simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 15, 2012 Was I way off, called up the cousins and found out it was a 69 that one of them owned which we cruised in alot. Thanks for the correction drag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdofprey 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2012 Hello all, I think it's time for me to tell a little bit about my progression with this rig and some of the problems that I ran into. Maybe it can help others to avoid them ... - The cutting was a bit tricky when it came to the small (3") parts. That was due to my saw which has a grip to hold the material steady (you don't want to bring your fingers near a saw blade running at 7000 rpm). Unfortunately the grip was a bit too long and didn't fit exactly so every now and then during cutting it lost its grip which immediately destroyed the pvc part I was cutting. The first time it really scared me because the 3" pvc part literally exploded and flew across the room. Nothing serious happened though. Fortunately I had bought enough material so it still worked out. In the end I had about 1 ft. leftover! The cutting took me about 4 hours in total. I really took my time (safety first!) and constantly tried to clean away the pvc dust. By the way: there was lots of it! Even though I used a vacuum cleaner it still flew all over the place. - I did a mockup of the rig to make sure the parts work together well. Though I worked slow and as accurate as possible it still happened that some parts were slightly different from the requested measurements (maybe 1/10 inch or so). I guess this was due to the grip on the saw which doesn't seem to work well on a round surface. I thought that these small deviations could be handled in the glueing process so I didn't get nervous there. - In the cleaning part I used my pvc cleaning fluid. Overall I used maybe 300-400 ml. I think that it prepares the pvc for proper application of the glue. I'm not sure if this is really necessary for a simulation rig, but it seems to be helpful in cases when you really have to have the pvc absolutely waterproof under pressure. The cleaning liquid is pure chemistry, so be careful to have lots of fresh air all the time. I had but still got sleepy after an hour. - I didn't start glueing right away but had a couple of days when I couldn't work on the rig. That gave me time to think how to best proceed with this. I tried to work out a 'best practice', in which order to glue the pieces so as not to run in trouble. I thought I had a good plan but what happened was exactly what I was trying to prevent from happening: I had a few parts which were already glued and needed to be fit together with other parts that were already glued. The problem is: the parts that are glued will be as rigid as a rock. And then you can't twist and turn them into other parts unless you have only straight angles everywhere. It was extremely difficult especially in the front part where there are lots of 45 degree and 90 degree and short and long pieces and the monitor table section which is like a connection between left and right side. I thought I would never be able to make it (I had a situation where I had to simultaneously bring in a 90 degree and a 45 degree piece which were blocking each other: once I maneuvered the 90 degree in its opposite the 45 degree got stuck on its part and vice versa. The parts overlapped by 1 1/2 inch and I almost gave up. Only real brute force worked in the end. - What I found out though is that the more glue you use the easier it is to bring the pieces together and the more time you have until it can't be moved anymore. At the beginning I used enough glue to just cover the two pieces. I put the pieces together and held them in place for about 5-7 seconds and they didn't move anymore. Later on I used much more glue (maybe twice the amount or even more) and that gave about 30 seconds. Overall I used maybe 600-700 gramm of glue. From the official description of the glue I should have used about 1.1 kg for this amount of pvc. But once again that is for professional application under high pressure conditions. - The glueing took me about 4 hours and I worked in my garage with open doors. The smell of the glue (pure chemistry once again) didn't leave the garage for 3 days. Don't use this stuff in your house! - I decided to paint it black (great song by the way). I did this outdoor, but it was a windy day. Maybe that's why not every place is painted 100 percent. Or it's my lack of capability. But the parts that are not perfect can't be seen later on (the seat and the pedal board will be mounted there) so I think that's okay for me. That's where I'm at at the moment. I used gloves, eye protection while cutting, and mouth and nose protection while cleaning, glueing and painting. And I'm glad I did. The next steps will be to cut the wood parts and put it all together. Still have to figure out whether I'm really going to use MDF (don't really like it) and whether my clamps work the way I want. As I said, the strongties are not available here and my replacement clamps are much different. We'll see. My final comment so far: I absolutely love this rig! I think it looks great (though it's not finished yet) and the construction is rock solid. I had some problems but solved them and this gives me some real satisfaction (another great song). I would definitely recommend that project to everyone. And I still have things to work out and ideas to realize so the fun doesn't end! Sorry for such a long post... Ralf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Android412 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2012 Hard to tell from the pictures, but looks like you used the 3" diameter pipe. A lot harder to work with then the 2" stuff. Kudos to you, I work with this stuff everyday, and I don't know if I could have done that well with the 3". Probably kinda heavy too. On a side note (which I think was mentioned earlier, but I'm too lazy to check) you used the grey pvc, vs. the white. Higher quality, and more expensive no doubt. Either way its done, and it looks great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdracer 1 Report post Posted July 19, 2012 UPDATE: Went to 2 different home depots and a Rona. None of them would order in the bracket, as it "wasn't in the system". Contacted Simpson directly and they said they would only sell to an 'approved seller' (hmmm....like home depot?). These things are harder to find in Canada than Harper supporters... That is bunk. I called the Simpson head office here in Ontario which is close to where I live and work, the lady there was very nice, she even gave me her extension number (should have written that down) to give to Home Depot in case they gave me trouble ordering them. There was an option to pick them up at the head office in Mississauga. My home depot did give me push back about ordering it, I had to talk to about 5 different people who all seemed very pissed off at me for wanting to order this stuff. Eventually they got over it and the parts came in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 19, 2012 What I found out though is that the more glue you use the easier it is to bring the pieces together and the more time you have until it can't be moved anymore. At the beginning I used enough glue to just cover the two pieces. I put the pieces together and held them in place for about 5-7 seconds and they didn't move anymore. Later on I used much more glue (maybe twice the amount or even more) and that gave about 30 seconds. Overall I used maybe 600-700 gramm of glue. From the official description of the glue I should have used about 1.1 kg for this amount of pvc. But once again that is for professional application under high pressure conditions. Hmmm, I think you may have found the trick to using the glue bird. I did notice this reaction a little during my process. Although, I was trying to utilize the can (glue) thoughout the entire build I did notice that when more was applied it took a few seconds more to set compared to the others but it also made things messier. BTW, nice clean build. They also sell the grey PVC pipes here in the electrical isle but the only fittings that match are the white ones in the plumbing area, odd. They also do come in 40 to 80 schedules but in anycase a clean build, congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 19, 2012 Well, as promised, here's the monitor stand. I'm confident it should hold things up well but we'll see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilverLion 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2012 In the cleaning part I used my pvc cleaning fluid. Overall I used maybe 300-400 ml. I think that it prepares the pvc for proper application of the glue. I'm not sure if this is really necessary for a simulation rig, but it seems to be helpful in cases when you really have to have the pvc absolutely waterproof under pressure. The cleaning liquid is pure chemistry, so be careful to have lots of fresh air all the time. I had but still got sleepy after an hour. Did you use the purple stuff? If so, funny story; somehow managed to spill half a can of the stuff all over the middle of my carpet (don't ask). One heart attack and some bleach later, it's all out. I would also add that you can pick up a filter mask for $25, which filters the air for you (can't even smell the stuff). I used it for painting, priming and glueing and would highly reccomend it to others. Makes it much easier on your lungs. Definitely had the same issues with the pvc as you did, but all worked out in the end. I think the best advice here is to trust the measurements you've made...I tried to dick around with the lengths and ended up with some problems, which i've finally ironed out. Rig is looking good though! I'm shooting to paint mine tonight when I finish mounting. That is bunk. I called the Simpson head office here in Ontario which is close to where I live and work, the lady there was very nice, she even gave me her extension number (should have written that down) to give to Home Depot in case they gave me trouble ordering them. There was an option to pick them up at the head office in Mississauga. My home depot did give me push back about ordering it, I had to talk to about 5 different people who all seemed very pissed off at me for wanting to order this stuff. Eventually they got over it and the parts came in. Yeah I probably could've been more persistent, but after running around everywhere I just didn't have the energy! Found a combination of pipe grips and U bolts that works for me (i've added a decent amount, and it feels strong). Should be done by next week, super excited to race with this thing! -Silver Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zallow 1 Report post Posted July 22, 2012 Nice seeing progress on other people's rigs. I'm almost done with mine, been kind of busy lately. I ordered some simpson strong ties from amazon as i think they will be absolutely invaluable to make everything look neat and "professional" especially for the shifter mount. I wanna try to make something like the v2 shifter mount that SIMUL8R did (the one without the big piece of plywood) and those brackets are pretty much the only way to go to mount this neatly. Btw SIMUL8R, you haven't updated your how-to for the shifter mount after you changed it. It looks fairly simple regardless but i'm sure lots of people would like to know the measurements if you care to tell us. When i get the brackets, i'll try something similar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 22, 2012 Btw SIMUL8R, you haven't updated your how-to for the shifter mount after you changed it. It looks fairly simple regardless but i'm sure lots of people would like to know the measurements if you care to tell us. When i get the brackets, i'll try something similar. Sure, here’s a rough diagram of the shifter. You will have to ‘bend’ one end of the Simpson Tie to 90 degrees. A table vise works well with some brute force or a mallet. Building the wooden pieces was not easy; it was actually scary since I was using a table saw to carved out the pieces from 2”x6" lumber and having my hands that close to the blade…well, let’s just say was ‘gut wrenching’. Perhaps a hand saw would have been appropriate but difficult to maneuver. In any case, the diagram should give you an idea of how I did mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 22, 2012 Test fitted monitors on stand and positioned the rig together. Getting close to the finish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nullivex 0 Report post Posted July 23, 2012 Test fitted monitors on stand and positioned the rig together. Getting close to the finish. [attachment=0]CIMG0765.JPG[/attachment] Awesome job man! I just built one for myself on Friday. I sourced the seat from a salvage yard about 6PM, got the rest of the materials together by about 9PM and was racing by 3AM. I also did the entire build with hand saws (not fun). I plan on redoing the MDF, inverting the pedals and cleaning up a few things but so far its been great. I have yet to paint yet. However, I had a question. I was planning on building a similar monitor stand, actually the design I had in my head is identical to yours (which I thought was cool). My question is, how did you handle the VESA mounting? Did you use VESA plates and then secure them to the PVC with pipe straps? I was pondering how best to go about this. Really awesome stuff! The plans worked for me on the first try and I also instant glued the entire rig with only one problem. As some advice to anyone else doing the build, LABEL YOUR PIPES it really makes it a lot easier to sort through them when you have all the sizes written on them before you assemble. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted July 23, 2012 how did you handle the VESA mounting? Did you use VESA plates and then secure them to the PVC with pipe straps? I was pondering how best to go about this. Correct, I used 1 1/2" Simpson Ties (monitor stand is combo of 2 & 1-1/2 PVC's), cut/broke off one side of the tie's arm and drilled the Vesa wall plate to accept the tie's existing holes. Clamped the mounts to the stand, mounted the monitor with the other part of the Vesa's plate attached to it from which I alligned and tightened the tie on the stand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sbmarcio 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2012 Hi SIMUL8R, Nice job. Can you share the plans this triple screen stand with us? Thanks, Marcio Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Garbow64 0 Report post Posted July 30, 2012 thanks for all your help everyone.. enjoying it.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisbirley 0 Report post Posted August 5, 2012 Firstly have to say a huge thanks to Simul8r for the plans - they really are great. A friend and myself have made a rig each following your plans, we got both mocked up in about 3 hours, only things left were the decks. Nvidia, i was wondering how you have mounted the T500RS pedals, i know that when Shaun did his he mounted it on MDF with a couple of saddle clamps, but i cant see anything like that on yours on Page 28. this is one of the remaining things i have to figure out. many thanks Chris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilverLion 0 Report post Posted August 5, 2012 Well i've finally finished! Ran into quite a few roadblocks (especially unexpected cost here in canada!) but this was a very rewarding project to complete. Went with the bed liner like you did, and I have to agree -- the texture is awesome! Added a bit of red on top to spice it up. Thanks again sim. Painted: Finished: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baluvee 0 Report post Posted August 5, 2012 simul8r looks great. Is it possible to use Triple LCD Monitor Stand Desk Clamp 193B ?. how do you connect 3 monitors to ps3 ? Also Can you share the update plan for us ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nvidia2349 1 Report post Posted August 8, 2012 you need 3 ps3 and 3 the same game for me wast of money whit that money you spend its better build a rig is for all games in any resolution Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c0rn 7 Report post Posted August 21, 2012 While I am waiting to build my new rig I needed something for my keyboard and mouse on my current PVC rig. My landlord dropped by the other day and gave me a box full of PVC fittings he did not need, so I tried to make a keyboard & mouse holder with what I could find in that box. Sorry about the bad pictures (and all the mess), I will take better ones =) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zallow 1 Report post Posted August 23, 2012 Update on my version of the SIMUL8R rig: Booyah! Hehe thanks again SIMUL8R! I don't have the table on that picture cause i was missing some u-bolts and hadn't receive my simpson strong ties yet when the picture was taken. And believe or not, i've been using the rig for about a month now in this condition, with NO GLUE! That's right, everything is only press fit and holding together. 2" PVC is strong as heck! I do plan on gluing it, but at the time, I wanted to test the rig first and see if it was comfortable and stable enough. I think i have my answer. I plan on painting it electric blue and black and replace some of the wood pieces with nicer ones (those are pieces of plywood from a previous rig that i reused, so there are a bunch of holes everywhere and makes it look very ugly). I inverted my pedals and it was really easy to do. I simply used a piece of wood in the front of the rig and secured the bottom to the pipe at the front with 2 u-bolts and the top with some all-round straps. It is rock solid! Also for people who are having a hard time with their seat. I reused a 1989 Nissan 240sx i had and bent both front tabs so they would be straight and easier to bolt on a piece of wood. I then used some brass inserts (~$1 ea.)that I found at a local hardware store to bolt down the seat with metal bolts to the pieces of wood. It worked awesome! I don't have picture of what i did with the shifter mount, although i was able to put it on the rig with a simpson strong tie and only one piece of wood. I somewhat succeeded, but it doesn't look very pretty. I'll try and post some later. I'll obviously rework it as well as i'm not totally satisfied with it, but... it works. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juswalsh23 3 Report post Posted August 24, 2012 Im a huge stock car fan, thanks for the inspiration! Here's my dry fit: http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k130/ ... AG0109.jpg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted August 24, 2012 thanks for all your help everyone.. enjoying it.. Congrats Garbow64, thanks for sharing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted August 24, 2012 Firstly have to say a huge thanks to Simul8r for the plans - they really are great. A friend and myself have made a rig each following your plans, we got both mocked up in about 3 hours, only things left were the decks. many thanks Chris Glad to have helped and happy racing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted August 24, 2012 Well i've finally finished! Ran into quite a few roadblocks (especially unexpected cost here in canada!) but this was a very rewarding project to complete. Went with the bed liner like you did, and I have to agree -- the texture is awesome! Added a bit of red on top to spice it up. Thanks again sim. Awesome work Silver! I would suggest rounding or angle cut the seat and table for safety reasons but overall great job on the build. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
simul8r 114 Report post Posted August 24, 2012 simul8r looks great. Is it possible to use Triple LCD Monitor Stand Desk Clamp 193B ?. how do you connect 3 monitors to ps3 ? Hey baluvee, currently not using triple monitors for PS3 just PC. For now the kids are using it on a single flat screen with the PS3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
