Need Advice - My Helmet Hits The Roll Cage

My rally roll cage was built by one of the best FIA-spec cage builders in the business. However, after installing my seat, in the exact same position the builder used, my helmet hits the roll bar padding. And it doesn't lightly hit, it interferes; there is at least a 1/2" overlap. I have no idea what to do! Any suggestions you have are very much welcome! Please help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiAwZjtD0C8

Having built many race cars with full roll cages, I can tell you a couple of things to try.

But, first and foremost. The top cage builders always have you sit in the car with your seat installed and your helmet on to verify fitment. Most will want you wearing all your driving gear, including your hans device.

With that said, I have a couple of drivers that are just too tall for these cars. So for them, I bolt the side seat mounts directly to the floor. This will gain you a little over an inch depending on what sliders you are using.
One of the things I noticed in your video, is that your legs are straight out. Your correct seating position should have your legs bent. This does 2 things. It moves your seat forward, which gives you more head room. Plus it allows your legs to flex in case of a crash. Having your legs totally straight out to the pedals will destroy your knees and ankles if you take a hard front hit.

So, try sliding your seat forward a couple of inches and see if that helps your head room. If not, then mount the seat directly to the floor without the sliders.

Unfortunately, the seats are bolted to the floor with OMP mounts. No sliders.

That leg thing is a very very good tip that I didn't think about... i guess i could have a shop move the seat mounts forward to get my knees bent properly, then lean the seat back to clear my head, then asd a lower harness bar to fit the lower shoulder height...

hmmm...

so much $$$$ though...

:'(

Money? Welcome to racing.............

Will your seats drop any lower in the side mounts? Most mounts have multiple holes in them for adjusting seat height. I couldn't see the mounts well enough in the video.

Hotrodz of Dallas wrote:Money? Welcome to racing.............

Will your seats drop any lower in the side mounts? Most mounts have multiple holes in them for adjusting seat height. I couldn't see the mounts well enough in the video.

well i already spent money on the rollcage that should have been done right... spending the same money twice is what really makes me mad...

unfortunately the seat is hovering only 1/4" from the floor,
i could try and drill new holes and drop it down,
but i don't think it would be enough

i called a local shop today, and might be making
an appointment for November timing to get it tubbed

Something else to try, is to remove the lower seat padding. I've had to do this for some drivers as well.

Hotrodz of Dallas wrote:Something else to try, is to remove the lower seat padding. I've had to do this for some drivers as well.

remove the foam padding glued to the fiberglass?

idk man, these Rally races are full 8~10 hour days...

but yeah, i could see that helping for sure.

thanks!!!

Yep. We endurance race all the time. No padding a lot of times, due to the different drivers we have. But, we aren't running off-road either. So you probably want to keep the padding for a little more comfort.

You aren't a real big guy, so I don't understand why you are having so much problem. I'm 6'1" tall and don't have headroom issues. I'm concerned the cage just got built incorrectly for you.

Hotrodz of Dallas wrote:
You aren't a real big guy, so I don't understand why you are having so much problem. I'm 6'1" tall and don't have headroom issues. I'm concerned the cage just got built incorrectly for you.

Same here ... :'(