Virtual Driving Simulators - driving one of these can be just like driving a racecar… but in your living room! Essentially, these are training -or just plain fun- devices that simulate the experience of driving a car, but in a safer and more controlled environment. Providing good times for amateurs and serious hobbyists alike, these simulators can range from full-frame bare chassis designs to elaborate finished cockpit rigs.
The design above is a combination of simplicity and functionality.
It’s built with a lightweight, durable aluminum frame (the chassis). The frame then supports a driving platform, a steering wheel, pedals, and virtual display screens that mimic the driving environment. The frame itself is light enough to move around, but sturdy enough to handle more “rigorous” use. And thanks to the nature of the 80/20 system, the whole frame is continuously customizable.
The best part: building one at home can be as easy as the actual driving! Just follow the simple steps below to get started, one piece at a time.
Steps to Building Your Sim Rig with Aluminum 8020!
The base of your simulator is the natural place to start. First, you’ll want to grab:
- Eight aluminum Angle Joints
- Four 20” T-slot Rails
- Two 44” T-slot Rails
Then, you’ll want to make sure you have enough floor or table space to lay everything out. As you do, try to ensure that your angle joints are on the correct side of their respective rails before connecting them. As you connect the rest of the pieces, just hand tighten them until the whole base is connected; at which point you can snug them up until your new base is rock-solid.
Now it’s time to think vertical.
You’ll need:
- Two 25” T-slot Rails
- Two 10” T-slot Rails
- One 7.5” T-slot Rail
- Four Tee-Joints
- One Angle Joint
Here, you’ll probably want to attach and slide your 25” T-slot rails to the center before affixing the shorter vertical rails to either side.
Almost there, just need to add some additional support.
You’ll need:
- Two 10” T-Slot Rails
- One 20” T-Slot Rail
- Two 10.5” T-Slot Rails
- One 14.5” T-Slot Rail
- Eight Angle Joints
For this step, it might be helpful to use a small level in order to make sure that your 14.5” side bracing rail is perfectly straight. Not to worry though: it will still function even if it isn’t.
The end (caps)
You’ll need:
- All nineteen of your end caps
As you add the finishing touches (the end caps) one-by-one, remember to check the entire structure for sturdiness. After all, it never hurts to make sure your new vehicle is roadworthy before taking it for a spin.
And that’s it. Congratulations! It’s now time to pat yourself on the back before adding your own personal gear, installing all the latest upgrades, and sharing your new creation with your fellow racers.
Enjoy!
Racing Rig Kit Parts List
15 parts
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 44.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 1
End Cap
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 19
Angle Joint
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 15
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 20.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 5
Tee Joint
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 4
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 25.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 2
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 10.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 2
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 5.27" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 1
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 4.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 2
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 0.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 2
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 2.27" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 1
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 7.52" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 1
Tie Cable Holder
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 1
Angle 2 Joint
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 4
80/20 1" T Slot Rail - 1.02" Length
Aluminum - 80/20
- Quantity
- 2
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