FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) So, I've been going over the rules again and again trying to wrap my head around them... Basically, as far as I can tell, the FIA essentially forces you to bolt a seat (in this case, sparco) using the manufacturer supplied "seat supports" to the floor with minimum 3mm thick steel on both sides of the unibody. The reason I say "force" is because (again, as far as I can tell), it is illegal to make brackets to adapt the sparco "seat supports" to the OEM floor mounts. Do I have this correct? I don't want to send my fabricator on a wild goose chase, especially after my own dismal attempts at doing this myself! Bolting the seat to the floor is fine on the co-driver side, but Talon's don't really play nice on the driver's side. I was hoping to use the sparco "seat supports", and make an adapter to bolt it into the OEM floor mounts. If I can't do this and I chop the oem floor mounts out, how am I supposed to raise the seat to the height I need it to be if I can only use the sparco "seat supports"? I think I am missing something blatantly obvious. The ideal situation would be that I am allowed to chop out the oem mounts, and weld in square tubing to mount the sparco "seat supports" to, but I just don't think that's going to happen from the way I am interpreting the rules. https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,59944#msg-59944 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:21:56 -0500 Phorum 5.2.15a https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103651#msg-103651 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103651#msg-103651 The FIA bolt in seat mount is not worth the time to make a "kit" in my opinion. Since it's not required to have the double plate/bolted in USA we stopped wasting time working on a solution.
This seems like a good time to share this...

The burly Ohio Nut and Bolt weld nuts for sale in small quantities.
http://rally.build/metric-weld-nut/]]> NoCoast Construction Zone Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:59:29 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103650#msg-103650 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103650#msg-103650
Quote
EricW
I'm more worried about width adjust-ability. The actual seat brackets themselves allow for front/rear, but I was looking to have some more horizontal adjust-ability so that the seats can be slid "in" or "out" as necessary. Plus, I'm looking at potentially changing seats in the future, and I'm trying to somewhat future proof the design.

I ended up with two sets of inserts on my horizontal rails, although not by design. First set was set up centered, but then when we put it in the car we realized the steering wheel is not centered, so had to move the holes over almost 2 inches.

It ended up working out, because after I made the brackets I switched from Sparco Pro2000 to OMP HTE-XL, and now I use the outside set of holes.]]> fliz Construction Zone Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:18:40 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103648#msg-103648 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103648#msg-103648 EricW Construction Zone Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:55:06 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103647#msg-103647 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103647#msg-103647
For me I'm not all that worried about adjustable, there's enough holes on the seat mounts and worse case I can unbolt them and make a new set.]]> alosix Construction Zone Mon, 12 Jan 2015 20:49:51 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103645#msg-103645 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,103645#msg-103645
Grant, did you ever do the bolt-in rails in a GD Subaru? I'm seeing it a bit of a challenge to make them adjustable.

The transmission tunnel has a wicked angle making the bar relatively short and the bracket almost sites right on the end of the bar near the weld joint for the inner mount.]]> EricW Construction Zone Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:55:38 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60324#msg-60324 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60324#msg-60324 For those interested, just ordered 200 of the OH n&b weld nuts. $85 for 200, $60 for 100.
If you just need a couple of them, feel free to PM me.]]> NoCoast Construction Zone Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:53:02 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60197#msg-60197 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60197#msg-60197 Started to cut stock seat brackets out last night then realized my spot weld cutter's pin went flying a while back. Doh.]]> NoCoast Construction Zone Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:20:48 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60172#msg-60172 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60172#msg-60172 http://www.on-b.com/nuts/rhm.aspx

Inch, and Metric]]> phlat65 Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:00:32 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60160#msg-60160 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60160#msg-60160
Quote
Dobmaster
Wy not simply follow the CARS rules book ? Its quite simple...

Contact your local CARS Technical Director : Darryl Malone technical@carsrally.ca

If your following whats in the CARS rules book..i dont think you need to follow all FIA rules ?

Also...the lower the seat is..the better weigth distribution. Im going as low as i possiblican...and maybe lower ; )

From the CARS online rule book : Seat Mounting:
(a)Seats must be such that they are securely attached to the floor of the vehicle in such a manner
| as to prevent the movement of the seat in case of an accident. Effective June 1, 2011 all seats
| must be mounted as per FIA Appendix J, Article 253, Article 16: Seats, Anchorage points and
| Supports

So it would appear he is following the CARS rulebook and apparently FIA rules do matter.

Weight distribution isn't nearly as important as visability in a rally car IMO.]]> heymagic Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:27:37 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60157#msg-60157 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60157#msg-60157
Contact your local CARS Technical Director : Darryl Malone technical@carsrally.ca

If your following whats in the CARS rules book..i dont think you need to follow all FIA rules ?

Also...the lower the seat is..the better weigth distribution. Im going as low as i possiblican...and maybe lower ; )]]> Dobmaster Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:48:50 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60156#msg-60156 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60156#msg-60156
That is why I make my own weld nuts with much thicker body, and a larger diameter "washer".. I'm keenly aware we're welding to barely 1mm thin sheetmetal, gotta spread the load.

They're really nice--but I made 'em in M10 and M12]]> john vanlandingham Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:43:11 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60151#msg-60151 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60151#msg-60151
Quote
MRWmotorsports
I'm curious, why make the transverse bar removeable?

-Martin.

Some FIA seats are side mount and some are bottom mount. A bottom mount seat might not not have room below the cross bar to thread a bolt back up into the seat. So you bolt the seat to the bar and then the bar to the floor. The bolting method also allows (as Brian stated) complete perimeter welding of the mount and doubles the material at the floor , flange on end of tube and a plate welded to the floor.

JV, while I haven't done a study on factory seat mounts the ones I have noticed over the years have always been a nut welded or captured under seat metal, not at all like the McMaster part shown, which looks suitable for mounting truck mirrors. I don't know if it is substantial enough but it certainly doesn't look to be.

There will always be the chance that something 'we' allow will differ greatly than a factory designed and engineered procedure. Maybe that particular mounting systems is adequate with that paticular seat and harness in a certain area of the floor if mounted at 9AM on Wednesday type of deal. When you change any one part of the recipe then the results might not be the same.]]> heymagic Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:20:09 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60150#msg-60150 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60150#msg-60150 BJosephD Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:01:04 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60149#msg-60149 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60149#msg-60149
Quote
MRWmotorsports
I'm curious, why make the transverse bar removeable?

-Martin.

If I understand your question correctly, my answer (from what I understand):

Because the FIA says it must be done that way.

Considering I started this subject though, I doubt I'm the one to answer your question correctly.]]> HiTempguy Construction Zone Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:20:47 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60145#msg-60145 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60145#msg-60145 john vanlandingham Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:41:47 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60141#msg-60141 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60141#msg-60141
-Martin.]]> MRWmotorsports Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:04:59 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60135#msg-60135 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60135#msg-60135 heymagic Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:56:23 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60127#msg-60127 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60127#msg-60127 phlat65 Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:13:19 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60125#msg-60125 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60125#msg-60125 NoCoast Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:37:29 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60115#msg-60115 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60115#msg-60115
Quote
heymagic
Quote
john vanlandingham
Quote
Andrew_Frick
So are the weld nuts John posted legal? The drawing seems to indicate that the weld nuts pass through the entire tube?

I have some of the McMaster Carr ones that are really nice but they seem kinda short.

Run them in from both sides.

Not the correct answer.

Them's fightin words!]]> wvonkessler Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:54:42 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60114#msg-60114 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60114#msg-60114
Quote
john vanlandingham
Quote
Andrew_Frick
So are the weld nuts John posted legal? The drawing seems to indicate that the weld nuts pass through the entire tube?

I have some of the McMaster Carr ones that are really nice but they seem kinda short.

Run them in from both sides.

Not the correct answer.]]> heymagic Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:46:47 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60111#msg-60111 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60111#msg-60111
Quote
Andrew_Frick
So are the weld nuts John posted legal? The drawing seems to indicate that the weld nuts pass through the entire tube?

I have some of the McMaster Carr ones that are really nice but they seem kinda short.

Run them in from both sides.]]> john vanlandingham Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:02:15 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60110#msg-60110 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60110#msg-60110
You can weld a nut on the back of a plate, drill the body large enough to allow the nut and weld to sit into it and then weld the plate to the body.]]> heymagic Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:00:32 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60107#msg-60107 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60107#msg-60107
For my rails, Bushore just bought some 3/4" rod, cut it to length, then drilled and tapped it on the lathe.

And definitely get extras. He built mine, then when we put the seat on it with the steering wheel, it was 2" off center. Had to make a second set of inserts and weld them in.]]> fliz Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:43:01 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60105#msg-60105 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60105#msg-60105
I have some of the McMaster Carr ones that are really nice but they seem kinda short.]]> Andrew_Frick Construction Zone Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:26:52 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60080#msg-60080 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60080#msg-60080 http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=fs292d


9.5 mm | 15.9 mm
These 2 products match your selections
Barrel Height
9.5 mm 90563A650 $14.90 Per Pack of 100
15.9 mm 90563A660 12.02 Per Pack of 50

]]> john vanlandingham Construction Zone Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:59 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60079#msg-60079 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60079#msg-60079 alosix Construction Zone Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:42:43 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60078#msg-60078 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60078#msg-60078
Quote
alosix
So.. if one wanted to be lazy and do just like that picture with the square tubing.. Where would one find those M8 inserts in the states?
http://www.jhpfasteners.com/documents/JPWF_CD.pdf

Model
Thread

Type
Material
Barrel or Pilot Dia
Barrel or Pilot Ht
Width (Dia)
Length
Thickness* Height

Price
Add Qty.
JPWFM 08015 M8 x 1.25

Flanged
Steel
11.3
14.95
25
N/A
3.8

RFQ


Thank you for your interest in JHP Fasteners, Inc. Please fill out the following form and we will contact you shortly.
1-800-783-0910
616-913-0060
616-913-0085 (fax)
Customer Service: sales@jhpfasteners.com]]> john vanlandingham Construction Zone Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:40:16 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60076#msg-60076 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60076#msg-60076 NoCoast Construction Zone Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:37:50 -0600 https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60070#msg-60070 Re: FIA Approved Seat Mounting Options (CARS) https://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/read.php?5,59944,60070#msg-60070 alosix Construction Zone Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:12:34 -0600