Sparco Sprint, erm, modifications

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 9:29 am

Finally got the Sprint. It's a great tight fit and feels as if it'll be really good on the track and I wouldn't want it much looser a fit for that.

But I do just wonder if anyone has ever used some, shall we say, mechanical encouragement, to maybe widen the tubes at the hip area, where I could just do with half an inch or an inch extra (don't say it!)?

Any thoughts, bearing in mind I'd prefer to be more subtle than using a lump hammer but am easily persuaded by someone who proves they know better?

If I can get that extra, I reckon the Sprint might stay in all the time, although it would need the protector Sparco now offer to stop the outside bolster from being worn out by people who have to squirm against it to get in and out (that'd be me then).

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:03 am

I'd think you would ruin the seat as it is fibreglass. Not sure if there is any metal in there?
Maybe dig out all the padding, but that would ruin the look of the seat.

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:07 am

It might give a bit on its own with use...but it might be to painful to use until then?

You could try getting a few lengths of wood that are just a little bit longer than what will fit in the seat and push them in where you want it wider and then let it sit for a week? You might need someone to help spread the seat a bit to get them in.

I should think the seat can be manipulated, they are just a tube frame with foam and materiel stuck to it.

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:25 am

PMd

Seat is metal frame, not Fibreglass

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 10:50 pm

Several pieces of much-too-big timber (couldn't be arsed to cut them to do a neat job) as load spreaders, some bubble wrap to protect the seat fabric, and a 1 tonne trolley jack. It wasn't elegant, or pretty to watch or hear (there were many expletives), but I got exactly the result I wanted by bending the metal frame across the hips. Whatever the tub is made of, it just followed what I made the metal frame do, and didn't crack or split, or do anything untoward.

The seat is now an inch wider just where I wanted it to be which will mean I can use it to drive to any of the tracks I go to without being in too much pain. Two pieces of closed cell foam one each side of my hips with slots for the harnesses will give me the perfect track day fit.

Great result.

Thanks for the advice from he who wishes not to be identified.