Seat padding

[flatman]

I see that a seat can have 1 inch of padding. Does the padding need to be made of fire retardant material?

[Glen]

YES.

[ronnieroadster]

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?  

[Milwaukee Midget]

Better question -

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

[olepaw]

Good answer

[Peter Jack]

Better question -

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

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

[Glen]

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

[Milwaukee Midget]

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.

[Stan Back]

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.

[Elmo Rodge]

I have a home built aluminum seat and a -20 suit. Quite comfortable.  :lol: Wayno

[ronnieroadster]

Better question -

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

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. 

[Elmo Rodge]

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.  Wayno

[Milwaukee Midget]

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?

[Stainless1]

If you decide to put in something that might be flammable, be sure it is not toxic when it burns...  :|

[jimmy six]

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