DIY Cool Shirt System
06-19-2013, 10:46 PM
#25
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In the covered garage area in the middle of the day I actually put my folding lawn chair next to the driver's door and hooked up the system because I missed it when it wasn't connected.
A side benefit is the moisture condensing on the tubes in the shirt makes the shirt damp and that makes it even cooler, even when you unhook it and get out of the car.
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06-20-2013, 12:17 PM
#26
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And that feeling when you first turn it on .... my friend described it as "like peeing yourself, but in reverse"
I also found one of those home therapy units - got mine at a goodwill for $7 dollars. I picked it up just for the fittings actually, but I keep it now for the paddock, since it's got an ac adapter. I haven't tried to use it in the car - I think the pump might be a little weak for that. I don't think it will flow enough to keep you cool.
I also found one of those home therapy units - got mine at a goodwill for $7 dollars. I picked it up just for the fittings actually, but I keep it now for the paddock, since it's got an ac adapter. I haven't tried to use it in the car - I think the pump might be a little weak for that. I don't think it will flow enough to keep you cool.
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06-20-2013, 12:24 PM
#27
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It's like pouring a cool bottle of water down the back of your neck and down your shirt but it doesn't ever warm up like pouring actual water does. It just stays cool all over your back. And front.
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06-20-2013, 12:58 PM
#28
My $40 shipped 2cool shirt arrived in mint condition. It is a vest so I won't have any extra material on my arms retaining heat. My various parts are on order but I will have a DIY system with a real shirt for ~$100. I going to the track on the 28th and now hope for hot weather instead of the cool weather I usually want. 
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07-01-2013, 12:29 AM
#29
I can't describe the total and complete awesomeness of this system. It feels like running a cold garden hose down your shirt without the mess and wetness. It was in the mid/upper 80s Friday which translated to a lot more on the track and with apologies to the Texas, SoCal and Florida crew, that is HOT for this pudgy white guy from Seattle.
One session got red flagged after one car had an unfortunate disagreement with his wheel studs at triple digits and I sat idling in the sun for 10 - 15 minutes in glorious coolness while the other guys were probably ready to pass out.
I don't care where you live - if you get out of your car after 20 or 30 minutes dripping in sweat and miserably hot (everyone at times?), you need to consider this. My only advice is to build two coolers/pumps. When you finish the session and get out of the car, you will want one to hook up to in the shade. I kept going over to the car between groups to hook back up to the pump.
My truck doesn't have AC so I took the cooler out of the car for the drive home also. It was just as awesome feeling on the ~2hour commute from the track. I've already ordered enough fittings to make a second cooler. Please make this awesomeness part of your track routine!
One session got red flagged after one car had an unfortunate disagreement with his wheel studs at triple digits and I sat idling in the sun for 10 - 15 minutes in glorious coolness while the other guys were probably ready to pass out.
I don't care where you live - if you get out of your car after 20 or 30 minutes dripping in sweat and miserably hot (everyone at times?), you need to consider this. My only advice is to build two coolers/pumps. When you finish the session and get out of the car, you will want one to hook up to in the shade. I kept going over to the car between groups to hook back up to the pump.
My truck doesn't have AC so I took the cooler out of the car for the drive home also. It was just as awesome feeling on the ~2hour commute from the track. I've already ordered enough fittings to make a second cooler. Please make this awesomeness part of your track routine!
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07-01-2013, 05:20 PM
#32
We made DIY coolshirts for Lemons. The only skill required is basic sewing machine operation. The coolshirt makes all the difference in any kind of heat, especially since our Miata's radiator & enclosure is where the passenger seat used to be.
To speed up our pit stops, we put a diverter valve in the return hose to the reservoir. During driver changes, you turn the valve and the bilge pump dumps the water out while someone pours in fresh ice. Multi-tasking!
To speed up our pit stops, we put a diverter valve in the return hose to the reservoir. During driver changes, you turn the valve and the bilge pump dumps the water out while someone pours in fresh ice. Multi-tasking!
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07-02-2013, 01:53 AM
#33
He has a track day this weekend at ORP with forecast ambient in the 90s. He's already ordered all the bits to put together what I had and will be all set for Saturday. He even took my advice and bought enough connectors to make a second tank for the lawnchair in the shade.
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07-03-2013, 12:24 AM
#36
Amazing on a 100+ day at VIR two years ago in the Chumpcar simply amazing. We just left water in the cooler and swapped out three one gallon bags of ice into the cooler at ever stop (1.5 hrs). Worked great until my $120 cool shirt sprung a leak and I had a shower on my left side for an hour. Still was a cool shower.
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07-03-2013, 10:26 AM
#37
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Join Date: May 2008
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I'm Mr Hydes track buddy and I am building a setup for this weekend where it is supposed to be in the mid 90's at ORP. I got the cooler and found these fittings. They are the same as the Motion ones, made for them and sold as their store brand. They are identical to the motions as far as I can tell and cheaper. Both halves have a shut off valve when pulled apart. and you can call and talk to them and get them overnite if you want.
Tusk Fuel Line Quick Connect | ATV | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC
Tusk Fuel Line Quick Connect | ATV | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC
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07-03-2013, 04:46 PM
#38
I'm Mr Hydes track buddy and I am building a setup for this weekend where it is supposed to be in the mid 90's at ORP. I got the cooler and found these fittings. They are the same as the Motion ones, made for them and sold as their store brand. They are identical to the motions as far as I can tell and cheaper. Both halves have a shut off valve when pulled apart. and you can call and talk to them and get them overnite if you want.
Tusk Fuel Line Quick Connect | ATV | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC
Tusk Fuel Line Quick Connect | ATV | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC
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07-04-2013, 04:01 PM
#39
I have one of these made by William. Still working after many hours and much abuse. I use a cotton coolshirt. The box was later modified by John by making a water tight seal for the power harness through the wall of the cooler so the lid seals better. TrackHQ /DIY Cool Suit ice box
Also look into used Polar Cool Flow systems. Folks use these for a while, paid for by medical insurance, then dump them on ebay/CL. I have heard of at least one person that scored a complete system dirt cheap.
Cool Flow® Circulating Water System - Polar Products, Inc.
Also look into used Polar Cool Flow systems. Folks use these for a while, paid for by medical insurance, then dump them on ebay/CL. I have heard of at least one person that scored a complete system dirt cheap.
Cool Flow® Circulating Water System - Polar Products, Inc.
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07-07-2013, 01:48 AM
#40
I'll get a few of bags of ice in the morning and keep them in a separate cooler. I'll add ice as needed throughout the day. It won't be cold water. It will start off being some water and mostly ice. I've got the toggle switch in the center console until I work out a permanent location for it, so I'll be able to turn the water off and on as necessary to moderate it if it is too cold. Imagine that, too cold. That is such a welcome thought. Wait! The Chateau Elan has ice machines in the hallways of the hotel, right? lol.
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