Here's what I built for serious lap times...
 

For the record, I like driving games. Specifically, rally games.

I used to have a momo racing wheel. It was actually a great setup till it just broke one day.

And, my wife got me a Logitech G27 for my birthday!

So I mounted the wheel on my computer desk. The result was terrible.

Then I thought about installing a removable platform at the bottom of the desk.

Turned out less than stellar. Way less...

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9621/img1564kb.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5800/img1563ix.jpg

That got me thinking about racing game seats..

There are some problems with those seats:
* They are expensive
* They take up waaaay too much room when you are not using them.
* They are pretty low, so I would end up looking up at the TV.
* And, they are expensive...

So, I had an idea.. Why not build something that would be collapsible (like, sliding under a bed or propping behind a door) when I am not using it? And, if I build it, it would not be expensive..

I drafted my plans, and after a run to the hardware store, went at it..

A couple evenings later, this happened:

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3123/img1581a.jpg

I utilized an existing chair, the height is perfect for the TV, and everything, the seat (obviously), the pedals, steering wheel, gear shifter, everything can be adjusted to perfection. And, it breaks down in a minute - just a few wingnuts..

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/1135/img1582tz.jpg

The whole thing is 3/4" MDF, which is really strong, some threaded rods, and a bunch of nuts and washers..

I glued and screwed all the joints to be safe.

There is a box underneath the pedals to raise them to a more natural driving position. The pedal assembly moves back and forth. The threaded rods just lock them in place with wingnuts.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7569/img1583k.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1575/img1584p.jpg

I ran the threaded rods through the box, and cut sections of aluminum tubing (leftover Ikea curtain rods) to make a sleeve for the threaded rods, so forces exerted on the box would not tear the sides out. I mean one could trip over the setup, or someone could try to lift the damn thing up and grab the box.. Anything could happen.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3980/img1566rh.jpg


http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1372/img1567n.jpg

The setup is not finished, but the assembly is done. I need to sand the whole thing, then fill the screw holes and paint it..

I drilled a bunch of holes to make the steering wheel adjustable up&down, and back&forth.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/2449/img1569tm.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/8271/img1589aa.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8876/img1587s.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9290/img1585t.jpg

I'll paint the whole thing black to match the Logitech stuff.

And, I have a set of killer wireless headphones to boot..

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8808/img1591ms.jpg

Nice looking setup. Which rally games do you play?

I thought my dog was spoiled cause we let him up on our bed...

I like Colin McRae Rally games.. RBR is not bad, either.

If you're godless why do you have a crhsitmas tree?

Also have you tried Dirt 3

I'm jelly of your 3 pedals and H-pattern shifter.

Damn, nice job on the setup. I'd guess the wife appreciates that it can be broken down/hidden rather easily :D

God has nothing to do with Christmas these days, unless your god is the almighty (lol) dollar.

CMR1 on the PC was awesome. I liked Monte Carlo, stage 5, with the Ford RS200. Sliding on the two left wheels on the first hairpin was not unusual. I think I have a screencap somewhere.

The tree is for my wife's benefit. Also, it happens to be an extension of a pagan ritual which clearly predates Christianity.

I haven't had a chance to try Dirt3 yet. I have it on order, should arrive in a couple days.

Too bad none of the CMR games, with the exception of the Dirt series will neither run properly or run at all on a Win7 setup with a large screen monitor.

I keep a computer running on XP, guess I'll play the older games on that one.