Van Diemen 2000 head surround mounting options

[redcar9]

I'm trying to figure out how to mount this head surround to the car. Not sure how to do it.
It has a bunch of threaded nut inserts, only two line up with the exposed metal on the car.

The little I know is you want to be able to remove it fast. So strong velcro?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/wsxyd...=fvtv279m&dl=0

[Steve Davis]

Dunno about anyone else, but I get NIL when I click your link. Seem to remember that Dropbox changed there requirements about sharing some months ago.... so that anyone NOT a member of DB could not access anything posted there? or something like that?
Steve, FV80

[redcar9]

Yea, I'm not sure. I double checked and it seemed to work.
Maybe google is easier for everyone?

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...8W?usp=sharing

[SteveG]

Dunno about anyone else, but I get NIL when I click your link. Seem to remember that Dropbox changed there requirements about sharing some months ago.... so that anyone NOT a member of DB could not access anything posted there? or something like that?
Steve, FV80

You are correct, you have to have a DropBox account AND be logged in to see others shares.
I can see the pictures just fine. Unfortunately I don't have any suggestions for the question.

Steve

[DaveW]

These are stronger than Velcro:
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=6265
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=6264

[Steve Davis]

Pretty much EVERY head surround I've even seen used is 'terminated' by a single 'push release' PIN on each side at the front. It hasn't been obvious to me just HOW the rear is secured, but thinking a simple 'tab/slot' arrangement. They generally aren't intended to take much abuse so it doesn't take a LOT to hold it in place... as long as you REMEMBER to remove the pins before trying to get out of the car.

Also, from your description, it's likely that THAT surround has never been installed in THAT car. Your pix might provide a little more info if they were taken from a bit further away. It's hard to tell what's going on when the surround pieces occupy 90+% of the picture. It also SEEMS like the 2 sides are of different colors.. re-enforcing the thought that it/them have never been installed .. in that car. Of course, the most common ones I've seen are in F1.. always a SINGLE piece - form fitted to the cockpit and (presumably) pinned at the front(s). Those seem to be more 'functional' than the 'wind smothers' that I've seen in amateur racing.

... I should say, I do NOT have one, so my 'experience' is just from seeing others get into /out of their cars.
Steve, FV80

[douglap1]

Yea, I'm not sure. I double checked and it seemed to work.
Maybe google is easier for everyone?

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...8W?usp=sharing

From what I can tell from these photos, it does not look like yours is a "surround", but is two separate sides. Mine is a Horseshoe shaped device like this one from Primus: https://www.primusracingparts.com/Pr...ent_p_297.html

With the Primus type surround, there is a male piece at the back of the horseshoe that fits into a female hole where the headrest would be behind the driver, and then one quarter turn fastener with a small handle is on each side at the front to hold everything in place.

Hope that helps.

[redcar9]

Thanks as aways for the help. I'm just looking to control the airflow so I can learn the car.

[Steve Davis]

Thanks as aways for the help. I'm just looking to control the airflow so I can learn the car.

To 'learn the car', forget about the head surround. The change in aero is for those that are looking for that last 0.1 (or less) second. Don't waste good time, $$$, and effort at this point.
YMMV,
Steve

[Mike B]

The head surround is a safety device. Aerodynamics is probably negligible.

[Steve Davis]

The head surround is a safety device. Aerodynamics is probably negligible.

That MIGHT be true.. *IF* the surround is surrounding your HEAD. All of the amateur ones that I've seen are more of a NECK surround. and seems would add DANGER to the neck area rather than protection for the head. Add in a HANS and you would also be ADDING frontal area most likely... IMHO
Steve, FV80

[redcar9]

Yup, running a HANS. Just wasn't sure I didn't realize the head surround had two functions. I'm just trying to minimize air flow around helmet to make it easier to focus on learning the car.

[douglap1]

That MIGHT be true.. *IF* the surround is surrounding your HEAD. All of the amateur ones that I've seen are more of a NECK surround. and seems would add DANGER to the neck area rather than protection for the head. Add in a HANS and you would also be ADDING frontal area most likely... IMHO
Steve, FV80

Steve, the one Primus sells that I have on my car definitely surrounds the head, and not the neck. When fastened in, if you tilt your head, your helmet hits the surround at about the level of your jaw. Come by and see it the next time we are at the same track.

Yes, I agree that the surround is intended as a safety device to avoid over-extending your neck to the side in a crash, or having your helmet strike the tube frame rails that run on each side at the top of the cockpit.

As we all know, the HANS works in the forward direction, but really does nothing in side motion. My surround does not interfere with my HANS in any way, but it does slightly restrict side to side movement of your head when your helmet touches the surround, but I really never notice this when driving.

Before I bought this head surround, I used to just velcro a one foot length of dual density BSI roll bar padding to each side of the cockpit, which is probably just as good.

Paul Douglas

[Steve Davis]

Thanks for the update, Paul. I'll certainly try to remember to get by and take a closer look. IF, the OP really WANTS one, this seems like a really nice piece. I'll be interested to see just how it interfaces with the HANS.. I guess it's just HIGH 'ENOUGH' to not interfere.

I do still stand by my comment above... having or NOT having this, has no effect on LEARNING THE CAR... though it MIGHT have 'some effect' on the driver's comfort.. but not because of aero issues.

Steve

[BrianT1]

To answer your original question of how to mount those. I have seen some guys use a piano type hinge, so they swing up and out of the way allowing you to get in. Otherwise if you're older it will be hard to bend your body to get in under that type of head surround.

Primus sells a one piece version that is really nice and lets you get in then put the head surround on after your in. You might want to check that out.

Brian