Cockpit Size

[dre22]

I am mucking around designing a buggy, not sure if I will ever build it but as CAD is my job I thought I would try to model something up.

Anyhow, I am just starting and I am trying to sort out an appropriate cockpit size for a 2 seater buggy. I want to keep it on the smaller side as it will be based around running class 2 in Australia so will be limited to a 1600cc engine so want to keep the weight down. Any ideas on minimum width, height, distance to dash and leg room that would be appropriate will be appreciated.

[goofballracer]

Is Too Small A Good Awnser? Haha Enough Room For 2 People To Barely Fit.

[dre22]

I was looking at about 42 inches across the base. Does that sound about right?

[goofballracer]

in width? or length?

[dre22]

Width

[Triple B]

Figure out your seats first......a 20" wide seat seams small

[goofballracer]

In A 16 Car The Seats Are Pretty Much Touching You Can Probably Get Width Of The Seats Your Going With Beacuse They Will All Be A Little Different.. Good Advice Bob I Second That.

[Scott_F]

You might be able get away with 42" floor width if your seats will fit. You could determine your minimum floor width based on the seats, then design your cab to look like a hexagon from the front, not a rectangle. This will give you more hip and elbow room without adding much weight.

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

When it comes to Cockpits, size matters, and bigger is better.

Added weight is minimal and the added room is well worth it.

Same applies to Fuel Cells.

[NoBrakes Drake]

You don't want your head, knees or elbows banging on the cage.

[nimrod]

Shifter placement is also key......Sometimes it's an after thought.......Grabbing gears without miss shifts is huge!

[AZ1600]

How big is the intended driver, co-driver?

[blurredvision1]

Making it wider is good for many reasons, the more comfortable you are the easier it is to drive. Also the more room you have between you and the side of the frame is effectivly a crumple zone in a side impact.
Making the frame wider does not add that much weight either.

[blurredvision1]

Just had a quick measure of my cars width, it is 45 inches(114cm) and it is bordering on too tight. If you want other measurement just PM me.

[1wayne]

Make it so the car is comfortable to drive their is nothing worse then a tight cockpit (I know leave it alone). I am 6 foot 5 inchs and over 300 lbs.It is hard to find a car that fits me. I had to build my 4 seat chassis that was comfortable for me to drive. Make it big enough!

[eterpay]

Well, she's got to be at least 7.5 inches deep or you'll bottom out on the cervix.