "pvc" pipe you wouldn't have to paint it! Just acetone off the printed junk, maybe some sanding...

Excellent work though, man, wish I'd thought of this when I was a kid. Might like to make a helicopter one for my brother someday, or a motorcycle one for myself / to talk my friends into learning!

[RobR2]

I have not seen motorcycle controls for video games like my wheel and pedals, though there are some games/software for commercial simulators and arcade games available if you did make the motorcycle simulator. you could make the sim by tearing down a xbox 360 controller and use its components for steering,throttle, brake and leaning.

If you do ever get around to doing this Id love to see it, even help with the tech stuff if you need it!