Naked WC Car

[gosborne]

In case you've ever wanted to see what these cars look like in bare form.

Got it back from the powder coater just before the holidays. Now the work begins.....

[PanozDuke]

Thanks, Gary. Nice shots.

Are you concerned by the non-collapsible steering column? I really don't like that feature. It doesn't look like it is easy to replace with something collapsible.

Mike

[feqrags]

really like the light color instead of black. Better to see in all areas. nice job.

[boothkc]

Originally Posted by PanozDuke

Thanks, Gary. Nice shots.

Are you concerned by the non-collapsible steering column? I really don't like that feature. It doesn't look like it is easy to replace with something collapsible.

Mike

I hit the wall turn 11 Infineon nearly head on (broke the fence, pushed through the cement wall and destroyed the GTS firewall forward) and had no issues with the stearing column. I use a Racetech seat, HANS, and 6 point belts. My seat is as far back as possible and the stretch in the belts allowed my helmet to touch the windshield before slamming me back. Impact speed about 60-80mph to 0 in about 10'....data logger fried.

But the point is even with this severe crash no issues with the stearing column...the system deforms around the u joints. Good seat, HANS and belts are a must.

Rebuilt the car and did my PBL first weekend back.

Kevin

[gosborne]

yes - the light color makes it a lot easier to identify fluid leaks and cracked welds should either occur.

Kevin - curious if you are using the Racetech head restraint seat? I had one in my 944 and loved the seat but, I had clearance problems that made egress difficult and had to remove it. I'd like to use that same style seat in the Panoz and presume there is enough space to do that. Let me know what you are using and if not the head restraint seat, if you had a side net in at the time of your off in the wall?

[boothkc]

Gary,
yep we use the Racetech seat with the head restraint system, HANS, and 6 point belts. I'm 6'5" 250# and get in/out fine. I think the lateral head support is a great safety feature. I've also used it to push my head against to rest my neck during the enduro races.

Kevin

[PanozDuke]

Kevin,
That sounds like a heck of a ride and one I hope never to come close to. I'm glad to know the colume wasn't an issue. That was a long way to the windshield! I guess I need to spring for the restraint ASAP. Shouldn't have put it off this long. Stupid is as stupid does I guess.

Mike

[Panoz26]

as an fyi - this is the racetech seat I have installed - it's a bear getting it in and out, but, not a task that is performed too often.

9009front.jpg

Along with Schroth Harness and a Hans.

In my M3 Crash, I had similar equipment but no RaceTech seat and still walked away unharmed - ego bruised, but nonetheless, safe.

Don't skimp on the safety equipment.

Devin

Oh, yea, Cage looks awesome!

[g8rbob]

The real eye opener for me is how SMALL the chassis is when you see it with the body off.

There is significant stand-off from the chassis to the body. When we first picked up the car it seemed "oversized/too big to be a sports car" compared to Glen's Lotus Esprit and my Porshce 996.

When we had the body off and rolled the chassis out of the shop: "V-8 Powered Go-Cart" was the first reaction that came to mind. It sure explains why the car drives much smaller than it looks.

[gosborne]

Agreed on the safety equipment and what a PITA it is to get these mounted.

The problem I had with the Racetech head restraint seat in the 944 was that the tip of the left head restraint was close enough to the left front roll cage bar that, with helmet and H&N restraint on, I couldn't get thru that gap to get out of the car so, the head restraint seat had to go. I'm 6' and had the seat as far back as usable but still not enough room to fit thru if I needed out with helmet and H&N on. Glad to see I'll be able to use one in the Panoz.

[boothkc]

Gary,
I just put my helmit and HANS on once I get into the Panoz, then do up the belts and no problems with the seat. Plenty of room to put it all on instide the car...usually at grid. I'm 6'5" 250#.

Kevin

[panozracing]

ever do an emergency exit fire drill and see how long it takes?

[gosborne]

Kevin - Agreed, I went thru the same process in the 944 to put on gear and belt in, that wasn't the issue. The issue I had was as Brian eludes to, getting out. And, I want to be able to get out with helmet and H&N support on and, didn't have clearance to do it. Sounds like I will with the Panoz which is good news.

As far as the emergency exit drill Brian mentions, I used to practice it a time or two before the season started and a time or two during the season. NASA "says" that they will randomly test drivers and want to see exit time of 10 seconds or less. Regardless of whether or not they test, I want to be able to get out in that time or less. 10 seconds sounds like a lot of time until you try it for the first time in a cramped cockpit.

[Panoz26]

Im 6'2" and 175lbs. With the RaceTech Halo, helmet and HANs, I can get in/out of the car easily, as long as the steering wheel is removed.. with the wheel on, it's a contortion effort and not near as quick.

[gosborne]

Originally Posted by Panoz26

Im 6'2" and 175lbs. With the RaceTech Halo, helmet and HANs, I can get in/out of the car easily, as long as the steering wheel is removed.. with the wheel on, it's a contortion effort and not near as quick.

that is perfect - I have very similar dimensions (well, plus 25#) and I was hoping to be able to use the Racetech halo seat. Sounds like its a go. Thanks for the confirmation.

BTW - is your seat on sliders or just the side mounts directly to the floor? Curious about head room?